Prayerfully Yours

An Attitude of Gratitude

2011-11-22T14:02:00.000-06:00

"Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise; be thankful unto him, and bless his name." Psalm 100:4

A few days ago a precious friend of mine posted the following on face book:

"and my God loves me enough to trust me with an unbeliveably uncertain last year and it was a gloriously painful gift." Am I thankful? to the point of tears.

Just prior to this statement she expressed thankfulness because "my sister is hearing the heartbeat of our precious new niece/nephew today" "my family loves me" and some other "good things".

My Bride, let Me settle something in your mind and soul once and for all. I don't see you as you see yourself. You see your sin, and I see a forgiven princess. You see who you were, and I see who you will become as I crown you in My glory. You give yourself guilt, and I give you grace. You hold yourself hostage to your past, and I give you the key to freedom in Me. You are lovely in My eyes, and nothing you could say or do will change this truth. Now let Me open your eyes so you may see all I have died for, that you may have a new view of you!

Love,

TUESDAYS WITH TIZ

2010-05-25T00:01:00.004-05:00

God is in control

"The LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away;blessed be the name of the LORD" Job 1:21

A few days ago I tuned in to Turning Point with Dr. David Jeremiah. He is teaching a series on the Book of Job. A Princess named Heidi gave a testimony about losing her home in a wild fire. She and her family left their home when the fire was within a few feet of their house feeling sure this would be the last time she would see her house. Her spirit and her attitude were just incredible as she shared about the sovereignty of God even though she and 1600 other families lost their houses.

Heidi stated that she never ask "Why" because she truly believed that God was in control and if He was in control then this event in her life was God's will and she took comfort in that fact. She further stated that she knew God would provide her every need and it was just awesome to see Him work. This event was another adventure in trust and an opportunity for God to bless her.

I was so blessed to hear this testimony and even as I type this post my heart is rejoicing in knowing that the Awesome God I love, trust, worship and serve will always take care of and provide my every need just like He did for Heidi. Either He is in control of everything or He is in control of nothing. Praise, Praise, Praise !!!

"Father, I praise you today for who you are and I thank you for being so real to me. I ask you to bless someone reading this post with an awareness of your love and concern for them. In Jesus precious name, I pray." Amen

Tuesdays with Tiz

2010-05-18T00:01:00.000-05:00

Two years ago this month Jen introduced me to the world of Blogging when she ask me to write Tuesdays with Tiz on Prayerfully Yours. The following post which posted May 20, 2008 was my first. I trust you will be blessed as I was when I read it this week.

Hello, My Name is Tiz, May I Take your Order Lord?

"But they that wait upon the Lord will renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles;they shall run, and not be weary;and they shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40:31

"Father, I want to be your server today - what could I serve you?"

"Tiz, I want you to bring me a big bowl of TRUST, a plate of UNDIVIDED ATTENTION, a tall glass of PRAISE, a side order of WORSHIP and a bowl of COMMITMENT. All your service is to be JOYFUL, PEACEFUL, PATIENT, and with a GOOD ATTITUDE. All courses are to originate direct from MY WORD (no TV preacher, no good books, no opinions - yours or someone else's). I want you to be the Chef, The Server and the Dish Washer. And for dessert I want another big bowl of TRUST!!!!"

I thought this sounded like an awfully big order until He reminded me of the PRICE HE HAD PAID FOR IT!!!! - then all I could do was thank HIM for choosing ME to be His server.

You notice He did not ask me to bring him an order of LOVE - guess he just wants me to TRUST Him as much as I love Him.

Tiz

TUESDAYS WITH TIZ

2010-05-11T00:01:00.002-05:00

How much?

2010-04-02T00:00:00.001-05:00

I went on a field trip recently with my son. He had such a wonderful time and I always feel thankful when we make it back to the school safe and sound - those buses carry precious cargo.

It is not unusual for the places that kids visit on field trips to have a gift shop. The students were advised to bring money if they wanted to bring home a souvenir. My son picked out a couple of small items and we made our way to the checkout.

The little boy in front of us put his purchases on the counter and held a five dollar bill in his hand. The lady at the register said "Oops, this will be $5.25 - you'll have to put something back." I spoke up and said "I've got it." I handed him a quarter that he handed to the cashier.

Later, I was thinking about what happened. I found it sad that he didn't have quite enough money for the Oriental Trading Company - quality stuff . I thought how sad it was that the cashier had to ask him to put something up and wondered if I would have fished a quarter out of my pocket if I had been behind the register or have done the same thing that she did.

I was thankful that I was there with my quarter.

God wasn't going to let me pat myself on the shoulder for my quarter's worth of generosity for very long.

How much? He put that question to my heart. How much would I have helped this little boy who was buying a souvenir.

50 cents? A dollar? Two dollars? FIVE??? At what point would I have said "Sorry Dude, you are going to have to put something up." It was easy for me to offer 25 cents. It would have been easy to offer 50 cents. But at some point I would have said "Oops, you'll have to put something back.

Jesus never says "Ooops, that's too much." He paid it all. Every sin that I have committed, may be committing this moment, or will commit in the future... my debt is paid. His Grace never runs out. There is no limit to those who accept Him as their Lord and Savior. This doesn't mean that believers should treat Grace like a credit card with no payment due - we don't abuse what was afforded to us through Christ's shed blood on the cross. In the face of Christ's suffering and pain for our sin, we should be mindful of the cost and desire to "sin no more."

Today, on Good Friday, may we remember Christ's sacrifice for his beloved.

Thank You Father God. Thank you for your love, that you would send your only Son, the Lamb of God, to die on the cross for the sin of the world. Thank you Father that I am able to celebrate Good Friday in truth. In Jesus name, Amen.

TUESDAYS WITH TIZ

2010-03-30T00:01:00.004-05:00

Resurrection Morning

"Jesus said to her, "Mary" John 20:16

As I reread the account of Jesus's death, burial and resurrection this week, I was so moved by the story of Mary Magdalene at the empty tomb that first Easter morning. I tried to put myself in her place and imagine losing the most precious person in the world to me. I just could not go there!!! Mary Magdalene had a great love for Jesus because she knew she had been forgiven much. She loved Him with all her heart and now He was gone!!! Her love for Him has brought her to His tomb very early in the morning. She is grieved beyond explanation and the first time Jesus spoke to her she did not recognize Him because she could not see Him through her tears. But then He spoke her name, "Mary" and she turned and saw Him. She turned...what did she turn from?...she turned from an empty tomb and looked into the face of A Risen Savior. She turned from her sorrow and pain and saw Him!!! Glory, Glory, Glory!!!

When He calls my name and I turn from emptiness, pain and sorrow, I see my Risen Savior. Jesus ask Mary Magdalene not to "cling to Him". But, unlike Mary, He invites me to cling to Him. Who else can I cling too? My heart has been so blessed by visiting with Jesus and Mary Magdaline and the empty tomb!!

Enjoy Jesus as you celebrate Easter, 2010.

"Father, I thank you that I love and serve a Risen Savior. I pray that those reading this post today will rejoice in You this Easter week and will truly experience you as the Risen Lord. In Jesus Glorious Name, I pray." Amen

TUESDAYS WITH TIZ

2010-03-23T00:01:00.002-05:00

Jesus, the Teacher

"...the multitudes were amazed at His teachings; for He was teaching them as one having authority..." Matt 7:28-29

If my pastor announced that Jesus would be teaching in our service Sunday morning, I would make sure I was in my seat and ready to hear the truth He would be teaching. I know He would be teaching Grace and Truth because He is Grace and Truth. And then I am reminded that Grace and Truth is in my Bible and anytime I get alone with Him and read my Bible then He is my teacher. I do not see Him with my physical eyes...I experience Him with my spiritual eyes.

Jesus was and is the greatest teacher of all times because He taught with authority and His teachings were practical. He taught about camels and needles, sparrows and hairs on my head, logs, specks and eyes, a son and a far country, vines and branches....all to show me truths about Him and truths about me. I learn from Him because God created me to respond to truth and He is the truth.

Friends, why don't we stop a minute, open our Bible and let Jesus teach us Grace and Truth. Enjoy your time with Him...enjoy Him.

"Father, I love, adore and worship you today. Thank you for reminding me that the greatest teacher of all times is in my Bible and this same teacher lives within my heart to make His teachings real to me. Open the eyes of my understanding to see and experience You. In Jesus name, I pray." Amen

TUESDAYS WITH TIZ

2010-03-14T17:04:00.005-05:00

Jesus Understands

"For we have not an high priest who cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities, but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." Hebrews 4:15

Are you experiencing problems with relationships? Are you experiencing problems on your job? Are you experiencing physical or emotional pain? Have you lost a loved one to death? Talk to Jesus about it because He understands. Your friends and your family may or may not understand but Jesus understands. He has been there.

Relationships - He lived with a human family who at one time thought he was crazy. (read Mark 3:20,21). He knew what it was like to be betrayed and misunderstood. And even today He has a Bride...the Bride of Christ who occasionally cheats on Him.

Work - He was a carpenter so he knew about work and work problems. I feel sure there were times when there was no work available and times when his carpenter tools broke or wore out. His hands were probably rough and blistered.

Pain - Jesus experienced emotional and physical pain. He was mocked, rejected and ridiculed by the very ones he was ministering to. Jesus lost his earthly father...the Dad he worked with in the carpenter shop. It is possible he walked his Mom home from the funeral of her sweetheart.

Yes, my friends, Jesus understands!!!

"Father, how thankful I am for a Savior who understands and cares for me. I pray for someone reading this post who has been reminded that you have experienced the problem they are dealing with and you are there for them as they choose to trust you. In Jesus understanding name, I pray." Amen

2010-03-11T21:14:00.003-06:00

This is a guest post by Lianne of Socks are NOT the enemy. I was blessed by her writing and I pray that you will be as well.

Party lines

I remember an oddity of my Great-Grandparents’ and my home from when I was about 5 years old. Whenever you needed to get on the phone, you had to be cautious that you didn’t interrupt someone else’s conversation. We had something called a “party line,” which meant that the one line was shared by several households. Whenever the phone rang, you had to count how many times it rang to know which household it was for.

That’s not to say that some folks didn’t take advantage of the situation. There were some people that would pick up the phone no matter how many times it rang, just so they would know the news of the day in the neighborhood. You certainly never wanted to share anything deeply personal or scandalous over the phone, because you never knew who all was really listening to you. You also couldn’t stay on the phone for very long, since this was before call waiting, because some impatient neighbor would be pretty likely to blast a trumpet into your ear if they felt like you’d been on long enough.

Mercifully, with God, we have multiple lines of communication. We can talk directly to Him in prayer and in our thought life. We have His words communicated to us through the printed word of the Bible. As believers, we have the constant companion of the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, which guides and speaks to our souls.

Thankfully, unlike the party line system, we don’t have to wonder when we hear God speaking if it’s really for us. We are not limited by others on how long or how in-depth we get when we are speaking to Him. We never have to worry that our private business will become public knowledge when we pour out our hearts to Him. We don’t have to worry that we are interrupting someone else who might be talking to Him. There is no question that He is listening when we speak. The key is to make sure that we are listening when He speaks to us!

TUESDAYS WITH TIZ

2010-03-09T01:48:00.001-06:00

Our Shepherd

"We are His People and the Sheep of His Pasture." Psalm 100:3

"I am the good Shepherd" John 10:11

"He restores my soul" Psalm 23:3

Have you ever said, "I was crushed when..."? Maybe it was when you lost your job, when your child rebelled, when a friend betrayed you, when the doctor gave a devastating report or when someone on the other end of the phone line said,"I'm sorry but your loved one has passed away". Sure you were crushed...your soul (mind, will and emotions) was crushed. Where do we turn for help? We go to our Shepherd...and "He restores our soul". To restore means "to return back to the point of departure". This tells me that my Shepherd will restore my peace, my joy and my emotional energy back to where it was before I was crushed.

As I snuggle up close to the Shepherd, He will make me to lie down in green pastures as I feast on the rich Word of God. He will lead me beside still waters as I worship Him. Then, and only then, will my soul be restored to where it was before I was crushed. PRAISE, PRAISE, PRAISE!!!

"Father, I praise you as my Shepherd. I pray for someone reading this post who has lost their peace and joy because they have been crushed. Father, I ask you to minister to them and restore their soul. In Jesus Name, I pray." Amen

TUESDAYS WITH TIZ

2010-03-02T00:00:00.000-06:00

God is our den!!!

"LORD, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations" Psalm 90:1

Today I was directed to Psalm 90 by a precious Sister Princess. Even though I read the entire Psalm my mind stuck on the first verse. The Messsage translation of Psalm 90:1 reads as follows: "God, it seems you've been our home forever." The word "home" just warms my heart.

Dr. John Phillips in his book, "Exploring the Psalms", states that the word translated "dwelling place" literally means "den." God is our den!!! I like to be invited into someone's den rather than the living room. The den is a warm, inviting room where the family gathers (most homes I go in today only have dens). I am comfortable in the den where I can kick back and be a part of the family.

Yes, I like to think of God as my den...a warm, loving God in whose loving arms I can really be at home. Praise, Praise, Praise!!!

"Father, how precious it is to be in you, where I am safe and secure, where I am loved and cared for. You truly are our dwelling place...our home...our den. I thank you and praise you in Jesus Name." Amen

Tuesdays with Tiz

2010-02-23T00:00:00.003-06:00

Good Morning, My Love

"Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail, they are new every morning, great is thy faithfulness." Lamentations 3: 22,23

My Bride,

Call My name in the morning and you will hear Me whisper, "I love you." Seek me and you will feel My presence near you. Whenever you reach for Me, I will extend My hand of mercy to you, My love. My mercies are new every morning for you. Though at times it may feel I am not near you, I am. I will keep you warm when the world is cold. You never need to wonder again if I will be there in the morning when you awake.

Love,

Your Prince and Morning Glory

from...."His Princess Bride" by Sheri Rose Shepherd

"Father God, truly no one ever loved and cared for me like you do. I pray that someone reading this post today will experience you as their true Love and comfort. In Jesus faithful name, I pray." Amen

PRAYER REQUEST

2010-02-18T14:55:00.003-06:00

TJ posted a prayer request HERE. She knows first hand how awesome the power of prayer from the Blogosphere can be. She is asking, on behalf of a friend, for prayer for a 2 1/2 year old boy who has been diagnosed with a brain tumor. If you have an opportunity, please slip over and see TJ to get the specifics of the need.

Be blessed Y'all.

Jen here....

2010-02-16T00:00:00.000-06:00

*At the request of my Sister Princess Tiz, I am reposting this on Prayerfully Yours. I am humbled that she would would ask - Tiz has such a gift and her weekly posts always hold such a blessing for me. My prayer is that God will use this for His glory in your life.

The Body of Christ needs all types of believers. We were not meant to have a cookie cutter faith. If God wanted all believers to look alike, there would be no free will... no personal choices. We would look like Jesus-droids - all walking the same walk. Jesus-droids would render the scripture "Work out YOUR OWN salvation with fear and trembling" unnecessary. We would be working out OUR identical salvation. Granted, we have the same goal... to become Christ-like.

My father is a preacher. Let me ask you something... is the Lord MORE delighted with my father than He is with me? Does he find more delight with my father's works as compared to my lack there of?

Would it surprise you if I said "No"? I don't think God is more delighted with the preachers of this world more so than church slackers like me.

God is delighted with Christ in us. He sees Jesus's righteousness instead of my flesh because I am washed in the blood of Christ. Jesus Christ is the same, unchanging, no shifting shadow... His effect on our lives may be different but He is the same. So God delights equally in His children who are clothed in the righteousness of Christ. The REWARDS in Heaven will differ based on works, but his delight is the same.

When Jesus was baptized and God spoke from Heaven saying "This is my Son in whom I am well pleased", He did not say "And you too John the Baptist... and all of y'all here getting baptized and supporting Jesus at His baptism, I am well pleased with y'all as well." (yeah, God sounds Southern when I write). NO! He said he was pleased with His Son. And the way to the Father is through the Son.

There is such temptation for Christians to judge others because their walk is different. As someone who has been judged and found wanting in the eyes of another.... it hurts. But my Father in Heaven is there to show His delight in me RIGHT WHERE I AM. He also loves me enough to not leave me right where I am in my walk with Him. He desires to bring me further along, NOT to please others, but for the glory of God.

Tuesdays with Tiz

2010-02-09T00:01:00.004-06:00

Attitude

"Whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise," think on these things.: Phil 4:8

A lady woke one morning, looked in the mirror, and noticed that she had only three hairs on her head. "Well," she said,"I think I'll braid my hair today." So she did, and she had a wonderful day.

The next day she woke up , looked in the mirror and noticed she had only two hairs on her head. "Hmmm," she said, "I think I'll part my hair in the middle today." So she did, and she had a great day.

The next day, she woke up, looked in the mirror, and noticed that she had only one hair on her head. "Well," she said, "I think I'll wear my hair in a ponytail." So she did, and she had a grand day.

The next day, she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw that there wasn't a single hair on her head. "Yea," she exclaimed. "I don't have to fix my hair today."

2009-12-29T00:01:00.001-06:00

Happy New Year

"Morning by morning new mercies I see" (taken from the hymn, "Great is thy faithfullness")

"It is because of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is thy faithfullness." Lamentations 3:22-23

As we face this New Year...2010...our minds have a way of thinking about New Year's resolutions. As I think about entering a New Year my mind continues to focus on the above scripture. His mercies are new EVERY morning. So, no matter how bad I may have messed up in the year of 2009 , His mercies will be fresh beginning the first day of 2010... a time of a new beginning.

I can face this New Year with fear or Faith. I have chosen as my motto for the New Year - "Don't let your fear outshine your Faith."

"Father, I thank you for your faithfulness. I thank you that your mercies are new every morning. I pray that everyone reading this post today will choose to stay focused on You and not let their fear outshine their Faith. In Jesus merciful name, I pray." Amen

Happy New Year from JC, Jen and Tiz

TUESDAYS WITH TIZ

2009-12-22T00:01:00.004-06:00

Merry Christmas

"for unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior which is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:11

The biblical account of the birth of Christ, to me, is the most beautiful story ever told. I have loved this story since I was a little girl...I am in awe everytime I read it or hear it read.

Why do I celebrate Christmas? I celebrate Christmas because Christmas lives in me. You see the Bible tells us that Jesus lived in Mary's womb for nine months. He will live in my heart forever!!! Now, friends that is something to celebrate and rejoice about.

Why do I believe in Christmas? I believe in Christmas because, in my heart, I know that Christmas believes in me!!! That fact alone humbles me to tears.

This Christmas day I will enjoy family, friends and food. I will celebrate Jesus.

Merry Christmas from JC, Jen, and Tiz!!!!!

"Father, I rejoice in Christ, my Savior. I pray that everyone reading this post today will welcome Jesus into their heart and into their homes this Christmas season and always. In Jesus Joyful name, I pray." Amen

TUESDAYS WITH TIZ

2009-12-15T00:01:00.005-06:00

The Gift of Christmas

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." John 3:16

I doubt there is anyone who enjoys Christmas gifts more than I do. I enjoy picking out that special gift for that special someone and fixing it up all pretty and giving it away. I really enjoy that special gift someone gives to me. I like the bright paper, the beautiful bows and the festive gift bags.

Today I am reminded of the greatest gift I have ever received. The Gift of Christmas is the Gift of Jesus Himself....God's Grace Gift to me. When I received this Gift I received the Gift of Eternal life...total forgiveness...acceptance....unconditional Love...the list goes on and on. I received His Life!!! Do I hear a praise???

I am also reminded that this Gift of Christmas was first wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger and later He was wrapped in linen wrappings and spices and laid in a tomb...all so I could be wrapped in His Robe of Righteousness. Truly He is worthy of our Praise!!!

"Father, I thank you for the Gift of Jesus and all that He has brought into my life. He is my life. I pray that you will bless those reading this post today with the Peace and Joy of Christmas. In Jesus Joyful Name I pray." Amen

TUESDAYS WITH TIZ

2009-12-08T00:01:00.005-06:00

What must I do?

"The Heavens proclaim the Glory of God. The skies display His craftmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make Him known."

Psalm 19: 1-2

You can believe in Me, My beloved. It so breaks my heart when you doubt your Prince. What must I do to prove I am who I say I am and that you are Mine? Can I paint you another sunset to kiss you good night? Can I place more stars in the sky to bring a sparkle to your eye? Can I comfort you one more night when you call out to Me? Can I answer another prayer for you,My Princess? I will do whatever it takes, and I will never stop creating ways to prove to you that I am here.

Love,

Your Prince,

the One who is real

Be blessed by this message taken from the book His Princess Bride, Love letters from your Prince by Sheri Rose Shepherd

TUESDAYS WITH TIZ

2009-12-01T00:01:00.002-06:00

Showing Kindness

We are now entering the month of December....a very busy time for most of us. The month of December is also a time of giving gifts whether or not our heart is in it. I suggest that this year we give the gift of kindness. As believers, the gift of kindness Himself lives in us, just waiting to be expressed. Kindness is a "fruit of the Spirit." Gal. 5:22

Showing kindness may involve giving a wrapped gift but it may just involve being kind to someone. Kindness is "the quality of being warmhearted and considerate and humane and sympathetic". Now, friends, with the Spirit of Jesus indwelling us, we can do just that and do it with a humble and sweet attitude....we can just be Jesus to someone!!! What a privilege!!!

I think God is laying it on my heart to fill a basket with personal items for a homeless woman. I hope He is NOT because I am so busy!!!! There are homeless women out there who could use some lotion, shampoo, a new tooth brush and toothpaste and some snacks. Goodness, I am getting all excited just thinking about it. I best take myself to the thrift store and buy a basket!!!

Show Kindness and enjoy the month of December.

"Father, what a privilege it is to express your love and kindness to someone else. If someone reading this post today needs kindness shown to them, I pray you will send a caring, Jesus filled, person to them to meet that need. In Jesus, King, Loving nme, I pray." Amen

2009-09-15T00:01:00.001-05:00

Agape Love

"If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them." Luke 6:32

"But the fruit of the Spirit is Love...." Galatians 5:22

As believers in Jesus Christ, Agape Love is part of our identity. Agape Love is God's Love and is a part of every believer. I can love someone because of who I am, not because that person is loveable!!! I may like someone because of who they are; I love them because of who I am. God loves me beause He is Love and not because I am loveable. If it were any other way, God's love would be conditional.

Friends, God's Love for us is not based on our performance, but on His character. Unconditional Love is Grace in action. It is giving unconditionally to meet the needs of another. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.." John 3:16. Now , just think, in our spirits we are filled with the same uncondtional love.!!!!

The grace of God enables us to love others in a way that people without Christ cannot. I may not always be able to order my emotions to respond to liking someone but I can love them because of who I am in Jesus Christ. I can choose to do the loving thing and trust that my feelings will follow in time. That is God's Amazing Grace!!!!!

"Thank you, Father, for loving me unconditonally. Thank you for sending Jesus to make this love real to me. I thank you that you are showing me that I can love others as you have loved me. Bless each person reading this post today with an awareness of your unconditional Love for them. In Jesus Loving name, I pray." Amen

WORDS

2009-09-09T06:31:00.005-05:00

Let me throw some words out there...

Backslidden

Fleshly

Carnal

Immature

How about some more words?

Forgiven

Chosen

Loved

Ransomed

Redeemed

JESUS

There is not one word that can be used to blackball me... from which the Lord cannot deliver me. Not because I have paid a price but because I have been ransomed with a price I could not pay myself.

TUESDAYS WITH TIZ

2009-09-08T00:01:00.002-05:00

The Flow of Grace

"But I say, walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh" Gal 5:16

"and those who are in the flesh cannot please God" Romans 8:4

For the past few weeks I have posted from my study about The Grace Walk. Today I want to look at what hinders the Grace Walk in our lives? What stops the flow of Grace in our lives?

Remember the Grace Walk is " Jesus living His life in and through the believer. Jesus does the doing and I do the being." The Grace Walk is all about Him.

When we become new creatures in Christ Jesus we still have the flesh to deal with. So, what is the flesh? The flesh is a mind set, attitude, or strategy of living, where my focus is primarily on myself, where I am living out of my own resources in order to cope with life or get my needs met rather than looking to and resting in Him. The flesh walk is opposite the Grace Walk. The sad fact is that even though we are believers in the Lord Jesus Christ we walk after the flesh on a regular basis.

Flesh can be ugly and flesh can look good. The flesh grumbles, gripes and complains. The flesh refuses to forgive and chooses to remain bitter. The flesh can bake a cake and take it to the sick because "I want to make myself look good". The flesh can teach a Sunday School class or preach a sermon with the goal of getting compliments and making me look and feel good. You get the picture!!! No, I am not typing myself into the Glory Zone again!!!

The cure for the flesh is to get my mind off myself and focus totally on Jesus Christ. Victory over the flesh has been provided for us in the Person of Jesus Christ. Glory!!!

"Father, I thank you that you are my Victory over the world, the flesh and satan. It is only through the guidance of the Holy Spirit that I can experience Your Victory. Bless each person reading this post today with a sense of Your Presence as they experience the Grace Walk. In Jesus Victorious Name, I pray." Amen

Jen here...

2009-09-05T00:05:00.001-05:00

My husband has often told me "If anyone has the faith of a child, you do." He wonders at my ability to not question, to believe even when I don't fully understand. Bryan (my husband) has an analytical personality so when he doesn't understand something, it frustrates him. He admires the fact that I am able, with peace and confidence, to say that God will sort it all out and that all I need to know for sure is that I am His.

And I do indeed KNOW that I am His.

I have been in a personally reflective mood lately. This is good for "spiritual growth" (for want of a better phrase) but it can be painful.... like growing pains felt in the heart.

This faith of a child that I supposedly have looks so much more like the faith of the proverbial teenager. When did I get so stubborn? When did I start having a rebellious spirit toward the things of God? When did I become so lazy? When did I become so completely fixated on what I want instead of what God wants for me?

*Just a note... "proverbial teenager". I am in no way trying to say that ALL teens behave this way but am using a stereotype. No offense or aspersions toward the character of 13-19 year old individuals intended.

So even though my FAITH is childlike, my walk needs to be more mature. I need to do some growing up!

All of the days of my life, I will have times of growing and resting. What I would like to avoid are the periods of rebellion. But praise God that He is faithful and just to forgive me of my sin. He is my Heavenly Father and He loves me regardless of how I childishly show out and misbehave.

Father God, you prove to me over and over that your way is THE way. As I try to live MY way, I have to seek you in the end.... like a teenager going to their parent with a speeding ticket. "I'm sorry, help me clean up my mess." Thank you for the love that you have for me - stronger than the love that any parent can have for their child. Lord help me to stay focused on Your Son, that I would not rebel. In Jesus name, Amen.

TUESDAYS WITH TIZ

2009-09-01T00:00:00.003-05:00

Abiding in Christ (continued)

Last week in my post (HERE) the Scripture reference was John 15:4

Today I want to continue about Abiding in Christ by looking as John 15:7 ”If you abide in Me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be done for you.”
One translation says “ask what you desire”. Another says “ask what you will” and another says “whatever you want”.

I also note that this verse not only says if I abide in Him but also if “His Words abide in me”. If His Word is abiding in me then my focus is on Him.

Also look at Psalms 37:4 “Delight yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart”.

Abiding in Christ is a life lived from the inside out with our total focus being on the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is a life that is all about Him and not about us.

As I affirm who I am in Him and who He is in me then my desires, my wants and my wishes will be His wants, His desires, and His wishes. Yes, my King is just waiting to give His Princess the desire of her heart and He will do just that as she abides in Him!!! He is the desire of her heart!!! Do I hear a Praise!!!

“Father, You are my Praise today. As I abide in You and Your Word abides in me, I have only one desire and that desire is You. Everything else just falls in place. I pray that every person reading this post today will experience You as the desire of their heart. In Jesus name, I pray.” Amen

TUESDAYS WITH TIZ

2009-08-25T00:00:00.000-05:00

Abiding in Christ

“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you, unless you abide in me.” John 15:4

2009-07-21T00:02:00.000-05:00

Our True Identity

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, He is a new Creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." 2 Cor. 5:17

How do we identify ourselves? Maybe by our appearance, occupation, family relationships or denominational affiliations. ALL these things are temporal. I may be a wife one day and not be a wife the next day. I may be a business woman one day and lose that position the next day. I may be a Baptist, Methodist or Catholic today and decide tomorrow that is not for me.

Also, if I declare myself to be an alcoholic, a drug addict, schizophrenic or any other negative label, then I will find myself living up to that identity.

Friends, our true identity is that we are a Child of God. The core source of our identity is our relationship with our God and Father. We are "in Christ". We are royalty!!! We are not an old sinner saved by Grace. We are a new creation. We are not a converted worm, we are a butterfly!!!! Glory

"Father, I thank you that you are the source of my life. I choose to identify myself according to who you say I am. I pray that each person reading this post today will see themselves as the person you created them to be. In Jesus perfect name, I pray." Amen

SUNDAY SONGS FOR WORSHIP

2009-07-19T02:54:00.000-05:00

TUESDAYS WITH TIZ

2009-07-14T00:00:00.001-05:00

Showing God's Grace

Last week I posted about The Grace Walk - Jesus living His life in and through me. My Grace Walk is receiving and walking in His Grace - His unmerited favor.

My Grace Walk also includes showing Grace to those around me. Friends, sometimes the only way we can do this is to focus on the fact that Jesus is living his life through us. Jesus is the one showing Grace. We are only extending the Grace that has been extended to us.

Grace stoops down and embraces the unlovely. Grace is not pointing out another's faults and failures. Grace points out their strengths and accomplishments.

"This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you." John 15:12
"Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another" 1 John 4:11

Love that reaches up is adoration.
Love that reaches out is compassion.
Love that stoops down is Grace.

"Father, I thank you that you have provided a way for me to show unmerited favor to anyone who comes across my path. You have provided Yourself. I pray that each person reading this post will focus on You and allow your Grace to flow through them. In Jesus Gracious Name, I pray." Amen

THANKFUL THURSDAY WITH JC

2009-07-09T00:01:00.002-05:00

It is no secret that I have issues, many issues, but the issue I'm talking about is temptation. Don't be looking down your nose at me. I would not be a bit surprised if you don't have some issues to. Some temptations are easy to spot like lusting over someone or drinking or doing drugs (legal and illegal) but some you don't hear mentioned much from the pulpit. One issue taunts me every day. Want to know what I struggle with? I knew you would. It is food. Food the lust, desire, craving, calling of it to me has plagued me for 50 years. However, I didn't realize that my addiction to food (sugar and starches and fried anything) is just as wrong as any other addiction.

Food has/does have a place inside me that it should not have. It has become a stronghold. I was thinking along these lines when I opened my "His Princess" book by Sheri Rose Shepard to page 67. It reads, "Temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it. When You are tempted. He will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it." I Corinthians 10:13

WOW, God is faithful.

So what is your issue, don't tell me tell Him.

Father, God, Holy is Your name. How awesome You are to be mindful of me. You send me just what I need to see when I need it. Thank You for letting me know that I can stand up to any temptation because Your word says I can. Thank You! Father in the name of Jesus of Nazareth break the stronghold that food has had on my life. Father I pray for anyone reading this post that may be battling with addictions of any kind. Your word says You will not tempt us beyond what we can stand up to and you won't give us a burden to heavy to bear. You are faithful even with we are faithless. THANK YOU! In Jesus' precious, powerful and perfect name I pray. Amen.

TUESDAYS WITH TIZ

2009-07-07T10:06:00.002-05:00

Grace Walk

My Sunday School Class is studying a book titled "Grace Walk" by Steve McVey so I will be posting from my studies in this book from time to time.

"He who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him" 1 Cor 6:17

Friends, think about it - at the center of our being is Jesus Christ!! He has become our very life!! A believer has become one with Christ!!

The Grace Walk is Jesus living His life in and through me. Jesus does the doing and I do the being!!!! Grace is "undeserved or unmerited favor or kindness - extended out of the heart of the giver. Jesus extends His Grace to me. I walk in His Grace. The Grace Walk is all about Him living in and through me. My focus must be on Him. To experience the Grace Walk I must totally believe what He says about Himself and what He says about me.

Our salvation is totally of His Grace. We did nothing to deserve it. It is His unmerited favor. By faith we received it. At that moment we began our Grace Walk. He gave His life for us so that He could give His life to us and live His life through us. Do I hear a Praise!!!!

"Father, I praise you as the giver of all things good and perfect. I thank you that you chose to show me your Grace. You have given your Life to me. How can I help but surrender myself to you? I pray that my blogging friends will see You as their very life and will enjoy their personal Grace Walk. I pray that we will all choose to focus on the person of Jesus Christ at all times. In Jesus perfect Name, I pray." Amen

Happy Independence Day!

2009-07-04T10:52:00.004-05:00

When an American spots red, white, and blue, we recognize the colors of our freedom.

But even in the absence of color, we feel that same pride for our country.

It isn't the colors that establish us as Americans, blessed with the freedoms that we hold dear. It is the sacrifice of others that has bought our freedom that we are blessed with through our citizenship to the United States of America.

As Christians, our liberty in Christ was bought at a great price as well.

May we hold all of our freedoms dear and be thankful that we are free indeed!

Father God, I pray that each of our readers, family, friends, and brothers and sisters in Christ will celebrate this holiday in an awareness of the blessings of our freedom. I pray for their safety over the holiday weekend and that you would keep each one of them in your care. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

TUESDAYS WITH TIZ

2009-06-30T00:00:00.001-05:00

God Bless America

This coming Saturday Americans all over this great nation will celebrate the 4th of July. We will celebrate our freedom as a nation. We will celebrate the freedom we have in Jesus Christ.

Thank God, we still have the freedom to openly worship the God of our choice. We still have the freedom of speech. We still have the freedom to openly pray for our President and those in the place of leadership with him. Please, friends, let's unite and exercise this freedom. We are still the greatest nation ever was. I am proud to be an American!!!!!

As we remember our sons and daughters who are fighting for our freedom, let us be mindful of the fact that our freedom is not free!!!!

Enjoy the 4th of July with family and friends as I plan to do.

"Father, I bring our nation and its leaders to your throne room of Grace. We all need your guidance and direction. I pray you will shower our sons and daughters who are fighting for our freedom with your peace, love and protection. Thank you, Father, for the privilege of being a Christian living in the United State of America. In Jesus Name, I pray." Amen