Sunday, May 31, 2009

Thursday, May 28, 2009

THANKFUL THURSDAY WITH JC

There is a Jim Brickman song titled "Never Alone". It was written as a mother singing to a child going off to college or just on their own but for me it is as if my Father God is singing to me. You know I'm not good at getting things absolutely right but part of the lyrics say, "Never alone, never alone, I'll be in every beat of your heart, when you face the unknown."

A friend of mine, I'll call her Marie, is so very lonely. She divorced before Christmas. I think Marie thought she would find another man very soon and has been actively trying to find someone. Much to her dismay, finding someone at 50 is very different than finding someone at 20. Can anyone relate to what I'm saying?

I don't even know why I'm posting about this. Especially on this blog but I just feel that I must. You see I hurt for Marie not just because she is my friend but because I see her headed down a path that may not be the best for her. Perhaps it is my fault because I make being alone seem easy. I'm happy being alone physically because I know that I am never alone.

In October 1992, I was lying in a hospital room after surgery. A few weeks prior to being admitted to the hospital my husband told me he wanted a divorce. The surgery had removed any chance of me having children. I didn't know what I was going to do. I prayed , "Lord what am I going to do." God spoke to my spirit and said, "I will be your husband." From that moment to this it has been a settled issue. Whatever I need He provides, He gives me the desires of my heart. I've never felt alone. Not to say I haven't faced problems but I've known that I am never alone.

So when I see a sister in Christ pining away for the affections of a earthy man, it makes me sad. Not that there is anything wrong with having a man around. Marie doesn't need a earthly man to make her feel loved, pretty, or secure. Marie needs to find all this within herself and who she is in Christ. Marie must be willing to wait on the Lord to provide a mate that is worthy of her.






Father God, I love You because You are my everything. You and You alone are worthy of my worship, my loyalty, my adoration. Father show me how to minister to Marie. Father show Marie that You can provide her with her every need. Father show her that she need not lower her standards for the sake of an earthy mate. Father her loneliness is not a burden for me to bear so I give it to You. I lay it at the foot of the cross. Father give me the appropriate, spirit filled words to speak when Marie goes on and on about the guys she is meeting over the Internet. Father I pray, if there is anyone reading this post that is struggling with loneliness, she/he will turn their attention to You and Your word so they will find answers, comfort and peace. In Jesus' holy, powerful and precious name I pray. Amen

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

TUESDAYS WITH TIZ

Be You



My Sunday School Class has just concluded our study in the Book of Genesis. In our last lesson we focused on how God used each individual in a unique way to bring about His plan for the Nation of Israel. Each of these characters were authentic!! They were not carbon copies of each other. Abraham was Abraham, Issac as Issac, Jacob as Jacob and Joseph was Joseph. And you are you and I am me!!!

I shared with the class about when I was growing up my Mother always served pear salad when we were having a guest for a meal. Pear Salad was a "company dish". As a young wife I also served pear salad when we had a guest for a meal. I just thought that was the thing to do. The day came when, for some reason, I did not want to serve pear salad and I realized I did not have to just because my Mother did. That was a major revelation for me!!! I like to serve pear salad but is was, and still is, OK for me to be me.

Notice in the above photo that even blossoms are unique. The pink one is a pink one even though the rest are purple!!!! All are beautiful.

"Father, I worship and praise you as the creator of all your children. I thank you that by your perfect design you created us as individuals with unique gifts to be used in Your Kingdom. I pray for each person reading this post today. Bless them, Father, with your unique blessings designed just for them. In Jesus powerful name, I pray" Amen.

Monday, May 25, 2009

Happy Memorial Day

I looked through YouTube for an appropriate video to post for Memorial Day. There were many but somehow, none were just what I wanted. I came across this video and watched it. I thought it was a very good tribute. However, I was unsure of posting it because of the nameless soldiers' faces. I did not know the history behind the making of this video nor who these people were. What was their story? All I knew about them was that they all looked so young. Was it OK to post a tribute from YouTube made for people I did not know?

And of course I realized yes, this was actually perfect. These nameless soldiers, people who I did not know, had served for me... an American citizen that they did not know. We are linked by their service and my gratitude for that service. They gave the ultimate sacrifice while serving their country. I hope that as you watch the video, you will take a moment to reflect about this holiday and the true meaning behind it.



Father God, for the families that have lost a soldier, I pray that you comfort them today. I am so thankful for those who preserve the freedoms that I hold so dear - especially the freedom to worship You. I pray Christ over the lives of those who are in harm's way today while serving in the military of the United States of America. I pray a hedge of protection around all of our service men and women and especially those serving abroad. In Jesus name, Amen.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Friday, May 22, 2009

Jen here...

My son finished his baseball season and there was a closing ceremony for all of the players in the community. He'd had an AWESOME overall season and considering his success, I felt like he would be on the All Star team.

It was not to be and it upset me terribly.

I did not react outwardly in a negative way - I smiled and congratulated the boys who made it. I was happy for them but on the inside I was angry and hurt that the coaches did not choose my son too. I prayed about it and found myself apologizing to God for feeling pain over the situation. I sat alone in my backyard, crying and praying... for a little boy who was not hurting over the seeming slight. He was just glad to get a trophy!

I kept asking God "Why can't I let go of this? Why is it tearing me up so bad if it doesn't bother my son?" I knew as I cried that what had upset me was minor... negligible.... NOTHING in comparison to what some mothers face. As I hurt I thanked God for a healthy boy, a boy who could play a really good season of ball, a boy who was a coachable kid. And I continued to say "I'm sorry God."

And God sent PEACE to me. He made me understand that I could take this to Him in prayer without feeling shame over my emotions. When I was hurt I could pour out my heart to Him, even if I knew it was a bit silly. He loves me! He is there for me! He is my all in all. He created me to love my son and want good things for him. I didn't have to apologize for feeling disappointment when things did not go his way.

God expects me to rely on Him to overcome the hurt - He does not want it to turn into bitterness. It is logical that when I take it to the Him in prayer, He will bring me through the heartache, regardless of what it is about. Yes, I feel a certain amount of embarrassment for my petty feelings but God will help me to behave like His child if I talk to Him about it.

Father God, thank you for hearing my every prayer. Thank you for loving me through my emotional tantrums. Thank you for guiding me to a better attitude. Thank you for a healthy child who can compete in athletics. And thank you for the lessons that we both have learned about sportsmanship. I just praise you Lord... In Jesus name, Amen.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

THANKFUL THURSDAY WITH JC

"So shall My word be that goes forth out of My mouth; it shall not return to Me void [without producing any effect, useless], but it shall accomplish that which I please and purpose, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it." Isaiah 55:11 AMP

Joyce Meyers writes in the Everyday Life Bible about the power of God's Word. She states, "God's Word is filled with inherent power. When God speaks, powerful things take place. As we read in Isaiah 55:11, His Word never returns void; it always accomplishes its purpose. When we learn to speak God's Word instead of rehearsing how we feel or declaring what we think, we are also releasing power. The Word of God spoken in faith from a believer's mouth can change circumstances. We may experience negative facts in our lives, but God's Word is truth, and truth is more powerful than facts.

God compares His Word to seed. When we plant the seed by speaking it, praying it, believing it, and acting upon it, it will produce what it says. God promises us that it will produce! Begin to speak God's Word regularly and believe what it says more than you believe your circumstances. Hold fast your confession of faith in Him (see Hebrews 4:14), and soon you will be sharing your testimony of victory with others."

You just can't go wrong with God's Word. When you don't know what to pray, pray God's Word. When you don't know how to comfort or encourage, speak God's Word. It works every time.

Father God how awesome You are; how worthy of my praise, worship and adoration. Thank You for Your powerful, life giving Word. Help me to remember to instantly go to Your Word first when the battles around me rage. In Jesus' powerful, holy and precious name I pray. Amen

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

TUESDAYS WITH TIZ

I have read the first two lines of this poem several times but never knew there was more to it. It is my desire that you will be blessed, as I was, when reading it.

The Will of God

The Will of God will never take you
Where the Grace of God cannot keep you,
Where the Arms of God cannot support you,
Where the Riches of God cannot supply your needs.
Where the Power of God cannot endow you.

The Will of God will never take you
Where the Spirit of God cannot work through you,
Where the Wide of God cannot teach you,
Where the Army of God cannot protect you,
Where the Hands of God cannot mold you.

The Will of God will never take you
Where the Love of God cannot enfold you,
Where the Mercies of God cannot sustain you,
Where the Peace of God cannot calm your fears,
Where the Authority of God cannot overrule you.

The Will of God will never take you
Where the Comfort of God cannot dry your tears,
Where the Word of God cannot feed you,
Where the Miracles of God cannot be done for you,
Where the Omnipresence of God cannot find you.

- Author Unknown

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Thursday, May 14, 2009

THANKFUL THURSDAY WITH JC

Recently I finished a small group study. Within the 12 weeks of this study I discovered something about the Word being living. I always understood this to be Jesus and I'm sure that is true. However, scripture has a way of having more than one meaning. During one lesson a man was saying how the scriptures have taken on a new dimension for him. He has been a Christian for many years but never has seen some of the things he is seeing now.

This thought came to me. "The Bible in 3D." How cool is that. Think about it a moment. For most of my life, the Bible has been flat. Words on a page; one dimensional. Now when I read scripture it is as if the words come off the page right into my spirit (3D). They have depth and height and width. Perhaps I'm not explaining it well. No longer just words but pictures and emotions.

I pray each of you experience the Bible in 3D or even 4D. I challenged myself and I challenge you to speak aloud the Words of God that jump off the page to you. See what happens. Replace your negative words with His Words.

Father, God, Abba, Daddy how awesome you are to speak to each of your children the way you do. You speak to me as if I am your most beloved one. Oh, I thank you for caring so much about me. Thank you for fresh revelation!!! Father, I pray that each person reading this post will be willing to set their own agenda aside and ask you to make your word 3D in their lives. In Jesus' precious, holy and powerful name I pray. Amen

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

TUESDAYS WITH TIZ

ROSES AND THORNS











This rose bush is in my yard and in full bloom.




Roses are my favorite flower. I don't think there is anyone who would not agree that Roses are beautiful.



I don't understand why this beautiful rose bush must have thorns.



I just know it is by God's design and I accept it. I enjoy the roses but the thorns are a different thing altogether. Roses make my happy and joyful. The thorns hurt and cause pain (you know where I'm going with this, don't you?).


Yes, our lives are like this rose bush. Roses and Thorns. Beauty and Pain.

"In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thess 5:18

It never dawns on me to question why good things happen to me or to question the happy times in my life. However, I am not always thankful for them either. And to think that God instructs me to "give thanks in EVERYTHING." Yes, everything means the "thorn situations" as well as the happy times.

Would I ever know the beauty of God's comfort if my life was all roses? It takes the "thorn" times in my life to make me appreciate God's comfort. God comforts me in the "thorn" times of my life so I can be a comfort to others. Thorn situations are not bad. I am reminded that Jesus wore a crown of thorns so I could know His Love!!! Praise, Praise, Praise!!!!



"Father, I praise you as creator of this rose bush. I thank you for the roses and the thorns in my life. I know that in your Mercy and Grace you are working your perfect plan in my life. Your design for my life is an original and it is perfect for me. I praise and thank you in the precious name of Jesus. " Amen

Sunday, May 10, 2009

SUNDAY SONGS FOR WORSHIP

Have a happy and blessed Mother's Day!

Thursday, May 7, 2009

THANKFUL THURSDAY WITH JC

Today is the National Day of Prayer, I hope you participate in a prayer event. Through Jen's post yesterday I found that there is a Prayer Luncheon in my city. Even if you can't attend or participate in an organized event, you can still pray. If there has ever been a time in our country when we as citizens need to intercede for the our leaders, it is now.

I love the acronym PUSH (Pray Until Something Happens). The scriptures say to:
"Pray constantly" I Thessalonians 5:17;
"devote yourselves to prayer" Colossians 4:2;
"pray at all times in the Spirit, stay alert, with all perseverance & intercession for all the saints" Ephesians 6:18;
"be persistent in prayer" Romans 12:12.

Jesus told his disciples a parable in Luke 18 showing them to always pray and not give up (Luke 18:1).

How do we ask, seek and knock? I think we do it through prayer. The answer may come through scripture or another person or circumstances but the process starts with prayer.

There are far too many scriptures on prayer to put in this post but I love the way the Message Bible states James 5:16 "The prayer of a person living right with God is something to be reckoned with." WOW is it ever! Power is released when we pray in the name of JESUS. The enemy of our soul quakes and flees when we humble ourselves in prayer.

Father God, thank you for allowing me to live in a country where I am free to pray. May I and each reader of this post never ever take that privilege lightly. Father I lift up our national, state and local leaders to you. I ask you to put a hedge of protection around them and their families. I ask you to guard their spirit, soul and body. Put a guard over their mouth just as David asked in the Psalms so they will not speak in haste but be mindful of the power of their spoken words. I ask that you grant them wisdom to know what to do and the courage to do it. Father I pray for peace in Israel and for its citizens to dwell in safety with each other and with the countries surrounding them. In the holy and powerful name of Jesus, I pray. Amen

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER MAY 7

"May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you." (Psalm 33:22)

You can search for an event in your area HERE.

Be blessed Y'all!

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

TUESDAYS WITH TIZ

Let's laugh!!!

Take a moment and laugh with me. I did not say laugh at me!!!!. The Bible tell us that laughter is good medicine and I have seen and experienced this to be true.

Proverbs 17:22 "a joyful heart is food medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones". I am told that in the original Hebrew this reads, "a joyful heart causes good healing". Now, I really like that.

Psalm 126:2 "then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing". Laughter and singing are two things that will make us feel better immediately.

Our hectic lifestyles along with unhappy circumstances going on around us can easily have us uptight with frazzled nerves. Don't wallow in that. Stop and take a laugh break!!! Laugh and sing a happy song!!! Give that a chance to lift your spirits before taking a Tylenol break. There is nothing Spiritual about having a frown on our face and looking like the picture on our drivers license. Sometimes we just have to stop and "chill out". That is an OK thing to do and we should do it often without allowing the spirit of guilt to attach itself to us!!!

"Father, I praise you as my source of joy and laughter. Jesus is Joy and Laughter and in Him I can experience true joy. Bless my friends reading this post today with a happy song to sing and a healing source of laughter. In the Joyful Name of Jesus, I pray." Amen

Sunday, May 3, 2009