God will give you the desires of your heart. I've heard this phrase many times. Sometimes people know where it is found in scripture but most of the time they don't. I've heard friends kinda begrudging wonder why God isn't giving them the desires of their heart. Since God to them is a celestial Father longing to shower down blessings, where are their blessing.
This was a topic of conversation with a group of friends recently. Not to pat myself on the back or anything like that at all but the truth is God does give me the desires of my heart. He not only puts the desires in my heart; He fulfills the desire. WHY? Is this? Actually this was a question put to me by a church friend. To be exact the question was, "Why are you so blessed and highly favored?" You see I tell people that I'm blessed and highly favored whenever anyone asks "How are you" or "how you doing". My answer is always the same, "I'm blessed and highly favored." (I believe I am what I say. Proverbs says as a man/woman thinks in his/her heart so is he/she.)
Now I do know that Psalms 37 is the scripture reference for God giving us the desires of our heart so we turned to Psalm 37. Go ahead, get your Bible, I'll wait. The secret of God giving you the desires of your heart lies right there in the very first word of Psalm 37:4. I'm looking at Amplified version but I suppose it probably says the same in other versions. Are you there? See the word? DELIGHT!!
Delight yourself in the Lord & He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4
There it is in writing. I delight myself in the Lord. I expect to see his wonders on a daily basis. I don't get caught up in things I don't understand.
My friends know this is true. I asked them the same as I'm asking you. Are you delighting yourself in the Lord? If not maybe NOW would be a good time to start. Not to get anything from God but because you love Him with all your heart, mind, soul and spirit. I invite you to enjoy the peace, assurance, and joy from delighting yourself in Him.
Father God, I delight myself in You because I want to. No other reason. I just love to see Your wonders. You are so good to show me something new every day. I expect to see You in small ways and big ways. Thank You for giving me the desires of my heart and then fulfilling those desires. Thank You for helping me to mature in my relationship with You. My heart's desire is not longer for things but for You. All of You, all that You have for me, I desire. Thank You for each reader of this post. Father I share things about You here. Father I pray I share that which You desire to be shared. In Jesus' precious, powerful and holy name I pray. Amen.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
TUESDAYS WITH TIZ
Love is.......
For a long time I have been drawn to 1 Cor. 13 - The Love chapter, especially Vs 4-8. However, I had a problem because I never felt I measured up to the definition of love. And I was right, I did not measure up but Jesus inside of me did measure up!!!!
This scripture not only describes the love I can have for you; it is a description of how God loves me!!! After all, HE is LOVE. Substituting the words "God is" instead of "love is" let's read:
"God is always patient with you. God is always kind to you. God does not envy, He does not boast, He is not proud. God is not rude to you, He is not self-seeking, He is never easily angered with you. God does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. He always protects you, always trusts you, always hopes the best for you, always perseveres with you. God's love for you never fails" 1 Cor. 13: 4-8
"Father, I thank you that you have shown me that not only do you love me unconditionally but you also accept me. You delight to call me your Princess. I pray that each person reading this post today will comprehend your great love for them. In Jesus Loving Name, I pray" Amen
For a long time I have been drawn to 1 Cor. 13 - The Love chapter, especially Vs 4-8. However, I had a problem because I never felt I measured up to the definition of love. And I was right, I did not measure up but Jesus inside of me did measure up!!!!
This scripture not only describes the love I can have for you; it is a description of how God loves me!!! After all, HE is LOVE. Substituting the words "God is" instead of "love is" let's read:
"God is always patient with you. God is always kind to you. God does not envy, He does not boast, He is not proud. God is not rude to you, He is not self-seeking, He is never easily angered with you. God does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. He always protects you, always trusts you, always hopes the best for you, always perseveres with you. God's love for you never fails" 1 Cor. 13: 4-8
"Father, I thank you that you have shown me that not only do you love me unconditionally but you also accept me. You delight to call me your Princess. I pray that each person reading this post today will comprehend your great love for them. In Jesus Loving Name, I pray" Amen
Thursday, June 11, 2009
THANKFUL THURSDAY WITH JC
Today, I got home a little earlier than usual and caught part of a TV Show. The TV host had a panel of people on the show. The show title was Spirituality 101. The two men had Rev. in front of their names and I didn't catch the woman's title. As I listened, I became concerned with what I was hearing. One of the Rev's called homosexuality a gift from God. The other said that Spirituality and Religion were not the same. In many religions, homosexuality is definitely not seen as a gift especially not from God.
This show has me thinking about what is spirituality and what is religion. I went to the dictionary and one of the many definitions of spirituality given refers to religion as in scriptural references to spiritual warfare. But, there were many references to what I call "New Age" thought or theory. The notion that whatever you believe is o.k. God is love (true) and there are many ways to achieve God enlightenment and Jesus is just one of many ways. HUMMMM!
Then I looked up religion. Among the many definitions given under religion are all the different world organized religions. Christianity was in there somewhere. I noticed that under Christianity much wording was given not to Christ the person but to the different kinds of churches (Baptist, Methodist, etc.)
There is even a website that claims to tell you the difference between the two words but what I found were a lot of articles that didn't explain either word to me.
I've heard many people tell me that they are spiritual but not religious. As a matter of fact, I think I've even agreed with them. Because when I think spiritual, I think Jesus the Christ. God's one and only Son that went to the cross of Calvary and paid my sin debt. A debt I could not pay. Well, my dear reader let me put this as clearly as I know how, I AM A CHRISTIAN. What kind of Christian church I attend is as unimportant as the order of the service. I am not spiritual and I am not religious; I am a CHRISTIAN.
As a CHRISTIAN, I imitate Christ not the world. I am not ashamed to proclaim my faith in Him as my Saviour. I am not ashamed to call Him Lord of my life. How about you?
Father God, Abba, Daddy, Holy is Your name. I praise You and worship You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made to serve You, to adore You, to give myself totally and completely to You. Father forgive me for every stupid and silly word I have spoken out of ignorance. Lord let me not be lead astray by false teachers with Rev. in front of their name. Father I pray for each reader of this post that You will quicken their spirit to the truth that is found only in You. Not the universe, not themselves, not transcendental anything but in You and You alone. Lord any part I may have unknowingly played that would lead anyone astray please forgive me. Show me the true way that I can walk in it. In Jesus' precious and powerful name I pray. Amen
This show has me thinking about what is spirituality and what is religion. I went to the dictionary and one of the many definitions of spirituality given refers to religion as in scriptural references to spiritual warfare. But, there were many references to what I call "New Age" thought or theory. The notion that whatever you believe is o.k. God is love (true) and there are many ways to achieve God enlightenment and Jesus is just one of many ways. HUMMMM!
Then I looked up religion. Among the many definitions given under religion are all the different world organized religions. Christianity was in there somewhere. I noticed that under Christianity much wording was given not to Christ the person but to the different kinds of churches (Baptist, Methodist, etc.)
There is even a website that claims to tell you the difference between the two words but what I found were a lot of articles that didn't explain either word to me.
I've heard many people tell me that they are spiritual but not religious. As a matter of fact, I think I've even agreed with them. Because when I think spiritual, I think Jesus the Christ. God's one and only Son that went to the cross of Calvary and paid my sin debt. A debt I could not pay. Well, my dear reader let me put this as clearly as I know how, I AM A CHRISTIAN. What kind of Christian church I attend is as unimportant as the order of the service. I am not spiritual and I am not religious; I am a CHRISTIAN.
As a CHRISTIAN, I imitate Christ not the world. I am not ashamed to proclaim my faith in Him as my Saviour. I am not ashamed to call Him Lord of my life. How about you?
Father God, Abba, Daddy, Holy is Your name. I praise You and worship You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made to serve You, to adore You, to give myself totally and completely to You. Father forgive me for every stupid and silly word I have spoken out of ignorance. Lord let me not be lead astray by false teachers with Rev. in front of their name. Father I pray for each reader of this post that You will quicken their spirit to the truth that is found only in You. Not the universe, not themselves, not transcendental anything but in You and You alone. Lord any part I may have unknowingly played that would lead anyone astray please forgive me. Show me the true way that I can walk in it. In Jesus' precious and powerful name I pray. Amen
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
TUESDAYS WITH TIZ
His Workmanship
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus" Eph 2:10
Think for a moment with me about how special you and I are to our King. The above verse says we are HIS workmanship. Some translations say God's masterpiece. We are not just anyone's masterpiece. We are HIS masterpiece. We are HIS prize, HIS treasure, HIS showpiece. We are a piece of the Master!!!
He created each of us individually "in Christ Jesus". Now, friends, how precious is that!!!!! Imagine Him holding you up and saying "Look, this is my priceless treasure who I created in Christ Jesus". I am typing myself into the Glory Zone again!!!
This day I choose to focus on who he created me to be and how special I am to Him. Please join me, OK?
"Father, I praise you today as my Abba Father, my daddy. I choose this day to sit on your lap with my head on your shoulder and experience your precious love for me, knowing that this is where my spirit will rejoice and my mind, will and emotions will be at peace. In Jesus loving name, I pray". Amen
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus" Eph 2:10
Think for a moment with me about how special you and I are to our King. The above verse says we are HIS workmanship. Some translations say God's masterpiece. We are not just anyone's masterpiece. We are HIS masterpiece. We are HIS prize, HIS treasure, HIS showpiece. We are a piece of the Master!!!
He created each of us individually "in Christ Jesus". Now, friends, how precious is that!!!!! Imagine Him holding you up and saying "Look, this is my priceless treasure who I created in Christ Jesus". I am typing myself into the Glory Zone again!!!
This day I choose to focus on who he created me to be and how special I am to Him. Please join me, OK?
"Father, I praise you today as my Abba Father, my daddy. I choose this day to sit on your lap with my head on your shoulder and experience your precious love for me, knowing that this is where my spirit will rejoice and my mind, will and emotions will be at peace. In Jesus loving name, I pray". Amen
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Thursday, June 4, 2009
THANKFUL THURSDAY WITH JC
I spent yesterday with a group of students who will be graduating from high school in 2010. We went for a tour of some Birmingham landmarks and did a walking tour of UAB (University of Alabama in Birmingham). These young people are at a crossroad. It is now that they must make decisions that will affect their future. Where will they go to college? Will they go to college? Will they go into the military? What branch or National Guard? Will they go to work? Will they go into a technical trade. Some are still 16 some barely 17. Can they make these kind of decisions on their own? Some of them have been in the program I direct since sixth grade. They have had an opportunity to visit six different college campuses and been exposed to at least that many different career opportunities. Is it enough. Some may get discouraged and drop out of high school. I pray not but it happens too often.
They are at a crossroad. We (my staff) can only go so far in what we can teach them, we can't teach them what is truly important. Separation of church and state you know. We can only discuss faith when the child opens the door. Sometimes they do but not often. Oh, how I wish we could. From us they learn how to explore different career options, search for scholarships and other financial aid, how to apply for college, how to make a budget, the importance of community service.
They are at a crossroad and my heart aches for them. Do they know that God has a good plan for their future? Do they know how to call on Him? Do they know how to live life so that God can lead, guide and direct them? I didn't at their age. I didn't have a clue.
If you have someone in your life who is at a crossroad, don't assume they know what is best. Take a chance and ask them if they know the ONE who holds their future in HIS hands. If they look at you cross-eyed then consider yourself blessed. They may just thank you one day for caring enough to inquire.
Father God, holy is Your name. Worthy are You of my praise, my adoration, and my worship. Father God help me to know what to say to teenagers to guide them in the right direction. The direction that leads to Your Son. The enemy is so cunning in His devices, the world will tell them all kinds of things. Lord I don't want to be an adult that is on the sideline letting them go the way of the world without putting up a fight for their future, for their souls, so show me, teach me, guide me and every person reading this post how to communicate the TRUTH to teenagers. In Jesus' precious, holy and powerful name. Amen.
They are at a crossroad. We (my staff) can only go so far in what we can teach them, we can't teach them what is truly important. Separation of church and state you know. We can only discuss faith when the child opens the door. Sometimes they do but not often. Oh, how I wish we could. From us they learn how to explore different career options, search for scholarships and other financial aid, how to apply for college, how to make a budget, the importance of community service.
They are at a crossroad and my heart aches for them. Do they know that God has a good plan for their future? Do they know how to call on Him? Do they know how to live life so that God can lead, guide and direct them? I didn't at their age. I didn't have a clue.
If you have someone in your life who is at a crossroad, don't assume they know what is best. Take a chance and ask them if they know the ONE who holds their future in HIS hands. If they look at you cross-eyed then consider yourself blessed. They may just thank you one day for caring enough to inquire.
Father God, holy is Your name. Worthy are You of my praise, my adoration, and my worship. Father God help me to know what to say to teenagers to guide them in the right direction. The direction that leads to Your Son. The enemy is so cunning in His devices, the world will tell them all kinds of things. Lord I don't want to be an adult that is on the sideline letting them go the way of the world without putting up a fight for their future, for their souls, so show me, teach me, guide me and every person reading this post how to communicate the TRUTH to teenagers. In Jesus' precious, holy and powerful name. Amen.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
TUESDAYS WITH TIZ
Good Hands
We hear that we are "in good hands with Allstate" and "Nationwide is on our side" and "like a good neighbor State Farm is there". Do you find real security in any of these claims? You very easily could where the insurance industry is concerned.
A friend of mine, who works in an Allstate office, recently had an insured tell her, "that, in these times, it feels good to be in "good hands", to which my friend replied, "and it feels better to know we're really in THE GOOD HANDS, referring to Jesus Christ. Her customer totally agreed!!!!
Listen with you heart to the claim the Bible makes about HIS GOOD HANDS. Jesus Himself said in
John 10:27-28 "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow me. And I give eternal life to them and they shall never perish; and no one shall snatch them out of MY HANDS." Now, friends, I find security in that claim in good times and in bad times.
"Father, I thank you that I am eternally safe in YOUR HANDS. You are my rest and you are my Peace no matter what is going on around me. I pray that everyone reading this post today will trust you as Eternal Life and will find total rest in you. In Jesus Precious Name, I pray". Amen
We hear that we are "in good hands with Allstate" and "Nationwide is on our side" and "like a good neighbor State Farm is there". Do you find real security in any of these claims? You very easily could where the insurance industry is concerned.
A friend of mine, who works in an Allstate office, recently had an insured tell her, "that, in these times, it feels good to be in "good hands", to which my friend replied, "and it feels better to know we're really in THE GOOD HANDS, referring to Jesus Christ. Her customer totally agreed!!!!
Listen with you heart to the claim the Bible makes about HIS GOOD HANDS. Jesus Himself said in
John 10:27-28 "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow me. And I give eternal life to them and they shall never perish; and no one shall snatch them out of MY HANDS." Now, friends, I find security in that claim in good times and in bad times.
"Father, I thank you that I am eternally safe in YOUR HANDS. You are my rest and you are my Peace no matter what is going on around me. I pray that everyone reading this post today will trust you as Eternal Life and will find total rest in you. In Jesus Precious Name, I pray". Amen
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