Friday, January 7, 2011

Rest for the Weary

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-29

An open invitation to all! Have you heard that song "The More I seek You"?

It really astounds me how we become so heavy and burdened and yet we do not take the time to allow our Father in Heaven to give us rest. He promises to comfort us, to hold us in His arms if we just lean back against Him.
Psalm 71:20-21
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. You will increase my honor and comfort me once again.


This life is not something God intended for us to take on ourselves. We WILL grow weary or tired, He can understand situations even better than we could fathom. He will give us strength and power. Everyone stumbles and falls yet He is there to help us stand on solid rock. We will soar on wings of eagles, we will run and not grow weary, we will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:18-31

Stand upright today Sisters and walk toward you goal with a light load!

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

This Little Light of Mine, I'm Gonna Let it Shine!



Yes! This is a song we (may have) sang as a child. It was so much fun to sing "won't let Satan blow it out" and I would scream "NO!" "I'm gonna let it shine". The joy of singing as loud as you can and not really listening to the wonderfully collaborated words that this song really means. But, hey, I remembered it and remembered the words even as an adult and can put those important and satisfy words to use today.
Luke 8:16 "No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light."

In Philippians, Paul is writing a letter from prison and in this letter you can just feel the light burning brightly in his life--- even in a dark time for him. He writes:
Philippians 1:12
"Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters,[a] that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard[b] and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14 And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear."

AMAZING! This is just so encouraging to me. That no matter how bad nor how the company of everything and everyone around Paul's circumstance that he would not be complaining but instead speaking so Highly of His God and letting his light shine for others in his same situation and those in the church. He also wrote (and this has really touched my life before):
Philippians 2:14-18
"Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”[a] Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. 17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me."

That hits the spot when your having a bad day and your light is flickering. Pick up your sword ladies and keep on keeping on with a good and courageous heart. Today, go and pick up your armor, light your lamp and keep pressing toward your goal.

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Love isn't just a word!


I will be the first person to admit that I have an easier time loving animals than I do the human race. Why, you say? Well, it's easier to love an animal- they don't back talk, treat you badly or have an attitude problem (well maybe cats do). So, therefore I have always prized myself on the way I have such a big heart for cute little cuddly animals. It's not wrong, but is is okay? Should my tender heart for animals be greater than my true love for the human race? No! People are who God tells us to love. The Bible says:

Exodus 15:13 
13 "In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling.

Leviticus 19:18
18 " 'Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.



These are only two verses I have posted.. there are many many more! If you have a cold heart and your love for people just is not there, find it-pray for it. Your peace can be there when you find your unfailing love for others. Then and only then will you have a "love" life that is upright and respectable in the eyes of God. Work your way to loving others, then work your way to guiding them to their holy dwelling. Peace to you and keep loving!