Light of the World

Heart of Thanks

2006-02-27T11:59:00.000-05:00

The last little while I've been continually thankful to God. I don't even know how to express my gratitude. On the inside I feel so different that I barely recognize myself, but I know I'm still me because I still love all the same things...I think even that maybe I love them more.

So often I've had to chase after the things that I wanted, but for once I've actually had God hand me one of the deepest desires of my heart. I've done nothing to deserve it, but it's still been given to me. I feel like the last few days I've been experiencing this incredible relief from all the stress that I've been experiencing over the last year(s). I don't think I've ever felt so good for so long. Praise and thanks to Jesus!

Where Our Hope Is

2005-10-17T12:10:00.000-04:00

Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." Lamentations 3:21-24

Our hope is in the Lord. Any hope outside of God is a false hope. God is faithful to us even when we are not faithful to Him.

Stability

2005-10-15T11:24:00.000-04:00

LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman, who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the LORD, who keeps his oath even when it hurts, who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken. Psalms 15:1-5

Those that choose to be obedient to the Lord will be protected by Him. He will guard them and keep watch over them. He will give them the strength to make it through difficult circumstances and He will renew their strength. Blessed be the name of the Lord.

Questions

2005-09-21T11:49:00.000-04:00

and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:7 NKJV

When I lay these questions before God I get no answer. But rather a special sort of "No answer." It is not a locked door. It is more of a silent, certainly not uncompassionate, gaze. As though He shook His head not in refusal but waiving the question. Like, "Peace, child; you don't understand." - C. S. Lewis

God has done so much.

2005-09-16T09:54:00.000-04:00

1Ch 16:8 Oh give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples.

God has done in my life that I don't even know where to begin when giving thanks to Him. Recently I am most thankful for the strength that He has given me to get through hard times. He has been faithful to me and He has shown me His constant love for me. He has disciplined me, but He has done it in love.

God I thank you for Your discipline. You make me stronger and allow me to be filled with joy. Blessed be the name of the Lord.

Persevere

2005-09-14T08:58:00.000-04:00

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. --Galatians 6:9 NKJV

Be Thankful

2005-09-13T09:31:00.000-04:00

Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
- I Thessalonians 5:16-18 KJV

We can thank God first...in every situation...Because every problem we encounter comes with His provision attached to it.God has a plan and a purpose for us. Not only that...but He works everything together for good for those who love Him.That promise is a deep well of provision for us to draw from. Whatever calamity life throws at us, God can use it for our blessing and our benefit. Think a little on that and you will see the goodness of God at work.
"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."- Romans 8:28 NAS. It is that attribute of God's nature that makes it so critical for us to come to a place of thanksgiving. By entering into His presence in the midst of the problem, He can act on our behalf. Our heart may be all over the place, but there is a central place of truth where we can gather in the goodness of God.........................Time to trust.
By: gh

Christ's Love

2005-09-12T09:19:00.000-04:00

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:6-8

Eventually

2005-09-08T07:50:00.000-04:00

He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.
Rev 21:4

Trust God Completely

2005-09-07T09:20:00.000-04:00

Trust GOD from the bottom of your heart;
don't try to figure out everything on your own. Proverbs 3:5 -Message-

As we learn to trust God we worry about things less. When we stop questioning things that we can't understand and simply ask God to help us trust Him then bit by bit we begin to enjoy a new sense of freedom. Trusting God from the bottom of your heart takes time. It's not something you're expected to do right away, but if you take the time to learn about God and each day make an effort to trust Him more and more then you will see the benefits that that trust brings. Ask God to show you a benefit of trusting in Him today.

God is with us

2005-09-06T13:01:00.000-04:00

Acts 17:24 The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands.

God is with us constantly. God is everywhere. He is present in everything we do.

2 Cor 5:17

2005-09-04T22:06:00.000-04:00

Daily we are becoming a new creation due to our relationship with Jesus. It is because of Him that we are set free from our old ways of living and are able to step into new life. He is the one that makes us holy and continues to take away the old and replace it with new. Praise Jesus.

God Helps the Righteous

2005-09-04T08:16:00.000-04:00

He who walks righteously and speaks what is right, who rejects gain from extortion and keeps his hand from accepting bribes, who stops his ears against plots of murder and shuts his eyes against contemplating evil - this is the man who will dwell on the heights, whose refuge will be the mountain fortress. His bread will be supplied, and water will not fail him. Isaiah 33:15-16

Prayer Brings Victory

2005-09-03T11:43:00.000-04:00

Luke 18 1Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. 2He said: "In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared about men. 3And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, 'Grant me justice against my adversary.'
4"For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, 'Even though I don't fear God or care about men, 5yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won't eventually wear me out with her coming!' "
6And the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? 8I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"

I've seen this be true time and time again. And prayer had just brought me the greatest victory I've ever faced before. I know that sometimes it's hard to keep in that attitude of persistence, but sometimes we need to stay in that attitude.

God Hears

2005-09-02T09:42:00.000-04:00

Psalm 116:6 The LORD protects the simplehearted; when I was in great need, he saved me.

God answers when you need Him.

Citizens of Heaven

2005-08-31T10:02:00.000-04:00

Luke 10:20 But don't rejoice just because evil spirits obey you; rejoice because your names are registered as citizens of heaven." -NLT-

Luke 10:20 All the same, the great triumph is not in your authority over evil, but in God's authority over you and presence with you. Not what you do for God but what God does for you--that's the agenda for rejoicing." -Message-

If you are not Christian then take a moment now and confess your need for Christ. Accept Him as your Lord and Saviour and assure your place in heaven.

Restoration

2005-08-30T09:38:00.000-04:00

Psalm 71:20 Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up.

We all face hard time. Most of the time we can't understand it, but if we look for the reasons why it happened and keep searching eventually those reasons become clear to us. Usually we end up closer to God and able to help others through similar situations. To me those are things worth going through some suffering. Be blessed for God is with you always.

God is...

2005-08-29T09:20:00.000-04:00

Ps 103:8 The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and full of faithful love.

Having a clear picture of who God is can help us interact with Him. It can gives us hope through hard times. It can bring understanding and clarity through tough times. Or it can be a comfort to us when we simply don't understand. God is a wonderful and loving God...and so much more. If we can take the step to trust that His Word is true than a whole new world opens up. It may be hard at first, but eventually it becomes easier than doubt.

Praise God Always

2005-08-28T14:54:00.000-04:00

Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised. Job 1:21

Saviour

2005-08-27T13:08:00.000-04:00

Ps 18:3 I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies.

The Lord is with me.

2005-08-26T12:08:00.000-04:00

Jeremiah 20:11 But the LORD is with me like a mighty warrior; so my persecutors will stumble and not prevail. They will fail and be thoroughly disgraced; their dishonor will never be forgotten.

The Lord is with me throughout my day. The Lord walks beside me so that I will not stray. The Lord is close beside me to catch me when I fall. The Lord is my life, my saviour my all.

Protection

2005-08-25T09:34:00.000-04:00

Psalm 12:5"Because of the oppression of the weak and the groaning of the needy, I will now arise," says the LORD. "I will protect them from those who malign them."

God will guard those who can't guard themselves. He will establish His fortress around those that continually cry out to Him. Keep calling on His name.

Long Life & Good Health

2005-08-24T14:36:00.000-04:00

1 Samuel 25:6 Say to him: 'Long life to you! Good health to you and your household! And good health to all that is yours!

Health

2005-08-23T21:47:00.000-04:00

Psalm 73:4They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong.

Confess God's Word and believe that He will make you healthy and strong regardless of your circumstances.

Eyes on God

2005-08-20T12:46:00.000-04:00

“ I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. ”- Psalm 16:8 When we keep our eyes on God He will make our paths straight and guide us through whatever we face. Psalm 27:1 The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?

Promise of Peace

2005-08-19T12:30:00.000-04:00

Psalm 85:8 I will listen to what God the LORD will say; he promises peace to his people, his saints— but let them not return to folly.

Of One Family

2005-08-18T12:55:00.000-04:00

Mark 3:35Whoever does God's will is my brother and sister and mother.

Jesus spoke these words to a crowd of people. Think of the implication of that. Brothers and sisters have different traits and giftings, but with an impartial father they are able to receive the same things the father has given to other children. Having been adopted into Christ's family we are able to receive all that God gave to Him. Though Christ suffered He was able to do what no one before Him could do. We have been shown what to do and we are to follow in His steps.

Praise

2005-08-17T11:39:00.000-04:00

Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, "I find no pleasure in them".
Ecclesiastes 12:1

Isn't this inspiring? God provides things for us while we are young so that we may give thanks to God while still young. And if we remember those good things He has done for us than we will continue to thank Him while we are old and we will not develop an attitude that lacks in the pleasure of life. Praise be to God for He is worthy to be praised.

God's Full Blessing is Yet to Come

2005-08-16T13:46:00.000-04:00

Psalm 37:11 But those who have no pride will be given the earth. And they will be happy and have much more than they need. -New Life Version

Hope and a Future

2005-08-15T23:28:00.000-04:00

Jer 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

The best is yet to come.

2005-08-14T19:26:00.000-04:00

Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

There are better things to come then the things we've experienced. No matter how wonderful or terrible our lives are we know that there is still better to come. God has more in store for you than you could ever dream of. He has freedom you could never understand. Remain faithful and continueally seek Him and God will sort out your life for you. He puts everything into place in the perfect timing. God's timing and will are perfect. Trust in Him.

Prayer

2005-08-13T11:09:00.000-04:00

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7

Rest assured that God does hear your prayers. If you do not see things turning out as you would like than God probably has something better for you in mind and He is simply taking time to put everything in place. God has your best interest at heart. You can let your mind rest easy because of that. Take some time today and put these verses in practice and wait to see how God answers you. You'd be amazed at the difference it can make.

In His Presence

2005-08-12T16:41:00.000-04:00

In His presence is where I lay my cares
In His presence is where I leave my worries
I found my life
I found my hope
I found His glory
Shining at the cross
Where I laid my life down
And picked up His yoke
To see that is was much lighter
And that the battle had been won
In His arms I find my rest
From His words I find encouragement
In His presence
Is where I long to be.

Elizabeth Stodolak
Copyright ©2005 Elizabeth Stodolak

Those who sow will reap.

2005-08-11T22:58:00.000-04:00

The bible tells us that if we sow in prayer that we will reap a harvest. I am seeing the harvest of some of the prayers that I made when I first believed. My father is happier and drawing closer to God. He's even started listening to a Christian radio program that I enjoy. Some things have sown seeds that I never would have imagined were planting something. But God is faithful and brings in the harvest at the right season. Do not get discouraged. There is a time for sowing and there is a time for an abundant harvest. Do not despare while planting because there needs to be workers during the time of the harvest. God is with you through it all.

Saved From Boredom

2005-08-10T17:24:00.000-04:00

So lately I've been complaining that I don't have much to do other than read...And today I was called into work. Joy of joys I have something to do! And I get to earn money while doing it! I am thrilled. God does care about how I spend my time. ;)

Water and Drinking In

2005-08-09T12:06:00.000-04:00

But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit. Jeremiah 17:7-8

When our hearts are rooted in the Word of God we don't have to fear difficult times. We simply need to keep drinking in His Word and trust that He will keep the river flowing in order that we may be sustained. God sustains His faithful ones.

Our Deliver

2005-08-08T11:44:00.000-04:00

The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies. Psalms 18:2-3

If God is our protector then does it make sense to look somewhere else for protection? If we look to God He will save us, no matter who or what our enemy is God is able to save us. He may ask us to endure trials, but as Job suffered that suffering will eventually come to an end, be it an earthly restoration or a heavenly one. God is strong, unmoving and looking to help us (and not to mention, able to do anything), is there anyone else you'd rather look to receive help from?

Blessings

2005-08-07T23:39:00.000-04:00

So I don't get to go shopping much since I have to save up for school, but today I got the nice treat of shopping out of the trunk my friends car. And guess how much it cost me? Nothing. No, no. This wasn't some sort of scam deal. She was just getting rid of some 'old' clothing. So I left the event with a grabage bag of clothing and half a garbage bag of shoes to try out. Fun times! God's blessing and favour are on me.

Good Place

2005-08-06T23:43:00.000-04:00

I am in a good place. I am learning. I am growing. Everything seems to be coming together. Problems are being worked out. I am close to God and I know that what He has for me is good. I am in a good place because I know God has better things for me and I am eagerly seeking after them.

Where is God?

2005-08-05T12:03:00.000-04:00

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. Psalms 139:7-8

God is ALWAYS with us.

Have You Lost Jesus?

2005-08-04T21:41:00.000-04:00

It's ok. You don't have to worry. If you've lost Jesus He can find you. And I bet you that He's looking real hard to...or at least He's trying to get you to turn around and notice Him. Jesus loves you better than life.

I Am Free!

2005-08-03T07:12:00.000-04:00

I was in bed trying to fall asleep and I started to think about the fact that I haven't had a nightmare in roughly a week. And suddenly this unexplainable joy overwhelmed me. I am free. Finally, after all the months of stress, agony and frustration. I am free. No more. None. It's over. No more demonic attacks. No more stress. No more wondering. It's done. It's over. I am free. I laughed and cried for half an hour. Thanking God over and over again without words. It felt amazing. I can't even express how wonderful I feel. I am free. Finally. My words don't seem enough. Thank You God!

Be Humble and Seek His Face

2005-08-02T11:04:00.000-04:00

2 Chronicles 7 : 14-15 14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 15 Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.

Regardless of what we have done in our lives God is faithful to forgive. He has poured grace over us, so much so that if we choose to stop sinning that He will hear what we have to say. He will listen and give to us what we need, not what we think we need, what we need. He will listen attentively to us and forgive us. He will heal our land and heal our hearts.

He Will Be Known

2005-08-01T12:30:00.000-04:00

For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea. Habakkuk 2:14

For those of us who want others to know God this verse in an encouragement because the earth will be FILLED with the knowledge of the glory of God. Let us pray that that knowledge comes quickly.

God Heals Hurts

2005-07-31T23:34:00.000-04:00

Everyone at some point has to face hurts. I've faced quite a few. Recently I've been hurt quite a bit by my church. I've felt like I've been all alone aside from God. I kept seeking Him and praying and just trying to get through it...and it doesn't hurt so bad anymore. I don't feel so alone. I feel like my friends actually love me. I'm able to respond to them and accept how they feel about me instead of feeling like I'm alone even if I've just been taking to 5 different people about what I'm struggling with and having them encourage me and tell me how much they care about me. Things have changed. I feel different. I feel loved and cared about. I feel like I have a place and a purpose. It took time to get here, but I know that there were things that I had to learn before I got here...if only I knew what they were...

God Gives Direction

2005-07-30T21:01:00.000-04:00

Sometimes when we are about to do something that we shouldn't do, God comes and corrects us and tells us not to do that. Even though it may seem good to us, it really is not. His plan is bigger than we can understand and greater than we can hope. He shows us what we should do and then lets us decide if we want to listen. When we listen we can count on His blessing to be there, even if we don't see it right away. He will guide us and teach us which way to go.

Don't Give Up

2005-07-28T11:51:00.000-04:00

'Don't give up.' It's the one thing I very distinctly remember God telling me this morning. So don't give up. As tough as things get, as hard as it seems, don't give up. God has something planned with this. Don't give up.

I Am Glad

2005-07-27T01:38:00.000-04:00

I am glad that what needs to be done is not accomplished by my power. I am glad that I do not live on my own strength. I am glad that I am saved by his power and not by my deeds.

The Best

2005-07-25T22:40:00.000-04:00

Rom 8:28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (English Standard Version)

Rom 8:28 That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good. (Message)

God has the best for each and every one of us.

A Jared Update

2005-07-22T05:13:00.000-04:00

So I woke up around 2 am. Wanted to just go back to sleep, but after a couple minutes I felt wide awake and I kept asking God whether or not He wanted me to go online. So I go online and Jared is online as usual, so I talk to Jared. We talk for a while and I keep telling him to pray through stuff and he's only able to pray it in his head. Like he very literally couldn't speak...kind of good we were on MSN. ;) So I start getting sort of freaked out and I message a friend of mine who sometimes sleeps with his AOL on. So I message my friend 3 times and then he tells me he just woke up. So I let him in on what's going on. After a while my friend mentions that he thinks something has been concealed. I agree and proceed to ask Jared if he's lied to me at all simply because I knew something was missing from the equation. So out comes the missing component and within minutes he was able to complete any of the prayers I had originally instructed him to pray out loud. Incredible! So basically my update is that we have made progress in conquering the demonic. Jared is on the road to freedom. Blessed be the name of the Lord.
Continue to pray for Jared, that he may find friends in his local community that will encourage and support him and also that he will be connected with a ministry that will help him realize his full freedom in Christ. Also pray for his strength and wisdom so that he will be able to have victory during any future demonic attacks. Thank you to those who have alread started praying for him.

Hope

2005-07-21T11:42:00.000-04:00

Proverbs 23:18 (New International Version)
There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.

Special People

2005-07-20T13:30:00.000-04:00

There are times in our lives when God sends us special people. Jamie Mahan is one of those people. She is an absolutely wonderful woman of God. She has been a huge encouragement to me and she has helped me through many difficult times. She's been an inspiration. And if there is anyone, ANYONE who can get me to do what is right without even trying it is her. She is amazing and she amazes me. She has a heart after God and she does her best. She's a good listener and she does her best to follow instructions. I can't wait to see what God is raising her up to be. Jamie, sis, I love you.

Ha!Ha! I embarassed you, didn't I? *hugs and kisses*

Provision

2005-07-19T13:46:00.000-04:00

I notice constantly as time continues to drift on by that God blesses me and others continueally. I don't think it is so much a matter of whether or not God is blessing us, but really a matter of if we are noticing that blessing. Time and time again in the past few months I have been given, money, cd's, and clothing. It has been great because I have gotten some really cute pieces of clothes without having to spend any cash. Which for me is very great because I am trying to save for school. As time passes I am able to recognize and trust more in God's timing. It's wonderful.

A Cautionary Tale:
I know someone who was a very hard work and he would constantly give more than his tithe to the poor. He didn't attend a church normally so he didn't have a place that he felt compelled to tithe to, which is why tithing to the less fortunate then himself came naturally to him. He was greatly blessed by God. After a relatively short period of being employed he recieved a part time job. After a short time of working there he received a pay raise and full-time work. And shortly after that he received another raise. Within 6 months of working there he had received full-time employment, 2 pay raises and multiple $5 coupons for books. And yet, because of his lack of stewardship he spent the money on things that he shouldn't and from time to time went hungry. He would constantly complain that he wasn't making enough and that he didn't have enough and that he wasn't receiving or blessed, but it was very clear to me that he was very blessed, he was simply spending his money in all the wrong places.

Jesus kisses my forehead

2005-07-18T23:14:00.000-04:00

so, being single as i am God likes to do things every once and a while that are romantic. like all those pretty sunsets. so today as i was hanging out in my bed listening to my radio God kept kissing my forehead and my cheeks. it's nice to know that i don't have to wait till i'm with someone for romantic things to happen. God pursues me! and i love spending time with Him.

Protection

2005-07-17T13:53:00.000-04:00

The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.
Psalms 34:7

The Lord is our protector. We don't need to worry about where our help comes from because God will provide that help for us and give us the wisdom to use it properly.

Life

2005-07-13T22:54:00.000-04:00

Proverbs 12:28 In the way of righteousness there is life; along that path is immortality.

Aren't you glad we are made righteous through Christ?

BREAKTHROUGH!

2005-07-09T01:24:00.000-04:00

PRAISE GOD! BREAKTHROUGH! BREAKTHROUGH! BREAKTHROUGH! So, I wasn't working tonight, but I decided I wanted to be at church anyways. Best decision I ever made! (Well, other than accepting Christ in the first place.) So I'm there sitting in the second row listening to him speak. And he starts talking about how there are certain spiritual laws that work everytime and that we can apply them to our lives. And he mentions something about demons and that he has chosen to believe that they are not able to attack him. And I was like...really? Is it that simple? I was even tempted to interupt him and ask. But I waited patiently as he spoke about how it was so frustrating for him to know how to hear God's voice because it took him 11 years! And I was like...well it's only been like 6 months for me, but I totally get what he's saying.
So after the service I went and I asked him about demons and whether or not it was really that simple to get rid of them. So we get into a bit of a discussion which results in me deciding to read his book. And I am also extatic because he said that if no one at my church would pray for me then I could come down to Buffalo and he would have someone do the ministry with me there! So this leaves me so extatic that I run to tell Beck and I'm shaking cuz I'm so happy. So after I talk to Beck I end up talking to Gill, which started out as a disappointing conversation, but when she asked me why I was so bothered I told her about how frustrated I've been with cell leaders and how there have been so many problems with them and how I was wondering why it couldn't be more simple. And I told her about the whole praying through deliverance thing and she said she'd meet with me next week to do it! BREAKTHROUGH! And all night I've been saying praise God and breakthrough! What a long waited answer to pray that was!

Shelter

2005-07-08T15:01:00.000-04:00

God will remove all of our shelters so that He can shelter us.

Wow!

2005-07-03T21:28:00.000-04:00

God has sent me on a mission.
I have some great news for you.
God has sent me to restore and release something.
And that something is you.
I am here to give you back your heart and set you free.
I am furious at the Enemy who did this to you, and I will fight against him.
Let me comfort you.
For, dear one, I will bestow beauty upon you
where you have known only devestation.
Joy, in the places of your deep sorrow.
And I will robe your heart in thankful praise
in exchange for your resignation and despair.
Captivating by John and Stasi Eldredge p 95

Remember

2005-07-03T14:57:00.000-04:00

But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. 1 Samuel 12:24

God's Perfect Timing

2005-07-02T23:36:00.000-04:00

Again and again I have heard about God's timing and the fact that we must wait for God's timing. I have heard it, but I have not known how to live it. I have been facing this constant struggle trying to find some God-centred solution to my problems? And what has happened? I've grown. I've matured. But have I found a solution? No. FRUSTRATION! But through all this I have kept in mind God's timing. And recently I've become more and more relaxed and am striving less and less as this message sinks deeper and deeper. Now, what makes this message sink deeper has nothing to do with me. Oh no. It is God's timing. Yup, I am seeing over and over again how as I patiently (or not so patiently) wait that God is bit by bit putting the pieces together and making them fit. No work on my part. No effort. Now, this is probably because my problem is beyond my ability to solve, but it is nice that I can 'sit back' and let God take care of it. Let's face it, there are some things that I'm just not able to do. But with God all things are possible.

Peace

2005-06-28T12:13:00.000-04:00

Peace is trusting God to take care of the things you have no control over.

Candy Surprize

2005-06-26T23:09:00.000-04:00

Glory to God in the highest,
So I was working the evening shift tonight and one customer asks me if I want a candy. Now I probably would have said no, but he said that it has a scripture verse on the wrapper. So I immediately accept. "All things are possible to him that believeth." Mark 9:23 I'm so encouraged! This verse was so uplifting because I am definetly believing for some things that simply seem impossible to me, but then again all things are possible with God.
May the peace of God fill you and rest within you.

God's Timing

2005-06-22T09:25:00.000-04:00

This is a lesson that I've already been aware of for at least a few months now, but God has decided to solidify it in my mind again by giving me a clear example of this in my life. So Sunday night I was having one of those rough nights due to circumstances that I will eventually reveal to everyone at the right time. But before I had gotten into one of these moods my dad had asked me if I'd be able to read a chapter in a book that he was reading and explain it to him. So on Monday I decided to read a the chapter on God's timing. Now after reading this I could no longer be discouraged in my situation, even though it is extremely difficult for me, because of the fact that one of the points made in this chapter was that if we are doing everything we can in order to move forward and out of bad situations and into good ones, if we are not moving foward then we need to trust in God that we are still in those situations for a reason. Perhaps some of the people who are going to help you in your success aren't ready for that success, or the ones who are going to help you with your problem aren't equipped to deal with it yet. Resting in God is when you take your eyes off of the situations in your life and trust that God is taking care of what you are unable to take care of.
May you receive grace and peace throughout your day and into eternity.

A Prayer

2005-06-18T14:30:00.000-04:00

I received the following in an email which a friend of mine translated from Albanian:

I don’t recognize myself; I’m nothing compared to Your Light. I like to feel proud of myself in my thoughts, but when I turn to you, I don’t know where to hide. Inside the things made for You it is necessary to have Heart, Obedience, Faith, and Persistence, because life is with You every day. I am tired of my thoughts which are such a mess; order is not in my hands. Would You take my mess o God, the lack of action, the unconsciousness, the laziness, the self-satisfaction in me, and replace these with Your virtues? I don’t know how to remain in silence, teach me o God! I need Your wisdom so that I can discern things, I UNDERSTAND THAT WISDOM IS SOMETHING THAT SHOULD BE SEEKED IN YOU What am I? And what will I remain if I don’t fear God? If I don’t respect His Word as the top priority, when I know that it is THE WHOLENESS OF MAN.

I was reading something in the library (sorry I can’t translate the title) and I wrote this prayer in my notebook. In fact, God isn’t only of Yesterday, but also the God of Today. He is available to show Himself to this generation or to any generation that will seek Him. When we read about His great deeds in the past it’s breathtaking, but let’s not forget that HISTORY IS MADE TODAY. There is no difference between the people that God has used, and me and you. We were all created from dust and in dust we will return. IT IS THE LIFE OF GOD INSIDE OF US WHAT MAKES THE DIFFERENCE AND BRINGS HOPE. OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD DICTATES OUR RELATIONSHIPS WITH ONE ANOTHER. OUR PROBLEM IS NOT INSUFFICIENT EDUCATION, BUT THE REBEL HEART.

This is me my dear friends, and my thoughts – the messy ones and the clearer ones. I am sure that if we share these thoughts with one another, we will be a practical, real help to each other, brothers and sisters.

I know. I know. I know.

2005-06-17T17:12:00.000-04:00

I know. I know. I know.
I know you. I know your heart. I know where you are going. Trust me and listen for my voice. You know Me. You know My heart. You know where I AM.

I'm here.

2005-06-16T15:33:00.000-04:00

"Jack and Jill went up the hill to fetch a pail of water...Jack fell down and broke his crown and Jill came tumbling after"
On no, my baby fell.
Who are you, Liz? What have you let identify you for this long? Life down here is but a breath.
-you can overcome and stand up again-
no matter how far you have tumbled. you have seen what i can do. you have heard me speak tenderly. now i speak in power.
i know. i know. i know.
i'm here. i'm real. i understand.
i don't tempt you. i don't punish you. i don't ignore you. i see inside where no one else has gone. i'm pleased with your efforts to cleanse, to prepare yourself like Esther.
i see you that beautiful already!
please listen. don't fold your arms infront of Daddy, don't leave my presence so soon. Let Me cleanse you. let Me exterminate and purify and LOVE YOU -I LOVE YOU-
every part! every song, every journal, every time you've thought,
"I want to make a difference, but I'm told I'm not good enough"
"time is passing, life is passing me by..."

Don't strive to get on my lap-let me pick you up and place you there.
you're too tired.
Enter into a different kind of rest and peace.
--------------------------------------------
I'm here. I've heard you.
I'm real. Remember.
I understand. I know you.

Don't Get Discouraged

2005-06-08T14:40:00.000-04:00

Grace and Peace in the Lord Jesus Christ,
How do you measure success? Do you measure it by your failures or by the progress you've made? We need to stop beating ourselves up with our mistakes and start focusing on the progress that we've been making everyday. If you aren't making progress then you need to start praying and focusing on God so that you can get headed in the right direction. If you're doing those things then you're making progress even if you don't see any difference.
We need to be aware of the cause of the problem. If we don't look to the root then that tree will just keep growing. Maybe it will show up as something else, but it will still grow into something unfruitful. At times we need to stop attacking the action and heal the inner emotion. We need to deal with the sources of our problems so that we can have a permanent change instead of a temporary victory.
Blessed be the name of the Lord.

Thank God for Beck

2005-05-08T18:23:00.000-04:00

Grace and Peace in the Lord Jesus Christ,
I would like to give a sincere thanks to God for Beck. So I was discussing this with Beck earlier about how I wanted to blog about how thankful I am for her. So here I am blogging about how much I appreciate the way that God has created Beck. Beck has probably been one of the most helpful people to me recently. And it isn't really because she's specifically done anything special. It's really just because she's listened to me say the same thing over and over and over again until I'm sick of talking about it. I think I've talked to her about the same thing like 10 times at least and she hasn't gotten sick of listening to me. She just sits and listens to me. And she's so good at it because she knows that really I just want her to listen to me about how horribly frustrated I am. Now I think I'll get the rare question every once in a blue moon and then on occassion she'll have a comment or I'll ask for some sort of response or something and any thing she has to say about it just fits in perfectly to the problem because she takes the time to really understand what it is that I'm struggling with about the situation. Which I absolutely love because part of the problem that I keep relating to her is that certain people are only hearing half of what I'm saying and seem to have made up their mind about what I have to say. So I keep praying for resolution because I know this isn't something that's been done intentionly, people just have different ways of relating and such and I've been a bit of a pest as well in it. So, I'd like to take this time now to apoligize in advance if I am a bit of a pain to you in some kind of way. Just know that I have been stressed because of certain things and that it's really wearing on me, but I have no intention to stress out or hurt ANYONE. I love you all.
Also, special thanks to Glenn for being someone who listens to me and makes a special effort to give me really good advice about anything I talk to him about. He is really special to me and a cool guy.
I love you Glenn and Beck. And I love you too Jamie, you are cool and totally awesome and I haven't forgotten that you listen to me as well even though all you really have to say to me tends to be what I tell you. You're still cool and you are learning amazingly. I LOVE IT! Love you all.
May heaven fall upon you each and every day.

Blessedness

2005-04-29T02:09:00.000-04:00

Grace and Peace in the Lord Jesus Christ,
I've decided that I want to notice God's blessing in my life. So a while ago I decided that I wanted to pay particular attention to anytime that I receive a blessing. First, I would like to recognize that I am blessed by Jamie, Beck and Glenn, just because they are who they are. I am blessed by others who encourage me with good comments about things that I've done (like my blog...at times). Now, aside from these lovely blessings in my life I've also been given random things. Like one time someone gave me a dollar. Then another time someone gave me two dollars. Now, it's not much, but it's still a blessing. Also, I've been given 3 cd's for free in the last month (roughly). The third cd was given to me today by a woman who said that it didn't minister to her and she thought it would be better off for someone who would appreciate it to have it. Now, I've never heard it, so I don't know that I'll like it, but hey, who knows. (I like it)
Now, I can't forget the biggest blessing of all that I've received. The biggest blessing in my life (especially in the last week) has been to constantly be in the presence of God and to feel His presence manifest. It has been incredible and really uplifting. I can't even stay sad for two days because God keeps lifting me up. Praise be to God the love of my life.
May heaven fall upon you.

Joy

2005-04-22T02:42:00.000-04:00

Grace and Peace in the Lord Jesus Christ,
Ok, so I'm assuming everyone has read my Thank You Jesus post? No, ok. Too bad. Anyways, so my shoulder wasn't completely better after that, but it was a LOT better. So during the week my shoulder has been hurting every once and a while, but any time it's been hurting now (or any pain in my body) I remember how I was healed and I think about God. So it's actually really cool. I mean it sucks to be in pain, but it's something that is getting me to really focus on God. And as strange as it is it seems to hurt more when I'm listening to worship music or reading my Bible or something godly. Another cool thing is that even though I've been in a bit of pain (not as much as usual) I've had a lot of joy the last few days and I've barely been bothered by the pain.
Blessings and Breakthroughs.

John 3:16-18 Lizified Version

2005-04-20T23:08:00.000-04:00

For God so LOVES us, that while we completely screw up to the max His one and only perfect Son came and paid the pentalty for what WE did so that we could have relationship with Him. God did not want to condemn us, but wanted to set us free through Jesus. Whoever believes in Him can have relationship with Him, but those that don't believe can not have relationship with Him and are setting themselves up to be separated from Him forever.

I know...I know...

2005-04-20T18:29:00.000-04:00

Grace and Peace in the Lord Jesus Christ,
And the LORD spoke to me:
You know I have you where you are for a reason and that I want you where you are. You're boss wants you to work for her. She likes the way you work and she thinks you are a hard worker. You know I love you. Why are you seeking to be loved somewhere else? You rest in me, but you aren't receiving what I am saying. You write down my words, but you aren't accepting them into your heart. READ WHAT I'VE WRITTEN TO YOU. Come on! You know better than this. You know I am preparing you for great things. You know I am waiting for you to be useful to Me, to write books, sing songs, preach on stage. Get in line with me so that I can have you do those things sooner rather than later. I am waiting to promote you, but I need to know that you are promoting me. You know what I've done for you. Why aren't you focusing on that instead of on what other people say and do? I LOVE YOU!!! Get that through your skull already. It is not for what you do or what you are able because I'm the one that made you able to do that, so of course I love those things about you otherwise I wouldn't have made you that way. I love you for your heart towards me. I love your attitude about Me. LOVE ME! and stop worrying about what you will do for Me because I'm taking care of that.
I hope I get it now. *blushes*
Blessings and Breakthroughs.

Reflect on this

2005-04-20T02:33:00.000-04:00

Grace and Peace in the Lord Jesus Christ,
Jesus loves YOU!!!!!
Blessings and Breakthroughs.
P.S. Feel free to ask questions. ;)

Thank You Jesus!

2005-04-16T04:08:00.000-04:00

Grace and Peace in the Lord Jesus Christ,
So my neck and right shoulder were hurting really bad today. So much that I was actually walking with my head tilted to the left so it would hurt less. Now I figured this was a spiritual pain because it only started about half an hour before I left to go to the service on Thursday night. And all day Friday it was getting worse and worse. So on my way back to the office after buying my dinner this woman (on the prayer team) comes up to me and asks me if there's any reason why I'm walking with my head tilted. So I tell her that it's because I'm in really bad pain and I can't keep my head straight because of this. So she comes into the office to pray for me.

She starts out by saying that when two are in agreement then it is done in heaven and on earth. So she tells me to keep my eyes open and to just say "Thank You Jesus." So I comply and I do what she tells me to. So she commands that I be healed. Thank You Jesus. So at a few points I had to renounce some things (without shame) and forgive people and repent and such. She prayed that my pelvis would come in line (which my hips have been out of line as far as I can remember). Thank You Jesus. She prayed that my left leg would extend because it was shorter than the right one. Thank You Jesus. She prayed for my right arm to get longer because it was shorter than my left arm and I could actually feel and see my right arm getting longer. Thank You Jesus. She rebuked the spirit of scoliosis (sp?), which is something I've been told I had. Thank You Jesus. She commanded my spine to be straight and that any vertebrate that were missing be formed. Thank You Jesus. She commanded my ribs to take their proper shape and I think they're bigger now. Thank You Jesus. She commanded that the knot in my shoulder be released and for all tension to leave. Thank You Jesus. At one point I could actually feel a massaging pressure where the knot was. Thank You Jesus. Now even though her hand was on the spot (I think) she couldn't have been applying that much pressure because of where she was standing. At one point I felt my right side from my knee to my shoulder moving upwards. Thank You Jesus.

She also prayed that all the organs in my chest work properly and that all the organs in my abdomen work properly. Thank You Jesus. Now, as stupid as this is at one point I cursed myself not to be able to have children. I know, I know, stupid move. Now this is a curse I removed off myself at least a few weeks ago, but I knew things still weren't right in my body. And she prayed that my fallopian (sp?) tubes would be opened. Thank You Jesus. And she prayed for all these things and more and I didn't point out any of it to her. Thank You JESUS! She just knew to pray for these things and she knew I needed prayer from the fact that my head was tilted. Sometimes God allows us to be in pain for a short time for a greater benefit. After she had finished praying for me I jumped up and down and kept telling people Jesus healed me. All glory and honour belongs to Jesus. Thank You Jesus!
Blessings and Breakthroughs!

Jesus healed me

2005-04-15T23:08:00.000-04:00

Grace and Peace in the Lord Jesus Christ,
Jesus healed me! Jesus healed me! Jesus healed me! More to come later.
Blessings and Breakthroughs.

Value

2005-04-14T00:46:00.000-04:00

Grace and Peace in the Lord Jesus Christ,
I sat down to watch the sunset today and I had this conversation with God.

Liz: Why do You value me?
God: I value you because I created you.
Liz: In what way did you create me that I'm valueable?
God: I created you with my love and poured My very being into you. I have put a portion of my heart into you and as you seek me more that portion grows.
Liz: You created me with a precious heart, but what else about me is good?
God: Your art. Your artistic ability. These are things that I've given to you so that you may glorify me with them. I value your passion because it is with that same fire that I desire you.
Liz: Keep going.
God: I value that you seek Me for answers and that you value the wisdom and knowledge I have put in your heart. I value that you spend time with me.
Liz: Tell me something that I really don't know.
God: I value the sparkle in your eye when you talk about Me. I enjoy the smile on your face when you think about me and how I've blessed you. Yes, I created you with many great gifts and abilities, but that is not what I value about you. I value the way that you love me and what you choose to do with those gifts.
Liz: Whoa! Now that's something to think about.
God: I know. Now sit with Me and watch my sun set.
Liz: I love Your sunsets.