Category Archives: Who God Is

Where Do You Get Your Identity?

Standard

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!!

6-11-13 Lido Key 318

Is There A Road I Should Walk??? Lord, Help Me Find It!!

Standard

He will!

Walk right into His will…

Stay close to Christ!!

That’s where the blessings are!!!

6-12-13 Sunset-Rainbow 084“He made known to us

the mystery of His will

according to His good pleasure,

which He purposed in Christ, 

to be put into effect

when the times reach their fulfillment—

to bring unity to all things in Heaven

and on earth under Christ.”

Ephesians 1:9-10

6-13-13 Beach-Sunset 030“Now may the God of peace,

who through the blood of the eternal covenant

brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus,

that great Shepherd of the sheep,

equip you with everything good for doing His will,

and may He work in us

what is pleasing to Him,

through Jesus Christ,

to whom be glory for ever and ever.

Amen.

Hebrews 13:20-21

6-13-13 Beach-Sunset 032

You want His perfect will for you

Not just the road you choose…

Be careful….

He’ll let you have it!

Pray!!

His Plan is always the best!

Where to go from here?

Isn’t always very clear!

We can’t do this on our own…

As long as He is near…

We’re done fighting…

We’re finally letting go…

Trust in Him!

He’s never failed before!

If there’s a road I should walk…

Lord, help me find it!

If I need to be still…

Give me peace for the moment…

Whatever Your will…

Can you help me find it?

I’m giving You fear…

You give me faith…

I’m giving You doubt…

You give me grace…

I know I’ve never been alone!

Even when it hurts…

Have Your way…

Even in the valley I will say…

With every breath…

You’ve never let me go…

I will wait for You…

You’ve never failed before…

I will wait for You…

I lift my empty hands…

Come fill me up again…

Have Your way my King…

  I give my all to You…

I lift my eyes again…

I was blind, but now I see…

You are all I need to find the road I should walk!!

I’ll start with this road in Romans:

“As it is written,

there is none righteous,

no, not one.”

 Romans 3:10

6-12-13 Sunset-Rainbow 070

“For all have sinned,

and come short of the glory of God.”

Romans 3:10

6-9-13 St Amands Circle 004

“But God commendeth His love toward us,

 in that, while we were yet sinners,

 Christ died for us.”

 Romans 5:8

6-9-13 St Amands Circle 005

 “Wherefore, as by one man

 sin entered into the world,

and death by sin;

and so death passed upon all men,

for that all have sinned.”

Romans 5:12

6-9-13 St Amands Circle 006

“For the wages of sin is death;

but the gift of God is eternal life through

Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Romans 6:23

6-11-13 Lido Key 084

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth

 the Lord Jesus,

and shalt

believe in thine heart

 that God hath raised Him from the dead,

thou shalt be saved. 

For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness;

and with

the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 

For the scripture saith,

whosoever believeth on Him shall not be ashamed.”

Romans 10:9-11

6-11-13 Lido Key 103

“For whosoever

shall call upon the Name of the Lord

 shall be saved.”

Romans 10:13

6-12-13 Sunset-Rainbow 020

Thank you, Lord!

Invest In Your Future!

Standard

6-11-13 Lido Key 108

“‘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.

Then you will call on Me

and come and pray to Me,

and I will listen to you.

You will seek Me

and find Me

when you seek Me

with all your heart.'”

Jeremiah 29:11-13

6-11-13 Lido Key 114

This is my son’s favorite verse!

Mine. too!

Along with…

6-11-13 Lido Key 116

“Call to Me

and I will answer you

and tell you great

and unsearchable things

you do not know.”

Jeremiah 33:3

6-11-13 Lido Key 160

“…and call on Me in the day of trouble;

I will deliver you,

and you will honor Me.”

Psalm 50:15

6-11-13 Lido Key 178

God’s plan is to…

Prosper you…

Not harm you…

Give you Hope…

And a Future…

Call on Him…

Come to Him…

Pray to Him…

He will listen to YOU!!!

Seek Him…

Find Him…

With all your heart!!

Call to Him…

He will answer YOU!!

And tell you great and unsearchable things…

You don’t know!!

Call on Him in your times of trouble…

He will deliver you…

And you will honor Him!!

Amen!

6-11-13 Lido Key 182

You have now invested wisely in your future!!

6-11-13 Lido Key 185

Praise God!!

You Put Your Light In Me!

Standard

“When Jesus spoke again to the people,

He said,

I am the light of the world.

Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness,

but will have the light of life.’”

John 8:12

6-11-13 Lido Key 104

“You are the light of the world.

A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.

Neither do people light a lamp

and put it under a bowl.

Instead they put it on its stand,

and it gives light to everyone in the house.

In the same way,

let your light shine before others,

that they may see your good deeds

and glorify your Father in Heaven.”

Matthew 5:14-16

6-11-13 Lido Key 167

“The night is nearly over;

the day is almost here.

So let us put aside the deeds of darkness

and put on the armor of light.”

Romans 13:12

6-11-13 Lido Key 128

Arise, shine;

For your light has come!

And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you.

For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth,

And deep darkness the people;

But the LORD will arise over you,

And His glory will be seen upon you.”

Isaiah 60:1-2

6-11-13 Lido Key 189

“Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the Heavens,

and those who lead many to righteousness,

like the stars for ever and ever.”

Daniel 12:3

6-11-13 Lido Key 275

A flame burning down…

You gave me Life

You put Your Light in me!

You let Your Love shine down… 

Now the world can see…

You put Your Light in me!

6-11-13 Lido Key 198

Now, I’m a reflection of

You, Lord!

I’ll let it show…

You will be known

And all will see…

You put Your Light in me!

6-11-13 Lido Key 366

Christians…

Go!

Shine…

 Brightly!!

With His Light in you…

Wherever you go!!

You Are Amazing God!

Standard

 Majesty…

Indescribable!

Uncontainable!

Amazing God!

All Powerful!

Untameable!

Awestruck…

We fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim…

You are Amazing, God….

None can fathom…

Indescribable!

Unobtainable,

Incomparable!

Unchangeable!

You see the depths of my heart and you love me the same!!

You are So Amazing, God!!!

6-9-13 St Amands Circle 019

Feel free to add your own words!!!

6-9-13 St Amands Circle 020

How about…

God, You are…

Holy, Grand, Vast, Great, Marvelous, Excellent, Glorious, Exalted, Dynamic, Thrilling, Astonishing,

Breathtaking, Magnificent, Overwhelming, Impressive, Permanent, Exciting, Stunning, Heart-Stirring,

Wonderful, Outstanding, Splendid, Faithful, Enduring, Divine, Extraordinary, Inspiring, Fantastic, Imposing,

Astounding, Fantastic, Unforgettable, Wondrous, Incomprehensible, Spectacular, Incredible, Phenomenal

Miraculous!!!

6-9-13 St Amands Circle 021

He’s definitely all these things…

And more!

This is the Amazing God who rules our lives!!

Mind-Boggling, huh???

6-9-13 St Amands Circle 024

Makes you want to go and tell everybody, doesn’t it???

Jesus, You’re The Lover Of My Soul!!

Standard

“Jesus, Lover of My Soul”
Middle Church Jerriese Johnson Gospel Choir
Tina Cernero, solo (My sister!!)
music by Bach/Wesley
arr. P. Williams-Jones
To learn more about Middle Church visit:
http://www.middlechurch.org

Lyrics to the old hymnal, “Jesus, Lover of My Soul” by Charles Wesley, pub. 1740

  1. Jesus, lover of my soul,
    Let me to Thy bosom fly,
    While the nearer waters roll,
    While the tempest still is high.
    Hide me, O my Savior, hide,
    Till the storm of life is past;
    Safe into the haven guide;
    Oh, receive my soul at last.
  1. Other refuge have I none,
    Hangs my helpless soul on Thee;
    Leave, ah! leave me not alone,
    Still support and comfort me.
    All my trust on Thee is stayed,
    All my help from Thee I bring;
    Cover my defenseless head
    With the shadow of Thy wing.
  1. Wilt Thou not regard my call?
    Wilt Thou not accept my prayer?
    Lo! I sink, I faint, I fall—
    Lo! on Thee I cast my care.
    Reach me out Thy gracious hand!
    While I of Thy strength receive,
    Hoping against hope I stand,
    Dying, and behold, I live.
  1. Thou, O Christ, art all I want,
    More than all in Thee I find;
    Raise the fallen, cheer the faint,
    Heal the sick, and lead the blind.
    Just and holy is Thy Name,
    Source of all true righteousness;
    Thou art evermore the same,
    Thou art full of truth and grace.
  1. Plenteous grace with Thee is found,
    Grace to cover all my sin;
    Let the healing streams abound;
    Make and keep me pure within.
    Thou of life the fountain art,
    Freely let me take of Thee;
    Spring Thou up within my heart;
    Rise to all eternity.

“The lyrics speak of a personal and intimate relationship with Christ.

Revealing Jesus as Lover, Protector, and Provider.

Do you know Jesus that intimately???

Are you filled with His Love???

Can you feel His Protection???

Do you rely on Christ’s Provision???” *

5-31-13 Awards Ceremony 036

Hymnal Bible Verse References:

“Praise be to God

 and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

 the Father of compassion

 and the God of all comfort.”

 2 Corinthians 1:3

  “…and from Jesus Christ,

 who is the faithful witness,

 the firstborn from the dead,

 and the ruler of the kings of the earth.

 To Him who loves us

 and has freed us from our sins by His blood…”

 Revelation 1:5

 “You have been a refuge for the poor,

a refuge for the needy in their distress,

a shelter from the storm

and a shade from the heat.

For the breath of the ruthless

is like a storm driving against a wall…”

Isaiah 25:4

 “Truly my soul finds rest in God;  

my salvation comes from Him.

Truly He is my rock and my salvation;   

he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.”

Psalm 62:1-2

 “My salvation and my honor depend on God;    

He is my mighty rock, my refuge.

Trust in Him at all times, you people;    

pour out your hearts to Him,    

for God is our refuge.”

Psalm 62: 7-8

 “Praise the LORD, O my soul,

and forget not all his benefits

who forgives all your sins

and heals all your diseases,

who redeems your life from the pit

and crowns you with love and compassion,

who satisfies your desires with good things

so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”

Psalm 103:2-5

“For the director of music.

Of David the servant of the Lord.

He sang to the Lord the words of this song

when the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies

and from the hand of Saul.

He said:

 ‘I love you, Lord, my strength.

The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;

    my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,   

my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise,    

and I have been saved from my enemies.'”

Psalm 18:1

 5-31-13 Awards Ceremony 030

“Jesus is the lover of my soul

Jesus is my only refuge.

Jesus Christ fulfills all our needs and wants.” *

My Lord is the lover of my soul!

*   http://biblestudies.stores.yahoo.net/jloofmyso.html

For more history about Charles Wesley go to:

http://suite101.com/article/jesus-lover-of-my-soul-a70344

Even If The Healing Doesn’t Come…

Standard

This post is dedicated to my beloved Cousin Tom…

Who just passed away…

One month after his Mother, my Aunt Rachel…

Who I spoke about recently…

https://godssceneryandpromises.wordpress.com/2013/05/05/leave-a-legacy/

Tom, or “Cousin Tommy Boy!”

As we used to call him…

Was two days older than I…

We celebrated all our Birthdays together for many years as children…

Running and playing with all our siblings, and our other cousins…

He loved trucks…

And his favorite sound was his “truck” sound…

“Gilly-Gilly-Gilly…Vroom!”

A happy, fun, and playful child,

Who grew up to be a Mighty Man of God…

Who loved his family, and cared for my Aunt…

Heaven welcomes you, my precious cousin…

Well done, good and faithful servant…

Rest now…

I know you’re seeing your Jesus face to face!

You’re Home!!

May our Lord bring His Peace to everyone in our family…

We will miss you!

Sometimes, all we have to hold onto…
Is what we know is true of who You are…
So when the heartache hits like a hurricane…
That could never change who You are…
And we trust in who You are!

Even if the healing doesn’t come
And life falls apart
And dreams are still undone…

You are God!

You are good!

Forever Faithful One !

Even if the healing
Even if the healing doesn’t come…

“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes;

and there shall be no more death,

neither sorrow, nor crying,

neither shall there be any more pain:

for the former things are passed away.”

Revelation 21:4

Lord, we know Your ways are not our ways…
So we set our faith in who You are…
Even though You reign high above us…
You tenderly love us…
We know Your heart
And we rest in who You are…

You’re still the Great and Mighty One !

We trust You always…
You’re working all things for our good
We’ll sing Your praise!

“Then Job got up and tore his clothes in grief.

He shaved his head

and threw himself face downward on the ground.

He said, ‘I was born with nothing,

and I will die with nothing.

The Lord gave,

and now He has taken away.

May His Name be praised!’

In spite of everything that had happened,

Job did not sin by blaming God.”

Job1:20-22

You are God and we will bless You!
As the Good and Faithful One!
You are God and we will bless You!

Even if the healing doesn’t come!
Even if the healing doesn’t come!

Amen!

“Though He slay me, yet will I hope in Him;
    I will surely defend my ways to His face.”

Job 13:15

We pray for blessings…
We pray for peace…
Comfort for our family, protection while we sleep…
We pray for healing, for prosperity…
We pray for Your Mighty Hand to ease our suffering…
All the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love is way too much to give us lesser things…

‘Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears…
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise…

We pray for wisdom
Your voice to hear
And we cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
All the while, You hear each desperate plea…
And long that we have faith to believe…

When friends betray us…
When darkness seems to win
We know the pain reminds this heart…
That this is not, this is not our home…

What if my greatest disappointments…
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy…
And what if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are Your mercies in disguise…

“For this world is not our home;

we are looking forward to our City in Heaven,

which is yet to come.”

Hebrews 13:14

6-2-13 Casey's Show! 035

 “But our citizenship is in Heaven.

And we eagerly await a Savior from there,

the Lord Jesus Christ,

who, by the power that enables Him to bring everything under His control,

will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like His Glorious body.”

Philippians 3:20-21

I’m A Believer In Christ!!

Standard

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!!

You’re The Reason For Every Good Thing!

Standard

It’s A Beautiful Life You Give!!

“John replied,

‘No one can receive anything

unless God gives it from Heaven.'”

John 3:27

“If you, then, though you are evil,

know how to give good gifts to your children,

how much more will your Father in Heaven

give good gifts to those who ask Him!”

Matthew 7:11

Busier than you should be???

Time won’t wait!

Don’t forget…

Or take it for granted!

I’s a beautiful life we live!!

Don’t want to miss a moment!

It’s a beautiful life You give!

You’re the reason for:

Every good thing…

Every heartbeat…

Every day we get to breathe…

Anything that lasts…

Every second chance…

Every laugh!!

Oh, Life is so sweet!

There will be days…

That give me more than I can take…

Jesus, make beauty from my heartache…

It’s our family…

It’s our friends…

It’s the feeling we get when we see our children smile!!

This life…

Everything we love…

It’s You alive in us!

You’re alive in us!!

Yes, You are…

You’re here in every moment…

You’re every good thing…

That’s ever happened to ME!!!

5-22-13 Gilchrist 160

“Every good and perfect gift is from above,

coming down from the Father of the Heavenly lights,

who does not change like shifting shadows.”

James 1:17

5-22-13 Gilchrist 159

“Now the God of Peace,

who brought up from the dead

the great Shepherd of the sheep 

through the blood of the eternal covenant,

even Jesus our Lord,

equip you in every good thing to do His will,

working in us that which is pleasing in His sight,

through Jesus Christ,

to whom be the Glory forever and ever.

Amen”

Hebrews 13:20-21

Taste And See!! The Lord Is Good!!

Standard

“Taste and see that the Lord is good;    

blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him.”

Psalm 34:8

Sometimes people taste something awful!!

Eeeeew!

Their first reaction, after almost gagging…

Is to offer it to someone else!!

Why???

So that someone else can agree with them that…

“Yes, It’s really, really disgusting!!”

Normal people say…

 “No way, why should I try it???

You just said it’s gross!!

No one in their right mind…

Is actually going to taste it!!

But, think of your Bible as a recipe book…

Chock full of goodness!!

A recipe book for your life…

With awesome instructions for God’s goodness…

Drool at the menu God has created…

The feast He prepares and sets  before you!!

Know the Bible!  Live it!  Share God’s Word!  Talk about it!

So others will want to get a  taste of it, too!!

My Bible lesson in Kids Church on Sunday was…

God Is Good!!

Psalm 78

It’s a whole chapter on God’s goodness to the Israelites…

(verse 4-7)

We will not hide them from their descendants;
    we will tell the next generation
the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord,
    His power, and the wonders He has done...
Then they would put their trust in God
    and would not forget His deeds
    but would keep His commands.”

They were to tell their children, their grandchildren, their great-grandchildren, etc…

About all His mighty works and miracles!!

So they could also trust is their good God!!

They didn’t!

Instead they murmured and whined…

God was NOT pleased!

And they paid the price with His anger!!

Even today…

We taste God’s goodness…

But do we expect people to want to taste it, too…

If we refuse to share it!!

In a way that they will desire…

To taste it for themselves???

My son’s object lesson was…

“Taste and See!”

(Based on a lesson from  http://www.sermons4kids.com, called, The Taste Test)

Props:  cake, cookies, or other sweet treat!

Begin by eating the decadent, delicious treat!

And telling the kids how scrumptious it is!

Go on and on about how it’s the MOST delicious thing you’ve EVER eaten!!

            “Wow!  This is great! 

Do you believe that this tastes wonderful? 

There is only one way to really know for sure how good this dessert is: 

You have to try it. 

I can tell you all about it…

You may even believe me…

But to really understand how good it is…

You have to try it for yourself!

Let’s have a volunteer taste this yummy treat? 

Go ahead, enjoy, eat it up!! 

Is it good???

Is it the best tasting treat you’ve ever had???

I was right, then, huh? 

See, it really is wonderful!!!

            The Bible says to…

“Taste and see that the Lord is good!”

Psalm 34:8  

That doesn’t mean that we’re going to take a great big bite out of God! 

It simply means that we have to know God personally…

Before we can understand just how good He is. 

I can tell you how good God is…

You may even believe me!

But, you’ll never know for sure how good He is until you know Him for yourself!!

            Once you have seen just how good God is…

There’s something else you need to do…

You need to tell others about Him! 

Tell them how good God has been to you…

So that they will want to know Him, too!!

You can’t force them to know God…

But, you can tell them what He’s done for you!

Then give them a chance to choose Him, too!

  God is soooo good!! 

You have to taste and see for yourself!

P.S.  Also check out Kids sermons/object lessons at: http://www.calledtokids.com

“Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good…”

Psalm 135:3 

Now, go and share something…

Everyone will want to taste!!!

God’s Goodness!!