Tag Archives: The Word

Aug3

Check With God!

Posted on August 3, 2013 by sagescenery

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Many people say many things…

I’d like you to_____

I wish that you would_____

Why can’t you_____

You really should_____

Why don’t you_____

You need to_____

I can’t understand why you won’t_____

Don’t____

Oh, you must_____

When will you_____

Stop thinking about_____

Stay on track with_____

Take responsibility for_____

How can you_____

We need you to_____

And expect you to do many things…

Stay calm

Get excited

Go to work

Stay Home

Have a baby

Make more money

Have another baby

Quit your job

Volunteer

Help out more

Be a great Mom/Dad

Step up

Be a team player

Care for your parents

Give some money

Give more time

Teach your kids

Be perfect

Focus on your job

Cook healthy meals

Keep in shape

Be organized

Be spontaneous

Clean the house

Go have fun

Work hard

Be studious

Mow the lawn

Be polite

Be assertive

Plant a garden

Handle a sick child

Create holiday traditions

Keep in touch with the in-laws

Understand your spouse

Be strong

Be ladylike

Be manly

Be sensitive

Be independent

Send cards

Buy gifts

Delegate

Pay the bills

Organize the carpool

Find anything in the house that’s lost

Read minds

Be confident

Have a sense of humor

Always have an alternate plan ready

Fix the toilet

Save for college

Sign up for classes

Look good

Read your Bible

Spend time with your family

Get everyone ready for back-to-school

Supervise homework

Help at church

Service the car

Throw a party

Buy groceries

Redeem coupons

Bake cookies for school

Watch the news

Run errands

Change your hairstyle

Lose some weight

Buy new clothes

Join a gym

Read more

Take care of pets

Do the laundry

Pick up the kids

Plan the vacation

Etc.

Whew!!

This is exhausting stuff…

Trying to please everyone!

STOP!

Check with God!!

Say, “I’ll pray about it!”

Be who He wants you to be!

That’s what pleases Him!!

1 John 5:14-15

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God:

that if we ask anything according to His will,

He hears us.

And if we know that He hears us—

whatever we ask—

we know that we have what we asked of Him.”

Romans 12:2

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world,

but be transformed

by the renewing of your mind.

Then you will be able to test

and approve what God’s will is—

His good, pleasing and perfect will.”

John 8:28-29

So Jesus said,

“When you have lifted up the Son of Man,

then you will know that I am He

and that I do nothing on My own

but speak just what the Father has taught Me.

The One who sent Me is with Me;

He has not left Me alone,

for I always do what pleases Him.”

Proverbs 16:7

“When a man’s ways please the Lord,

He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.”

Trying to do it all???

Relax!

Ask in prayer and obey!!

Jesus will give you joy for the things He wants you to do!

Let Jesus take your burdens to lighten your load!

Don’t be pressured by the world!

Psalm 118:8

“It is better to take refuge in the Lord
than to trust in humans.”

You’re confidence is in Christ!!

The opinion that matters is His!

1 Timothy 2:5

“For there is one God

and one mediator between God and mankind,

the man Christ Jesus…”

Simplify your life!

Listen to One Voice!

The world doesn’t dictate…

The culture doesn’t define…

God’s voice is the loudest…

At all times!!

Before you take a new job…

Take on a new volunteer position…

Do another chore…

Let go of things God says are not yours!!

Suggested reading:

Kingdom Man by Tony Evans

Kingdom Woman-Embracing Your Purpose, Power, and Possibilities by Tony Evans and Chrystal Evans Hurst

“…your life flows through different seasons. Each of these seasons carries with it different time constraints, blessings, and demands. To try to do all things without being cognizant of the season you are in is the surest way to burnout and even bitterness…Yet God never said that you would receive praise for trying to please others….Place what God says and what God requires as the highest priority in your life.” Chrystal Evans Hurst

Jul31

Wonderful Team Member Readership Award!

Posted on July 31, 2013 by sagescenery

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A BIG, HUGE THANK YOU!!

To Hot Rod Cowgirl at:

http://hotrodcowgirl.com/

“Riding Through Life One Horse At A Time…

Courage Is Being Scared To Death

But Saddling Up Anyway!”

Who nominated me for the…

Wonderful Team Member Readership Award!!

I’m deeply honored!!!

Now I get to show appreciation to my favorite readers and…

Nominate them for the same award!!!

Here are the rules for accepting this award:

1. The Nominee of the Wonderful Team member Readership Award shall display the logo on his/her blog.

2. The Nominee shall nominate 14 readers they appreciate over a period of 7 days, all at once or little by little.

3. The Nominee shall name his/her Wonderful Team Member Readership Award nominees on a post or on posts during 7 days.

Here are my nominees for:

The Wonderful Team Member Readership Award!

http://merlinspielen.com/

http://emeraldogzz.wordpress.com/

http://booklovers1.wordpress.com/

http://settledinheaven.wordpress.com/

http://lessonsbyheart.wordpress.com/

http://seasonsgirl.wordpress.com/

http://meetingintheclouds.wordpress.com/

http://becomingcliche.wordpress.com/

http://transcendingbordersblog.wordpress.com/

http://offbeatonpurpose.wordpress.com/

http://walkingonwaterwithgrace.org/

http://realityofchrist.me/

Don’t Give Up Rise Up!

Fear of… success: Bible prayers

Love them all!!

Oh, I really do love awards!

But, since God gives me what to write…

I glorify Him!!

In everything I do!!

1 Corinthians 13:4 KJV

“Charity suffereth long,

and is kind;

charity envieth not;

charity vaunteth not itself,

is not puffed up,”

1 Corinthians 10:31

“…do it all for the glory of God.”

It’s about God and His Love!

And His Love Edifies!!

Amen!

Philippians 1:9-11

“And this is my prayer:

that your love may abound more and more

in knowledge and depth of insight,

so that you may be able to discern what is best

and may be pure and blameless

for the day of Christ,

filled with the fruit of righteousness

that comes through Jesus Christ—

to the glory and praise of God.”

Sunrise photo by my husband!

Jul31

A Fish Story!!

Posted on July 31, 2013 by sagescenery

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My husband caught this fish today!

A Black Drum…

Approximately 40″

It took him about 20-25 minutes to get it to our neighbor’s dock…

After he accomplished that…

Our neighbor, Wes, had to take the fishing rod…

My husband was spent!!!!

His size 10 shoe is in the picture for comparison…

After snapping these photos…

He went home to take a nap!!!

Ha!

The occupation of fisherman is quite labor-intensive!

Strain, long hours, and often little results!!

It takes persistence and dedication to the task…

His fishing always seemed so easy before…

I guess it’s the catching that’s hard!!

John 21:3

“I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them,

and they said, “We’ll go with you.”

So they went out and got into the boat,

but that night they caught nothing.”

Matthew 13:47

“Once again,

the kingdom of heaven

is like a net

that was let down into the lake

and caught all kinds of fish.”

John 21:10

Jesus said unto them,

“Bring of the fish which ye have now caught.”

Don’t just go fishing…

Catch some fish!!

Jul31

Beautiful Mess We Are!!

Posted on July 31, 2013 by sagescenery

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God loves a lullaby
In a mother’s tears in the dead of night
Better than a Hallelujah sometimes

God loves the drunkard’s cry
The soldier’s plea not to let him die
Better than a Hallelujah sometimes

We pour out our miseries
God just hears a melody
Beautiful, the mess we are
The honest cries of breaking hearts
Are better than a Hallelujah

The woman holding on for life
The dying man giving up the fight
Are better than a Hallelujah sometimes

The tears of shame for what’s been done
The silence when the words won’t come
Are better than a Hallelujah sometimes

We pour out our miseries
God just hears a melody
Beautiful, the mess we are
The honest cries of breaking hearts
Are better than a Hallelujah

Better than a church bell ringing
Better than a choir singing out, singing out

We pour out our miseries
God just hears a melody
Beautiful, the mess we are
The honest cries of breaking hearts
Are better than a Hallelujah

(Better than a Hallelujah sometimes)
Better than a Hallelujah
(Better than a Hallelujah sometimes)

Amen!!

Jul31

Teachers…Parents Are Sending You The Best That They Have!!!

Posted on July 31, 2013 by sagescenery

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Give Them The Best You Have!!

A Back-To-School Lesson!

Romans 12:7

“If your gift is serving others,

serve them well.

If you are a teacher,

teach well.”

Titus 2:7-8

“In everything

set them an example by doing what is good.

In your teaching show integrity, seriousness

and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned,

so that those who oppose you

may be ashamed

because they have nothing bad to say about us.”

For additional verses about teachers, go to:

http://www.prayers-for-special-help.com/bible-verses-about-teachers.html

Where according to:

Prayers for Special Help,

“These Bible verses about teachers enlighten us

first on the exceptional responsibility that one has while teaching.

Due to the impact a teacher has on a student,

one quote warns us that teachers will be judged

with a greater strictness than others.

Jesus is often called a teacher

and he himself confirmed that he was one;

the apostles were also teachers.

The teaching passages above

also insist that the ability to teach is a gift

in which the teacher serves others

and leads by example

with the objective to make the students

as wise as the teacher.

It is the teacher’s task to study,

handle the truth correctly,

and teach accurate information

while treating the pupil with respect.

These quotes identify integrity,

dignity,

faithfulness,

and lack of hypocrisy

as traits that the teacher should possess.

Overall, the teacher is warned about too much study

that does not focus on the fear of God

and living a godly life.”

Humbling stuff, huh???

James 1:5

“If any of you lacks wisdom,

you should ask God,

who gives generously to all without finding fault,

and it will be given to you.”

Proverbs 22:6

“Train up a child in the way he should go:

and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

Luke 12:12

“…for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time

what you should say.”

2 Timothy 3:14-17

“But as for you,

continue in what you have learned

and have become convinced of,

because you know those from whom you learned it,

and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures,

which are able to make you wise for salvation

through faith in Christ Jesus.

All Scripture is God-breathed

and is useful for

teaching,

rebuking,

correcting

and training in righteousness,

so that the servant of God

may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Deuteronomy 11:18-21

“Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds;

tie them as symbols on your hands

and bind them on your foreheads.

Teach them to your children,

talking about them when you sit at home

and when you walk along the road,

when you lie down

and when you get up.

Write them on the door frames of your houses

and on your gates,

so that your days

and the days of your children

may be many in the land the Lord

swore to give your ancestors,

as many as the days

that the heavens are above the earth.”

Lord,

Teachers are going Back-To-School now!

We need Your help!!

Please help us to show Your love!

Even when our days are chaotic!

Especially, when our days are chaotic!!!

Amen!!

Jul29

I’m Gonna Love You Through It!

Posted on July 29, 2013 by sagescenery

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When I first heard this powerful song…

I heard Jesus saying these words…

“I’m Gonna Love You Through It!”

“It”

Being, anything that life throws at me!

Then, I heard…

“And I will send you angels…

Those in Heaven…

And those dressed in flesh…

To support you…

Help you…

And love you through life’s rough spots!”

Cancer…

Affects us all…

Those who’ve experienced it…

And those of us who have loved those who have…

My prayers are with you and your families!

May God always love us through it…

And bless us with people who will go through it with us!

To those who have survived…

I celebrate your life!!

She dropped the phone and burst into tears
The doctor just confirmed her fears
Her husband held it in and held her tight
Cancer don’t discriminate or care if you’re just 38
With three kids who need you in their lives
He said, “I know that you’re afraid and I am, too
But you’ll never be alone, I promise you”

When you’re weak, I’ll be strong
When you let go, I’ll hold on
When you need to cry, I swear that I’ll be there to dry your eyes
When you feel lost and scared to death,
Like you can’t take one more step
Just take my hand, together we can do it
I’m gonna love you through it.

She made it through the surgery fine
They said they caught it just in time
But they had to take more than they planned
Now it’s forced smiles and baggy shirts
To hide what the cancer took from her
But she just wants to feel like a woman again
She said, “I don’t think I can do this anymore”
He took her in his arms and said “That’s what my love is for”

And when this road gets too long
I’ll be the rock you lean on
Just take my hand, together we can do it
I’m gonna love you through it.
I’m gonna love you through it.

Luke 4:10

“For it is written:

‘He will command His angels concerning you

to guard you carefully;”

Amen!

Thank you, Jesus!!

Jul29

Come To Your Senses! Get Down! Go Back Home!

Posted on July 29, 2013 by sagescenery

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The way up is to get down!

This was our sermon on Sunday!

It’s the cure for…

“Give me!”

“Notice me!”

“Poor me!”

When it really should be…

“Search me!”

“Make me!”

It means…

Total surrender!

To Jesus!!

Two examples…

King Nebuchadnezzar

Daniel 4: 33-37

“Immediately what had been said about Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled.

He was driven away from people and ate grass like the ox.

His body was drenched with the dew of heaven

until his hair grew like the feathers of an eagle

and his nails like the claws of a bird.

At the end of that time,

I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven,

and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High;

I honored and glorified Him who lives forever.

His dominion is an eternal dominion;

His kingdom endures from generation to generation.

All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing.

He does as He pleases with the powers of Heaven

and the peoples of the earth.

No one can hold back His hand or say to Him:

‘What have you done?’

At the same time that my sanity was restored,

my honor and splendor were returned to me

for the glory of my kingdom.

My advisers and nobles sought me out,

and I was restored to my throne

and became even greater than before.

Now I, Nebuchadnezzar,

praise and exalt and glorify the King of Heaven,

because everything He does is right

and all His ways are just.

And those who walk in pride He is able to humble.“

The Prodigal Son

Luke 15:11-24

Jesus continued:

“There was a man who had two sons.

The younger one said to his father,

‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’

So he divided his property between them.

Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had,

set off for a distant country

and there squandered his wealth in wild living.

After he had spent everything,

there was a severe famine in that whole country,

and he began to be in need.

So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country,

who sent him to his fields to feed pigs.

He longed to fill his stomach with the pods

that the pigs were eating,

but no one gave him anything.

When he came to his senses, he said,

‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare,

and here I am starving to death!

I will set out and go back to my father and say to him:

Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.

I am no longer worthy to be called your son;

make me like one of your hired servants.’

So he got up and went to his father.

But while he was still a long way off his father saw him

and was filled with compassion for him;

he ran to his son,

threw his arms around him

and kissed him.

The son said to him,

‘Father, I have sinned against Heaven and against you.

I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

But the father said to his servants,

‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him.

Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.

Bring the fattened calf and kill it.

Let’s have a feast and celebrate.

For this son of mine was dead and is alive again;

he was lost and is found.’

So they began to celebrate.”

There’s a downside to being puffed up…

Our inside is empty of the one thing…

Our heart truly needs…
We feel invincible…
It’s always all about us!

Let’s love Him like we should…

Like He loves us!
Through bad and good…
And finally figure out where happiness is found!
In the midst of sadness…

We are closer to Him now…
And that’s the upside of down!
It’s all switched around…

I was lost and now I’m found!
The upside of down!!

He is “more” in our “less…”

He is strength in our weakness…
Don’t go back again…
His sunshine ends the rain!!

Don’t return to your old ways…
Don’t be a fair- weather friend!

The upside of tragedies…

Is knowing He’s holding your heart always…
Always!!!
We may be down…

But find the joy in the pain…

The upside of down!

It’s all switched around…

I was lost and now I’m found!

The upside of down!!

Amen!!

Jul27

Light Pushes Back Darkness!!

Posted on July 27, 2013 by sagescenery

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Josh Wilson’s story behind…

“Pushing Back the Dark”

http://www.joshwilsonmusic.com/posts/07-18-13/story-behind-pushing-back-dark

“I was in seventh grade.

It was five minutes until our Wednesday night youth service,

and I was hiding,

sitting on the cold tile of a bathroom in a dark corner of our church.

They were about to start the worship music,

and I was supposed to be playing guitar.

I told them I was sick and couldn’t go.

I wasn’t sick. I was scared.

I was scared of what everyone else might think of me.

What if I messed up?

What if I failed miserably?

God had given me a talent and passion for music,

but I was afraid to use it.

To this day, the darkness of doubt pushes me to avoid my calling.

Last year, as I was working on this album (Carry Me),

that darkness became tangible

as I began to struggle with anxiety and panic attacks.

At one point, I thought I might have to quit music altogether.

But God promises to never leave or forsake us,

and He kept that promise.

As he carried me through the rest of the record,

I realized that there will always be darkness pushing me to hide.

At some point, though, every Christ-follower

has to realize that we carry a sacred,

burning light that is infinitely more powerful than the lies of the enemy.

Your light might seem small,

but even the smallest act of love can illuminate the shadows.

To every single mother,

every missionary,

every doctor

and poet,

every seventh grader who is scared to sing in youth group,

every truck driver,

politician,

and school teacher,

anyone who is rich,

poor,

young

or old:

someone else desperately needs the light you carry.

I think it’s time that we each take that light

and start pushing back the dark.

Ultimately, this difficult season has caused me

to rely on God’s strength

to carry me through each day.

I’ve been praying more often and more earnestly,

and I’m thankful that coming to the end of myself

has brought me so close to a

Father and Savior

who loves me and will never leave me.”

Oh, yes, this is so true!!

There are a million reasons not to try!!

When you’re just one candle in the dark…

Where the shadows are scary…

Thinking you don’t have what it takes!!

Do you dare to try to make a change?

Never underestimate the God you follow!

Don’t look back…

Somebody needs the light you have!

Don’t lose heart…

Keep on pushing back the dark!!

Be a shining city on a hill…

Every sinner saved by grace…

Has a purpose and a place!

Sometimes we don’t understand the bigger plan!

Just keep walking on…

To see His Kingdom come!

Let your lights all shine…

He’s the Light that burns inside your soul…

You’ve got keep shining for the whole world to know…

Even when you feel like you’re too small…

We all need to shine…

Like sunrise through the window…

A symphony crescendo…

Wake up…

Rise from the dead…

Shine like stars…

Pushing back the dark!!

With your lights!

Push back the darkness at every step…

Light pushes back darkness!!

Amen!!

1 John 1:5

“This is the message we have heard from Him

and declare to you:

God is light;

in Him there is no darkness at all.”

Jul25

What A Web We Weave…

Posted on July 25, 2013 by sagescenery

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The other day…

My husband called me outside on the lanai…

“Come quick!

Bring your camera!

Here’s a shot of a lifetime!!”

At first, I just couldn’t see it!

What was he pointing at???

Then, I moved closer…

And the light shifted…

And suddenly…

I saw this beautiful spider’s web!!!!!!

It was huge!

Oh, so perfect!

Nice to look at…

But, if I was a tiny, little, helpless fly…

I would be tempted to fly into that web…

Which is soooo attractive to me!

And get hopelessly caught!!

Don’t get caught in a web of the devil’s lies!!

Sin may look beautiful…

Even bring temporary pleasure…

But it’s a death trap!!

Just like this beautiful spider web is…

To the spider’s prey!

The enemy of our soul…

Seeks to steal from us…

Ensnare us…

Entangle us…

Kill us…

And destroy us!!

He uses beautiful counterfeit!

It’s hard to see his tricks!

Let Jesus shine His Light…

At just the right angle…

And you’ll be able to suddenly see…

The devious plans…

The enemy has for you!

John 10:10

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;

I have come that they may have life,

and have it to the full.”

Turn away…

And embrace God’s Plan for your life!!

Jeremiah 29:11

“‘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.'”

Ahhh…

I love this promise of God!!!

Jul24

Are You A “HIStory” Maker?????

Posted on July 24, 2013 by sagescenery

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My son and I went up to “Rise Up” YEX 2013 camp last night in Bradenton…

http://explosiveyouth.com/rise-up/

at Christian Retreat…

http://www.christianretreat.org/

The speaker was Jeanne Mayo…

She spoke bluntly about love relationships!

Based on the Scripture:

2 Samuel 13

About Amnon and Tamar

It was powerful!!

And very well received by the packed sanctuary of teens!!

Many came to the altar,

To “Rise Up”

And to run…

Into the arms of our Lord!

According to:

http://explosiveyouth.com/2013-speakers/

“Jeanne Mayo is acclaimed by Ministries Today as…

‘America’s Number One Youth Pastor’

She’s thrown her heart and passion into youth ministry for over four decades…

Her ministry DNA is reflected in her life mission statement:

‘The motivation and mentorship of Kamikaze Christianity into practicing and potential Kingdom champions.’

Jeanne’s successful ministry has placed her in high demand as a youth ministry…

And youth leadership communicator…

She has criss- crossed the U.S. and the globe…

Speaking in countless venues to teenagers…

And college students as well as their leaders…

As she continues to travel, one of her greatest joys…

Is to re-connect with some of the hundreds of…

Spiritual sons and daughters in full-time ministry all over the world…

Jeanne considers her most cherished accolades, though…

To be centered around her family…

She is the proud mom of two adult sons, Josh and Justin…

Who are both also in full-time ministry…

And the adoring ‘Nana’ of two young grandsons…

Elijah and Judah…

Her cherished husband remains her ‘boyfriend and hero’

After over 40 years of marriage and ministry together….

Jeanne’s life mantra comes from missionary Jim Elliot….

His words capture the essence of her heart and life’s mission:

‘He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot lose.’”

The worship by Tyrelle Mustafa last night was amazing!!

My favorite Christian Rock song of the evening was:

Is it true today that when people pray
Cloudless skies will break
Kings and queens will shake?
Yes, it’s true and I believe it!
I’m living for You!

Is it true today that when people pray
We’ll see dead men rise
And the blind set free?
Yes, it’s true and I believe it!
I’m living for You?

I’m gonna be a “HIStory” maker in this land!
I’m gonna be a speaker of truth to all mankind!
I’m gonna stand, I’m gonna run!
Into Your arms, into Your arms again!!

Yes, it’s true today that when people stand
With the fire of God, and the truth in hand
We’ll see miracles, we’ll see angels sing!
We’ll see broken hearts making “HIStory!”
Yes, it’s true and we believe it!!
We’re living for You!!

We were all born to be “HIStory” makers!!!!!

Ordinary people, Extraordinary Faith!

Psalm 24:6

“Such is the generation of those who seek him,

who seek your face,

God of Jacob.”

Amen!!