Thursday, January 04, 2007

Count Your Blessings, Big and Small

Do not be misled, my beloved bretheren.

Every good gift and perfect gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of all that gives light, in Whom there can be no variation or shadow cast by His turning.

And it was of His own free will that he gave us birth by His Word of Truth, so that we should be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures, a sample of what He created to be consecrated to Himself.
~ James 1:16-18

It is very easy to forget where all of our many blessings come from. We remember where the "big" blessings come from (house, job promotion, ect.). However, many times we don't realize that ALL good things come from God. Even the seemingly small blessings.

  • Have you ever noticed that when money is tight it seems like everything that you need is on sale, or you have all the right coupons?

  • Do you ever wonder how your clunker car still starts every day?

  • Did you ever get that one parking place near the door when it's raining?

  • Have you ever been given grace for a late fee?

  • Have you ever eaten chocolate? ;)

  • When it's hot, have you ever felt a refreshing cool breeze on your face?

  • Have you ever heard a bird sing or smelled a rose?

  • Are you breathing?

There are many things that may seem like normal every day life. I am here to tell you the same thing James is telling us. DO NOT BE MISLED! EVERY good thing comes from Your Daddy in Heaven.

We should walk through life with our eyes wide open to His many constant blessings. When ANYTHING good or positive happens to us, we should immediately thank the Creator of all things.

Another thing that we should realize from these Scriptures is, consecration.

He created us to be His very own. The best way that we can thank Him for life and Salvation is by dedicating our lives to Him and His purpose. Making every day about Him. Every Christian on this planet should be living their lives for the Lord. Unfortunately, that is not always the case.

Most Christians look like carbon copies of the world. That is a very sad thing. We as a Body, should be a shining example of the Love and Mercies of our Wonderful and Mighty God! We should be living lives totally and completely consecrated to Him!

Let's stand together and begin to make changes in our lives for God. Let's commit our daily lives to the One Who loves us more than His Own life. Let's begin to look more like reflections of Christ than mirror images of a world that hates God.

Let's show God how much we love Him, and know that every good and perfect gift comes from Him. Including our very lives.

Let's pray,

Daddy God, thank You for evey breath that you have given me. Thank You for loving me and giving me life. Thank You for the flowers, birds, fresh air, gas in the car, the laughter of my children, chocolate, and coupons! I love You, Lord God. I want my life to reflect You and Your ways. I commit to living my life as an example of You and Your Great Love. I am ready to really see all of what You bless me with each day. Help me to recognize You in all of my day to day life. Thank You. In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

In His Love and Service,

Lara ;) 

Tuesday, January 02, 2007

One of my favorite all time Christian Artists is, Jennifer Knapp. Her songs are so real to my life, and they have helped me get through many storms. I find myself going back to certain songs when I have bad days or things going on in my life that have me down...

There are two that I am really relating to again these days...Let me share them with you...If you can, buy the CD with them on it (Kansas) ... Her voice really makes these songs come alive. However, I am sure the lyrics alone will move you!

Undo Me

Papa I think I messed up again
Was it something I did?
Was it something I said?
I don't mean to do you wrong
It's just this way of human nature!

Sister I know I let you down.
I can tell by the fact you're never comin around.
You don't have to say a thing..
I can tell by your eyes exactly what you mean.

That it's time to get down on my knees and pray.
Lord undo me
Put away this flesh and bone
Til you own this spirit threw me.
Lord undo me.

Mama I know I made you cry
But I never meant to hurt you
I never meant to lie.
While the world shook it's head in
shame I let you take the blame.

Brother I know you labored so hard to please
But I cut you down and I left you on your knees
Well I know it must be

Time To get down on my knees and pray.
Lord undo me
Put away this flesh and bone
Til you own this spirit threw me.
Lord undo me....

I am wanting, needing, guilty & greedy.
Unrighteous, unholy undo me.

Abba Father, you must wonder why
More times than Peter I have denied.
Three nails and a cross to prove
I owe my Life eternally to you!

Well its time to get down on my knees and pray.
Lord undo me
Put away this flesh and bone
Til you own this spirit threw me.
Lord undo me.


AND....


Refine Me

I come into this place, burning to receive your peace
I come with my own chains, for wars I fought for my own selfish gains

Your my God and my father, I've accepted your Son
But my soul feels so empty now, what have I become?

Lord...Come with your fire, burn my desires
Refine me
Lord...My will has deceived me, please come and free me
Refine me

My heart can't see,
when I only look at me
My soul can't hear,
when I only think of my own fears.

And they are gone in a moment,
your forever the same
Why did I look away from you,
how can i speak your name?

Lord...Come with your fire, burn my desires
Refine me
Lord...My will has deceived me, please come and free me
Come rescue this child, cause long to be reconciled to you...
It's all I can do, to give my heart and soul to you, and pray.....
and pray..... and I will pray...

Lord...Come with your fire, burn my desires
Refine me
Lord...
My will has deceived me, please come and free me
Refine me

Refine me... Refine me...Refine me............

Credits

DesignedbyLara.com