Category Archives: Free

Where Are You???

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I’m at your feet, Lord!

There is nowhere else for me!

My King!

All I need is at Your feet!

My soul sings!

Here at Your feet I lay my life down!

Kneel before His feet!

Pour out your love for the Master!

Pour praise on Him like oil!

You weren’t there the night Jesus found me!

You did not feel what I felt…

When He wrapped His love all around me!

I was a prisoner to the sins that had me bound…

Until the day when Jesus came to me!

And healed my soul with the wonder of His touch!

So now I’m giving back to Him all the praise He’s worthy of!

I’ve been forgiven…

And that’s why I love Him so much!

You don’t know the cost of my praise!

You don’t know the cost of the oil in my alabaster box!!

At The Feet Of Jesus

Sermon by Rodney Burton

http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermons/at-the-feet-of-jesus-rodney-burton-sermon-on-jesus-christ-131517.asp

Luke 10:38-42

 “As Jesus and His disciples were on their way,

 He came to a village where a woman named Martha

 opened her home to Him.

 She had a sister called Mary,

 who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what He said.

 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made.

 She came to him and asked,

 ‘Lord,

 don’t You care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself?

 Tell her to help me!’ 

 Martha, Martha,’

 the Lord answered,

 ‘you are worried and upset about many things, 

 but few things are needed—

 or indeed only one. 

 Mary has chosen what is better,

and it will not be taken away from her.'”

 

“This is where worship occurs.
Every time in the Word
we encounter Mary of Bethany (the sister of Lazarus),
we find her at the feet of Jesus.
The heart of worship is to find ourselves at the feet of Jesus in submission.
How often do we find ourselves there?
Do we really possess a strong desire for God and His presence?
Do we go through life largely consumed with secular pursuits and worldly entertainment,
while the things of God have little place in our lives?

1. At His Feet to Listen to His Words.

a. While Martha was busy,

Mary was at the feet of Jesus listening to Him.

b. She was open to what He had to say.

c. She was hungry to know Him and hear from Him.

d. Jesus declared that Mary had chosen the good part.

e. Sometimes we get so caught up like Martha

in trying to do the work and service of Christianity

that we forfeit what is really important.

f. We can get so busy in the doing that we forget the being.

g. The most important thing a Christian will ever do is

worship Jesus,

and the best place to do that is at His feet.

2. At His Feet to Bless and Anoint Him.

a. John 12:3  Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard,

an expensive perfume;

she poured it on Jesus’ feet

and wiped His feet with her hair.

And the house was filled with the fragrance

of the perfume.”

Mary anoints the feet of Jesus and wipes them with her hair.

b. So often people are looking to receive an anointing or blessing from God

rather than looking for opportunities to anoint and bless Him.

c. The highest degree or form of devotion is to give to someone

without the motivation of getting anything in return.

d. Mary’s act was motivated purely by love.

e. A note in the Full Life Study Bible declares,

(Mary’s) faith in and devotion to the Lord

is the highest example of what God desires in believers.

3. At His Feet When He Didn’t Do Things The Way She Wanted or Expected.

a. John 11:32 “When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw Him,

she fell at His feet and said,

‘Lord, if You had been here,

my brother would not have died.’”

Lazarus was in a tomb.

Surely Jesus could have prevented that.

b. Even though Jesus had not acted in the way Mary had desired,

she still laid at His feet in devotion, submission and worship.

c. The true character of a person’s heart will be revealed

when God acts differently from their desires or expectations.

d. Whenever God is doing things that are beneficial or going your way,

it is real easy to worship Him

and be at His feet.

e. True worship that is genuine and from the heart

comes regardless of the circumstances in which we find ourselves.”

Fall at His Feet!

Always!

Dance!!

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 Feel Depressed???

 

Got Shackles???

 

Then…

 

Praise the Lord!!

 

Be Free!!

 

Put on This Song…

 

And Dance!!

 

 

Whoo!

It sure is hot out here…

Ya know?

I don’t mind though…

Just glad to be free!

Know what I’m saying?

Uh!

 

Take the shackles off my feet, so I can dance…

I just wanna praise You!

(What’cha wanna do?)

I just wanna praise You!

(Yeah, yeah)

 

You broke the chains, now I can lift my hands…

(Uh, feel me?)

And I’m gonna praise You!

(What’cha gon do?)

I’m gonna praise You!

 

In the corners of my mind…

I just can’t seem to find a reason to believe…

That I can break free…

‘Cause you see I have been down for so long…

 

Feel like the hope is gone…

But as I lift my hands, I understand..

That I should praise You through my circumstance!!

 

Take the shackles off my feet so I can dance!

I just wanna praise You!

I just wanna praise You!

 

You broke the chains, now I can lift my hands!

And I’m gonna praise You!

I’m gonna praise You!

 

Everything that could go wrong…

All went wrong at one time…

So much pressure fell on me…

I thought I was gonna lose my mind!!

 

But I know you wanna see…

If I will hold on through these trials…

But I need you to lift this load…

‘Cause I can’t take it no more!!

 

Take the shackles off my feet so I can dance!

I just wanna praise You!

I just wanna praise You!

 

You broke the chains, now I can lift my hands!

And I’m gonna praise You!

I’m gonna praise You!

 

Been through the fire and the rain…

Bound in every kind of way…

But God has broken every chain…

So let me go right now!!

 

Take the shackles off my feet so I can dance!

I just wanna praise You!

I just wanna praise You!

 

You broke the chains, now I can lift my hands!

And I’m gonna praise You!

I’m gonna praise You!

 

I’m gonna praise You!

I’m gonna praise You!

I’m gonna praise You!

 

Take them off!!

What’cha gonna do?

Yeah!

 

Take the shackles off my feet so I can dance!

I just wanna praise You!

I just wanna praise You!

 

You broke the chains, now I can lift my hands!

And I’m gonna praise You!

I’m gonna praise You!


Oh!

 

Go Ahead…

 

Get Rid of the Shackles..

 

Praise Him!

 

Feel His Joy!

 

And Dance!!

 

 

Where Do You Get Your Identity?

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From my Father…

“Because you are sons,

God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts,

the Spirit who calls out,

‘Abba, Father.’

So you are no longer a slave,

but a son;

and since you are a son,

God has made you also an heir.”

Galatians 4: 6-7

He is my Future…

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’

declares the Lord,

‘plans to prosper you

and not to harm you,

plans to give you hope

and a future.'”

Jeremiah 29:11

My Destiny…

“But you are a chosen people,

a royal priesthood,

a holy nation,

God’s special possession,

that you may declare the praises of Him

who called you out of darkness

into His wonderful light.”

1 Peter 2:9

In Him I find my Identity!!

Lay Your hands on me…

Tell me who I am…

“For You created my inmost being;

You knit me together in my mother’s womb.

I praise You because I am fearfully

and wonderfully made;

Your works are wonderful,

I know that full well.”

Psalm 139:13-14

I can do all things…

If You say I can…

“For we are God’s workmanship,

created in Christ Jesus

to do good works,

which God prepared

in advance for us to do.”

Ephesians 2:10

Show me I am free…

“You have been set free from sin

and have become slaves to righteousness.”

Romans 6:18

Free to accomplish Your plan for me!!

“Yet to all who received Him,

to those who believed in His Name,

He gave the right to become children of God-

children born not of natural descent,

nor of human decision

or a husband’s will,

but born of God.”

John 1:12-13

I worship You my Father…

“For He chose us in Him

before the creation of the world

to be holy and blameless in His sight.

In love He predestined us

for adoption to Sonship

through Jesus Christ,

in accordance with His pleasure

and will—”

Ephesians 1:4-5

You are my Identity!!

 No Identity Crisis!

Christ is our Identity…

Don’t try to be like anybody else…

Christ is the true prescription…

For low self esteem…

Self doubt…

And all other insecurities…

Protect Your Identity!!

Can You Be Accused  Of Identity Theft?

Have you taken your Identity from your Father???

“O LORD,

You have searched me

and You know me.

You know when I sit

and when I rise;

You perceive my thoughts from afar.

You discern my going out and my lying down;

You are familiar with all my ways.

Before a word is on my tongue

You know it completely,

O LORD.”

Psalm 139: 1-4

See yourself the way God sees you!!

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“I Pledge Allegiance…”

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We do these pledges at our school every day:

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To The Flag Of The United States Of America…

I pledge allegiance to the Flag    

of the United States of America,

and to the Republic for which it stands:    

one Nation under God, indivisible,

With Liberty and Justice for all.

To The Christian Flag…

I pledge allegiance to the Christian Flag

and to the Savior for whose Kingdom it stands.

One Savior, crucified, risen, and coming again

with life and liberty to all who believe.

To The Holy Bible…

I pledge allegiance to the Bible

God’s Holy Word, and

I will make it a lamp unto my feet,

and a light unto my path, I will hide its words in my heart

that I may not sin against God.

What a great way to start our school day!!

 

God Bless The USA (Proud To Be An American)

By Lee Greenwood

At Yankee Stadium (Go, Yankees!!)

If tomorrow all the things were gone,
I’d worked for all my life.
And I had to start again,
With just my children and my wife.

I’d thank my lucky stars,
To be livin’ here today.
‘Cause the flag still stands for freedom,
And they can’t take that away.

And I’m proud to be an American,
Where at least I know I’m free.
And I won’t forget the men who died,
Who gave that right to me.

And I gladly stand up,
Next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,
God Bless the USA.

From the lakes of Minnesota,
To the hills of Tennessee.
Across the plains of Texas,
From sea to shining sea.

From Detroit down to Houston,
And New York to L.A.
Well, there’s pride in every American heart,
And it’s time we stand and say.

God Bless the USA.

One Nation Under God..

Indivisible…

Liberty and Justice for All…

Our Flag still Stands for Freedom…

Men gave that Right to Me…

We Love this Land…

From Sea to Shining Sea…

We Stand and Say…

We Bless You, Lord…

Our Savior brings us Life and Liberty…

We Believe…

In Our Savior who was Crucified and has Risen…

May His Kingdom Come…

Your Holy Word is Sure…

A Light and a Lamp…

Unto My Path..

Its Words are Hidden in my Heart…

I’m Proud to be an American serving you, Lord!

Please, Bless our Country!

“…if My people,

who are called by My Name,

will humble themselves and pray

and seek My face

and turn from their wicked ways,

then I will hear from Heaven,

and I will forgive their sin

and will heal their land.”

2 Chronicles 7:14

Carry Me…I’m Just A Dead Man!

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“So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin

and alive to God in Christ Jesus.

Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body,

to make you obey its passions.”

Romans 6:11-12

“What shall we say, then?

Shall we go on sinning

so that grace may increase?

By no means!

We died to sin;

how can we live in it any longer?

Or don’t you know that all of us

who were baptized into Christ Jesus

were baptized into His death? 

Romans 6:1-3

January 1…

I’ve got a lot of things on my mind…
I’m looking at my body through a new spy satellite…
Try to lift a finger, but I don’t think I can make the call…
So tell me if I move, ’cause I don’t feel anything at all…

“But if Christ is in you,

your body is dead because of sin,

yet your spirit is alive

because of righteousness.” 

Romans 8:10

So Carry Me…
I’m just a dead man…
Lying on the carpet…
Can’t find a heartbeat…
Make me breathe…
I want to be a new man!
Tired of the old one…
Out with the old plan…

“For as in Adam all die,

so in Christ all will be made alive.”

1 Corinthians 15:22

I woke up from a dream about an empty funeral…
But it was better than the party full of people I don’t really know…
They’ve got hearts to break and burn…
Dirty hands to feel the earth…
There’s something in my veins…
But I can’t seem to make it work…

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ,

he is a new creation;

the old has gone,

the new has come!”

2 Corinthians 5:17

Can you find a beat inside of me?
Any pulse?
Getting worse?
Inside of me, can you find a beat?

“But because of His great love for us,

God,

who is rich in mercy,

made us alive with Christ

even when we were dead in transgressions-

it is by grace you have been saved.”

Ephesians 2:4-5

Thank You for carrying me…

I’m dead inside without You, Lord!!

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Relationships Are Hard! Dear Lord, Forgive Me!

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“Whoever tries to keep their life will lose it,

and whoever loses their life will preserve it.”

Luke 17:33

Do you know what…

She said?

He did?

It’s wrong for them to treat us like this…

It’s wearing out our hearts…

It’s messing up our minds…

The way they disregard our feelings!

It’s Love or Hate…

We have to make a choice!!

Father forgive us!

“And call upon Me in the day of trouble:

I will deliver thee,

and thou shalt glorify Me.”

Psalm 50:15

What are we doing?

We need Your grace to forgive them…

When we feel we’re the ones losin’

“Let us then with confidence

draw near to the throne of grace,

that we may receive mercy

and find grace to help in time of need.”

Hebrews 4:16

We’re dead…

But, alive in Christ!

“And He said to all,

‘If anyone would come after Me,

let him deny himself

and take up his cross daily

and follow Me.”

Luke 9:23

Help us wrestle with this…

And lose the pain that’s ours!

And learn to forgive, seventy times seven times…

“In Him we have redemption through His blood,

the forgiveness of sins,

in accordance with the riches of God’s grace

that He lavished on us.

With all wisdom and understanding…”

Ephesians 1: 7, 8

But, Lord, it doesn’t feel right…

To turn a blind eye…

But, it’s not that much…

When we think of what You’ve done!!

That was Love! 

We always have a choice to make…

Will we…

Imitate Christ?

Or breed more hate?

Our hate isn’t going to break a hard heart!

Help us not to start wars that don’t need to be fought…

Forget our pride…

“Humble yourselves before the Lord,

and He will exalt you.”

James 4:10

Lay our weapons on the ground…

Don’t burn our bridges…

Our pain isn’t owed apologies…

It’s Okay…

Even if they never say they’re sorry!!

Ahhhh…Freedom…

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth,

where moth and rust destroy

and where thieves break in and steal,”

Matthew 6:19

Comes when we surrender….

To Your mercy and Your grace!

Send Your angels down, Lord…

Especially when we feel like we’ve been losing!

“Whoever finds their life will lose it,

and whoever loses their life for My sake will find it.”

Matthew 10:39

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Holy Spirit, “Super Soak” Me!

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Yesterday was our last day of school!

“Yipee!!!” said all the teachers…

“Hooray!!!” said all the students…

“Oh, Dear Lord, No!” said all the parents…

Ha!

We decided to have a “Water” Fun Day to celebrate!!

Wear sandals or water shoes to school…

And bring a change of clothes!!

Let the games begin!!

It was Super Soaker Heaven!

We had water toys of all types and sizes!

Thinking I was going to merely be in the defensive mode…

If the kids were rude enough to come bother me…

In my lawn chair in the quiet, shade under the nearest tree…

I did not purchase a Super Soaker!!

My son did!!

A really nice, big one!!

I brought a ketchup/mustard “squeezy-thing,” like they have in diners!

Sometimes, I just don’t know any better!

Ha!

The kids parked themselves as near as they could get to the water spigot…

Filled and refilled their toys, cups, and the whole Tupperware container…

Soaked everything and everyone in sight!!!

While I, and one of our volunteers…

Talked, shooed them away, and tried to keep things dry!

When I tired of not joining in the fun…

I grabbed my ketchup/mustard “squirty-thing” filled with water…

And started squeezing it at everybody!!

Such fun!!!

But, I ran out of “fuel” quickly!!

While I was refilling…

The Super Soaker people got me, and got me good!!

But, I didn’t care, it was a beautiful day to be soaking wet!!

Then, I had this idea to go soak my son…

Who was soaking the older kids…

Armed with the dinky, little, plastic ketchup/mustard weapon I had…

I attacked!!

 He retaliated, and saturated me!!

I went back for reinforcements, and rallied the elementary kids to join me…

They had all the good tools that could drench!!

It worked…

I was elated to soak my son!

‘Til my son brought his troops to our territory…

Sneaked up behind me…

Aimed and fired…

As I laughed with joy!!

Great to be alive!

Very wet and happily alive!!

Unfortunately…

Some of our kids were not so joyful with our fun, wet plans for the last day of school…

One stayed home…

One slept most of the day…

Under a desk…

One refused to get wet…

And got upset when he did!!

Do you see yourself here???

When the Holy Spirit is moving…

Do you stay home?

Sleep?

Hide?

Refuse to get wet?

Let’s enjoy God’s washing…

He’s pouring out His Spirit like rain…

5-29-13 Golf Course 086“You Heavens above,

rain down My righteousness;

let the clouds shower it down.

Let the earth open wide,

let salvation spring up,

let righteousness flourish with it;

I, the LORD, have created it.”

Isaiah 45:8

5-29-13 Golf Course 061Soak it up!

Be saturated!

God’s elated to soak us…

To saturate us with His Holy Spirit…

To pour His Spirit on us…

5-28-13 Laishley Park 071“And afterward,

I will pour out my Spirit on all people.

Your sons and daughters will prophesy,

your old men will dream dreams,

your young men will see visions.”

Joel 2:28

4-29-13 Gilchrist park 064Be healed when the water’s being stirred…

“An angel of the Lord would go down into the pool from time to time

and stir up the water.

Then the first one who got in after the water was stirred up

recovered from whatever ailment he had.”

John 5:4

5-29-13 Golf Course 051Jump right in!

Wearing the right garment of praise…

“To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion,

to give unto them beauty for ashes,

the oil of joy for mourning,

the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;

that they might be called trees of righteousness,

the planting of the LORD,

that He might be glorified.”

Isaiah 61:3

5-29-13 Golf Course 054Remember  your water shoes…

And splash away!!

God’s With Us!!

Dear Holy Spirit…

Super Soak us!

Saturate us!!

Help us to not just sit on the sidelines…

And watch while others receive Your drenching, and power!

Help us to appreciate when someone else gets filled with Your Spirit…

Or receives something overflowing from You!!

Let us be smart enough to splash in it!

Keep Your Spirit flowing…

And overflowing, in our lives!

Amen!

I’m A Believer In Christ!!

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Here’s the answer to all your questions!

I can see through the laughter…
I know you’ve cried your share of tears…
But You don’t have to do this by yourself…
You tell me that you feel abandoned…
Carrying the weight of all this pain inside…
You trust in someone else…
But you’re cryin’ out for help…
Yes!
I’m a Believer!
That He’s strong enough to hold you now, where you are…
I’m a believer!
In the One who’s always reaching out to your heart…
He understands you…
There’s not a greater love that you’ll find in this life…
I’m a Believer in Christ!
Trying to escape the landslide…
Running from the choices that you make…
When will you surrender to His Grace?
His promises will never leave you…
Offering to free you from your past is the sacrifice…
He made..
He can be your shelter and your strength.
No matter what you’ve done…
How far you’ve run…
There is hope for you…
Through every broken heart…
He’ll  meet you where you are…
He will rescue you…
Let Him rescue you!
Yes!
I’m a Believer in Christ!!

Trading Sorrow For Joy??? It’s A Great Trade!! Do It!!

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“Surely He took up our infirmities

and carried our sorrows.”

Isaiah 53:4

“Why did Jesus live on earth as long as He did?

Why not step into our world just long enough

to die for our sins and then leave?

Why not a sinless year or week?

Why did He have to live a life?

To take on our sins is one thing,

but to take on our sunburns,

our sore throats?

To experience death,

yes —

but to put up with life?

To put up with long roads,

long days,

and short tempers?

Why did He do it?

Because He wants you to trust Him.” 

By Max Lucado

Trade your sorrow!

Trade your shame!

Lay them down for the Joy of the Lord!!

Trade your sickness!

Trade your pain!

Lay them down for the Joy of the Lord !!

Say,

“Yes, Lord!  Yes, Lord!  “Yes, Yes, Lord!

“Yes, Lord!  Yes, Lord!  “Yes, Yes, Lord!

“Yes, Lord!  Yes, Lord!  “Yes, Yes, Lord!

Amen!”

You’re pressed…

But not crushed…

Persecuted…

Not abandoned…

Struck down…

But not destroyed …

You’re blessed beyond the curse…

For His promise will endure…

And His Joy’s gonna be your strength!!

Sorrow may last for the night…

But, His Joy comes with the morning!!

Amen!

Go ahead!  Make the Trade!!

Wake Up!! You Need A Hero!!

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“And in this way all Israel will be saved,

as it is written,

‘The Deliverer will come from Zion,

He will banish ungodliness from Jacob.’”

Romans 11:26

Losing your faith?

Falling off the edge?

 You’re not superhuman…

 Someone needs to save you from the hate…

 From another day in the world we live in…

 You need a Hero to save you now…

 To save your life…

 To save you just in time…

 Fight today to live another day…

 Speak your mind today…

 Your voice needs to be heard today…

 Make a stand…

Don’t destroy yourself!

You need a  Hero…

 He’ll fight for what’s right!

 He’ll help you survive!

You’re in the fight of your life…

 You’re not ready to die!

 He’ll fight for the weak!

 He’ll make ’em believe!

 You need a Hero living in you!

 Speak your mind even if it kills you tonight…

 Be ready to die…

 Your Hero’s not afraid to give His life…

 Your Hero’s gonna save you…

 Just in time!!

 

“For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world,

 but in order that the world might be saved through Him.”

 John 3:17

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