Won't you be My love....Mercy Me

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKG3Pwr04A0

Galatians 5: 17 "The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants.....These two forces are constantly fighting each other".......

There is a war, and it begins inside of us. Good and evil, light and darkness, Love or hate.

I wonder what this world would be like if we could all just love and pray for one another.

Acts 4: 30 "Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the Name of Your Holy servant Jesus.

I used this song once before to write a blog, but the lyrics just recently convicted me. I really love when God does that, because it shows me time and time again, that we all make mistakes. Yes, even those of us who call ourselves Christians.

None of us are a mistake, but we all make our share of mistakes. The most amazing thing to me, is that God loves us ALL THE SAME!

I am a Christian, but the way I became part of the gossip about Miley Cyrus and her performance at the MTV awards, made me feel horrible. What if she was my daughter? I was a part of watching this on someone's phone. The good thing is, I did get up. It was so sexually raunchy I couldn't watch it. I really didn't expect that at all !Everyone was saying, "oh my god, you have to see this." The sad thing is, next year someone will try to top that. The one thing I said right was, I was more mad at national TV for even allowing that to be shown. The other thing I was so mad at, was this 36 year old grown man, a father and husband, being a part of this performance with her. This man is raising children. He is suppose to be an example and leader to his little ones, and thinks it's o.k. to sing and perform to music with horrible lyrics the way he did. All I could say is, "God help His children!" Then the conviction began inside me. What about "God help Miley, and Robin." Knowing that anyone who can sing music, and perform like that on national TV, are so broken and is such need of Jesus.

If you are, or call yourself a Christian, are you His Love? Or do you sometimes fall into gossiping like I did? Or are you a part of posting horrible pictures people have been putting out there with Miley, thinking it's funny?

Those of us who made the choice to follow Jesus, God has set us aside to be His hope and joy, His peace makers, His Love. Not to look like the rest of the world. Miley is someone's daughter, and Robin is someone's son. Both of them loved very much by God. There are so many people broken and lost, and God is in need of us to lead them to the cross. Maybe we will never personally meet Miley or Robin, but our prayers are powerful, and we can pray for them and others in need of Jesus.

These are the lyrics that really convicted my heart for Miley. "She is not to blame for the journey she is on. Her life is no mistake, won't you lead her to my cross." She is, I think, 20 years old, and started in the lime light at a very young age. Who knows what all that fame and money can do to some of the weaker minded people.  

She is an adult and responsible for her choices. But we are held responsible for praying and being what God wants us to be. We are to be His voice calling, His hands healing, His feet walking. His love in this broken world. Let's stop the bashing, and pray. You may not have children now, but you just might one day. So think about that.

I pray that God will continue to grow me to look more like His Son. The question is, "what does Love look like to you?" I was wrong for being a part of the crowd for a few moments. I am so thankful for the conviction, and for being obedient to the tug on my heart to write this. I hope it helps you too if you fell into the trap of ugly gossip instead of love.

Kim

mvdevotional.blogspot.com

Give me faith..... Elevation Worship

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFHudYLt6l0

The results from my nerve test for both legs and feet are in. I am not happy with what they told me, but there is nothing I can do. It is damage to my peroneal nerves in both legs, labeled Sensorimotor Peripheral Neuropathy. There is nothing that can be done about it. It is what it is. They say I am very lucky, and they don’t understand why I don’t feel the pain and tingling in my legs that should come along with this damage. So of course I started to think about the future, and as I get older what is going to happen to me. When will the pain and tingling come? The thoughts I was having were starting to bring me down. So I prayed to my Faithful God 2 Corinthians 10: 5, “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

O.K, so I have nerve damage. I can still exercise, walk with and without my braces, and enjoy every day for all the things I can do. Or I can drive myself crazy, and become a nervous wreck with thoughts of tomorrow and what is going to happen to me. God’s word tells me: Matthew 6: 34 “do not worry about tomorrow”… Psalm 55: 22 “cast my burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you.” Mark 9: 23, “Everything is possible for him who believes.” I love this one: John 14: 21 “I too will love him and show myself to him.” God’s word is so UPLIFTING!! I can certainly testify to the truth of His word.

I know that faith requires many areas of learning and training. Many prayers are being prayed, including my own personal request to God, but the answer right now is still not what I wanted to hear. So what do I do? I will be thankful for each day, and keep believing His word, and never be swayed from what I see, hear, or feel, even if the healing doesn’t come.

I will not deny, it is hard to wait on God in faith, but it is this discipline of faith that brings me even closer to Jesus than I was before.

How do we keep our peace?

Taken from a devotional: The way to peace and victory is to accept every circumstance and every trial as being straight from the hand of our loving Father. To live “with Him in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 2:6) above the clouds, in the very presence of His throne. To look down from glory on our circumstance as being lovingly and divinely appointed.

So it’s all o.k. He gives me strength to trust what He says. God is so good, and His love is great! He is always with me.

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Kim

Yahweh .... Tal and Acacia

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHrAj_13O5A

As a personal trainer, I know that exercise and eating right will give you healthy benefits, and usually good yearly checkups at the doctors.(does everyone listen?)

The dentist always tells me that daily flossing will give me better results at my 6 month checkups. (does everyone listen?)

Jesus teaches us to take time with God and pray in: Mark 1:35... Mark 6: 45-46.... Mark 14: 32-34.... Luke 4: 42...(does everyone listen?)

I listen to Jesus about this and many other examples He gives us in His word, and I know he's right.

"Do I believe that Your my God, that Your all I need? Do I believe that You'll sit down and be crowned my King for eternity?" Yes I do!!

Try to begin each day with time for God. Don't wait to see if you'll have time for Him in your busy day, because you probably won't. You'll rush Him, like you rush flossing your teeth each day. Get up a little earlier, you won't be sorry, and your checkup in the end will be worth it. (Selah)

I love my mornings to begin with Jesus. As I sit humbly at His feet, I begin to soak in all He is to me every day, and every moment of my day. Whether it be in God's word, or a song I will listen to, His voice is so sweet to my heart. That time with Him is so important to me, I just hate that it passes by so quickly. Then it’s off to work, and the world. He truly is the reason why I can smile at this world each day, because he is the source of my joy, and makes my heart glad.

Psalm 104: 15 ... "gladdens the heart of man, oil to make his face shine, and bread that sustains the heart." So why wouldn't you want to soak in all Jesus is before stepping out in this crazy world.

Romans 6: 4, tells us ... "just as Christ was raised from the dead... we too have a new life." As you gaze upon our Lord each day, you will be changed from glory to glory. There are many problems we all face each day. There is much evil all around us. But if you look at the Lord Jesus FIRMLY, and you know the truth of His word , you know that all these things are temporary.

So as time passes away each day, we as followers of Jesus Christ, need to make it our business to shine in this dark world. He is there, in us, and a part of us. As Jesus satisfies our hearts, we can help show who He is to a hurting world.

Matthew 28: 16-20 Jesus never said it would be easy, and he never promised our conditions of life to be the way we would like them to be. He only promised that He is with us always, "even unto the end of the world."

Taken from a devotional..... "We are called to walk in newness of life. Not a religion, but a walk: a walk in which we are visible on all sides: a walk which fixes many eyes upon us: a walk in which we are made a spectacle to heaven, and earth, and hell."

John 12: 26, Jesus said "Follow me" So we must soak in all He is, listen to his voice so sweet, and follow. Whatever condition you find yourself in, do not let anything hide who He is in you. We are filled with ALL He is, and ALL His power to press on...

"So let time pass away as I simply praise...  My Daddy, My Abba, My Best Friend......  YAHWEH (The Great I AM)

 http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mountain-Valley-Devotionals/508413785852066

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Kim

Great I Am .... Phillips Craig and Dean

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_VR-zwp2KA

This is to everyone who says, "but what if?"

Many people I talk to each day who say they believe, will sometimes say, "but what if we are wrong, because the bible was written by man?' I always ask them, "but don't you have a story of your own? Or can't you remember when you first believed? Think back when your doubt became a conviction, and your conviction became the certainty of REALLY KNOWING.

Who was the first person to start writing the beginning stories of the bible, and who was the last, I don't know. All I know is it is the truth. I may not understand everything, but I know that if the experiences with Jesus were still being written today, the bible would not be just one book. There wouldn't be enough book shelves to hold everyone's stories.

2 Peter 1: 20 ...."men spoke from God, as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit." 2 Timothy 3: 16 "All scripture is God breathed"... The bible is not just a collection of stories. The whole bible is God's inspired word. It is the best way to know that everything else is false. God wants to show us what is true through His word. The more time I spend with God, the more I become confident in my faith, and it continues to change me for the better, and for His purpose. Not just saying I believe and staying the same old person I was. I remember sinning and feeling little or no regret. I remember thinking I was a better person than the other sinners. When God gets hold of your heart, you will never be that old person again. Sin will trouble your heart so much, it leads you to repentance. You realize how many souls are in need of Jesus. Instead of having a cold heart about the lost, your heart breaks for them as God's heart is breaking.

That is when the "what ifs" become "I know!" You are not the same person. Your talk is different, and your look is different because your heart is changed forever.

Jesus is alive in many believers today. These people, no matter what they are facing, seem to have the most radiant look about them. They know He is "The Great I am" not the "I was."

Luke 24: 1-9 So look for Jesus today among the living. Look for signs of His power and miracles, they are all around us.

 **Read Ezekiel 37: 1-14 Don't you desire to see dry bones live? Let's continue to share what Jesus has done, and is still doing in our lives. "Prophesy to those bones and say to them, Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord!"

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Kim

Take this world and give me JESUS!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=he32vwlKQPY

(Here ya go sis, you’ve been wanting me to use this song)

What’s normal anymore, and what’s weird?

Thanks to the teaching of my pastor at church, and the news on T.V., I was motivated to write this….

I can say that I am definitely weird !! With a capital “W” and I don’t care, and I’ve been called a lot worse.

What I hear on the news doesn’t surprise me anymore. It just breaks my heart more, and more! But it also makes me so mad.

Have you heard the latest about the basketball player coming out that he is gay? Well every station on TV. considers that news. So many people are saying he is so brave for coming out like that, and considering him a hero.

My outlook on what is brave, and what is a hero, must seem weird to the world. I mean I consider brave, our soldiers, or fireman, or anyone who risk their one life for the sake of another’s, John 15: 13.

Here’s another bit of news for you. You need to be 18 years of age to buy cigarettes over the counter, but girls can be 15 years old to buy the morning after pill to prevent a pregnancy without a parents’ consent. They don’t even have a license to drive yet !!! I sure hope they post all the side effects this pill will have, like they do to all the other medications they advertise on T.V. I would be a side effect my girls would not like to have, if they were 15 now. I thank God my children are grown and married, and they probably are too after hearing the news or reading this. I just pray for my grandchildren now. I am so thankful that my daughter is faithful to bringing them both to church on Sundays, and directing them on the right path. Proverbs 22:6.

O.K….here’s one more thing I am going to mention. The atheist (those who don’t believe in God) are going to be allowed to pass around their pamphlets in school. I guess our kids today who are believers in Jesus Christ would be considered weird to them. What could possibly be in that pamphlet that would give people hope for today. But especially the reality of tomorrow. Even atheist use the expression, “see you tomorrow.” It takes faith to think you will wake up to see tomorrow. The older I get usually say, “If God is willing I’ll see you tomorrow.” That saying seems weird to people. So I’m convinced… I’m weird, and I like it!!!!!

Take this world and give me more of Jesus…

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Kim

Forever Reign...Hillsong...&...Whom shall I fear...Chris Tomlin

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3f3sNiYpuF4

I pray to my Lord Jesus, for anyone who is going through any trial that brings you to a place of fear or worry. Remember Who is in control ! Keep your eyes on Jesus. He holds the whole world in His hands, and He is holding you. When you hurt, He hurts. When you are afflicted, He is afflicted. When you pray to Him, He hears…. Nothing formed against us will stand! Isaiah 54: 17.

“My heart will sing no other name, Jesus, Jesus…..

John 14: 27, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you.” …..You are PEACE, You are PEACE, when my fear is crippling……..  You are TRUE, You are True, even in my wondering… You are MORE, You are MORE, than my words can ever say... You are LORD, You are LORD, in Your presence I’m made whole. You are God, You are God, of all else I’m letting go.”………………  Great lyrics we can all relate to !!!

I Praise you Lord Jesus for who You are in me. You are so much more than just the forgiver of all my sins. You are everything, every promise that Your living Word says You are inside of me!! Where would I be without You? I would be in a crippled state of mind, but because of You… You are peace even when my fear can be crippling.

The nerve system in our bodies is very complex, and very confusing, BUT NOT FOR MY GOD!

I have nerve damage in the lower part of my body, coming from my back or legs, which is effecting my legs and feet, labeling it as foot drop. I will be put in braces to help me walk better, and possibly faster. I can still exercise, with or without them. I Praise God for all I can still do while waiting for the results from test they will be doing. I need to have knee surgery on my left knee due to bone, on bone. The doctor can’t do this surgery until he gets the o.k. from the nerve doctor.  The nerve doctor has ordered some test to be done to find out where, and if a nerve is pinched. Of course I am praying it doesn’t get worse, and yes for healing if it is His will for me. This is a scary place to be, but I know that “ MY GOD is Strong and Mighty, and HE is a friend of mine!” So what should I fear when I know He is in control of EVERYTHING about me. Yet because I am human, and can have those thoughts that just scare the heck out of me, I can go to that place of fear at times. But thanks to Who my Jesus is in me, it doesn’t last long. Psalm 56: 3-4, “When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. In God whose word I praise.”

A friend from my church said to me, “courage is not the absence of fear.” So after really thinking about that statement I thought, how could I really experience the Spirit of courage, if God doesn’t allow me to face some kind of fear. So right then another song came to my lips, and I couldn’t stop singing these two songs all day. It brought me SO MUCH STRENGTH, and PEACE. No matter how long God has me here, or even if He decides to keep me as I am, at least I’m in His hands. What a wonderful place He has brought me to. To be so satisfied in His control, that I came to a place of trust and tranquility in whatever the outcome may be, or how long it takes to get there.

I thank God for prayer, and that He hears His children praying for each other. Thank you all for keeping me in your prayers. Believe me, I feel it.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOkImV2cJDg  (Chris Tomlin’s song… Whom shall I fear) “I know Who goes before me, I know Who stands behind, the God of angel armies is ALWAYS by my side.”

 So really, what do we have to fear when our GOD is in control ! He is our Almighty Watcher, a faithful friend. Nothing can happen to us without His direction. Even hell itself is under His control !

I hope you enjoy the two songs, and it brings you the strength and peace it brought me.

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Reign in me ... Jeremy Camp

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLFWlzUyPwE

2 Corinthians 3: 2-3 "Your yourselves are our letters, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, not written in ink, but the Spirit of the living God"....

 "If there's anything that I would pray, It's that the whole world would seek Your Face, and In spite of who I can be, please reign in me. I want all who I meet to see You in me, I want all that I speak to be You. Let's carry the people crying, and become a generation fighting to lead the lost into His hand."

I'm sure many of us can relate to the verses of this song. I know I can. Remembering the faithful followers of Jesus Christ who have seen "so many teardrops fall to the ground" of my own, and held my hand and prayed for my soul that was "once lost and now found."

I am forever grateful for them, that every part of their life was pointing me to Jesus Christ, imperfections and all. They weren't just a head full of book knowledge, speaking to me in ways I couldn't comprehend. They were a life changed, sharing the depths of their heart and imperfections, pointing me to the ONLY "Perfect ONE."

We do not become believers by following some manual, or by any other technique. Our changed life can only be explained as a result of God's Spirit breaking through the darkness and hardness of our hearts, giving us new life and the power to live for Him. When people look at you, only then they will see the bible as the LIVING Word of God, and not just a book written by men.

Some believers that I have met along this road, goes beyond human explanation. When people look at our lives as believers in Jesus Christ, we don't need to speak a single passage of scripture, we should just be living Christ. People need to see that the Jesus we speak about is who reigns in our changed lives. Let them know that this changed life starts with the desire to give God control. Never seeking to be perfect, because that will never happen this side of heaven. But seek the "Perfect One."

 http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mountain-Valley-Devotionals/508413785852066

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Kim

When God ran ... Phillips Craig and Dean

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tx97Jrbrhvw If you aren’t moved by this song, check your heartbeat and see if you’re even alive. Luke 15: 11-32 --- I love verse 18…The son says “I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: father I have sinned against heaven and against you.” If the song doesn’t move you, I hope the word of God does. I love this story so much because we all can relate to one of the characters. Maybe you’re the prodigal son, who represents a personality of a rebellious, self centered, immature young man, who is far from God. He wanted his inheritance early, and once his father gave it to him, he went off to waste his fortune on wild living. The great ending of this story, was once he hit the lowest of lows, he returns to his father for forgiveness. Maybe you are like the older brother, who clearly shows a personality like the Pharisees, who have a self righteous attitude and forget to rejoice when a sinner returns to God. Maybe you are like the servants in the household, rejoicing with the father when his wayward son found his way back home. Maybe you are like the father of this story, a parent going through this. A parent whose heart is broken over the choices your young adult is making. Don’t think that Gods heart isn’t hurting too. But the bible promises, if their profession of faith was true, that they will NEVER be snatched from His hand. You’ve done all you know God has led you to do. You know now you have to let go, and let God. They will be in the hands of our Heavenly Father, and our prayers to Him. Unfortunately,  lessons in this life NEVER come easy. The most beautiful part I love of this story, is the vision I get of the child coming back to the father, back to the Truth they once knew, and the parent welcoming them back, no questions asked. What a picture of Grace, what Mercy. God is always reaching for us. He is always watching and waiting. We can never walk beyond God’s grace, no matter where we go, or what we’ve done. His love is always there reaching for us. The heaven you find, from the hell you’ve been in, that’s where God’s mercy begins. It is no surprise to God where you’ve been. He is just waiting to set you free.  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mountain-Valley-Devotionals/508413785852066 …..mvdevotional.blogspot.com Kim        ActionsMark as UnreadMark as ReadMark as SpamStarClear StarInboxE mails from workHUBKimLHDRMedical InfoMisc.MotesPaid BillsRecipiesTaxesVacations  Previous Next

I am free.....Newsboys

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nR7bBEBIC9g

Great song !!!!! Hope it motivates you to live the life you have, for Him who died to give it to you!!!!! Hope you view this video to the end….

Jesus gave us life—free to live---but most important, He is patient to see if we will live for Him, and come to thank Him not just for the weekend, but life here, and forever. Your free…. What are you doing with the freedom Jesus has given you? Keep looking at the cross. Let it sink deep into your heart, the suffering Jesus went through to pay for our sins. The Romans wouldn’t stop beating Him, even as He crawled upon His own cross, waiting for them to nail Him to it so the will of His Father would be finished. Do you have a vision yet of what He went through for you and me. A sinless, spotless Man, suffered and died for us so we didn’t have to. Life owes us NOTHING, we owe it all to Him.

  Have you made a profession of being a follower of Jesus Christ, and yet live care free in this world like some do? That angers me, and maybe I’m wrong for being angry, but it helps me to pray for my own walk, and for others who call themselves followers of Jesus Christ.

Do you think that this world owes you something? If we live like this, this is why people make fun of our faith, and speak bad of Christians.

When you read some of the post on face book, so many people make statements like… “Yee pee it’s Friday!”  “Can’t wait to go out this weekend and get my dance on.” “Free for the weekend.” Or this one that really cracks me up, are those who don’t even believe in God saying, “Thank God it’s Friday.” Does that not make you laugh, yet I am so sad for them at the same time. I also get sad (and mad) at some other statements that come from those who say they are a Christians.

We are free to talk how we choose,  live this life as we choose, but my prayer is, never forget Who gave it to you. It might just change the way you talk, and live.

Through Jesus the blind will see, through Jesus the mute will sing, through Jesus the dead will rise, through Jesus the darkness flees, through Jesus the Kingdom’s come, through Jesus the battles won,  through Jesus I’m not afraid, through Jesus the price is paid, through Jesus there’s victory… Because of Jesus my heart screams I AM FREE!!!!

Yes I am free. It’s not just the weekend, or days off I choose to be excited about, and live for. It is my Savior I praise, and get excited about every day of my life. He bought my freedom with His life. John 8: 36, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

We live this life with the freedom to serve either our Savior, or the father of lies and deception. Who do you belong to? Just listen to the fact that Jesus states from His word in John  8: 34-35, “ I tell you the truth, everyone who sins, is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever.” Now in John 8: 42- 44, Jesus says, “If God were your Father, you would love me….. Jesus continues to say….Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. You belong to your father, the devil”….

Love is spending time with someone, respect, you hurt when they hurt. Anything that breaks the heart of God should affect us deeply. We should realize our wrongs and want to change, or at least listen to someone who loves us, telling us we are going down the wrong road. They are speaking very clearly to you, you are just not listening.

Or, are you being deceived, thinking you are doing nothing wrong? Are you “unable to hear what I say,” is the statement  Jesus said. Who is God sending to you to try and help you. Are you listening? How long will you allow the devil to hold you in his grasp? The devil will never leave us alone as long as we are here in this world. Tempting us in all areas of life.

We all are sinners, living in a fallen world. We all fall short of the glory of God. But if you truly are His, you will be driven from the inside out to repent from the sin that is causing you to be far from the presence of God, and maybe even far from the loved one who is trying to help and guide you down the right path.

Don’t you miss the closeness you once felt with that loved one who is trying to help you? The closeness you once had with your Savior. Then come back home, His arms are always open. He is our Father, and a parents love never ends.

You are free to choose who you will serve.  Joshua 24: 15 …. “choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve”….

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Kim

We are not home yet....Steven Curtis Chapman

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-A1u-Zfal8

1 Timothy 1: 12 “I thank Jesus Christ our Lord, who has given me strength, that He considered me faithful, appointing me to His service.”

I’ve been a believer in Jesus Christ way back since I can remember. But it wasn’t till later in life, at the age of about 36, that I gave my life to Him, and now this journey in this world makes more sense to me.

Sometimes the road is warm, and sometimes it gets so hot I just wanted to get off. What do you do when God turns up the heat?

Let Him mold you to reflect Him. Find the strength in all His promises to carry on.

Don’t get stuck in anger, fear, or anxiety, instead of thankfulness and praise, Philippians 4: 6.

We can’t just follow Jesus because it’s convenient, or our road is smooth. We follow because of what we know… “We are not home yet.” So  let us not grow weary, or to content to stay.

I truly want people to remember me by how I extended His hand of forgiveness to those who didn’t deserve it, because He extended it to me. To extend His love to others, yes again, even to those who don’t deserve it because “He first loved me.” 1 John 4: 19. I try to live each day with the thought in my head, that I didn’t even deserve for Him to look my way, and yet He did. His love for you and me never changes.

I’ve learned to focus on the Redeemer, not just being redeemed. I love on my Savior because of who He is to me, not just because of my salvation, and my spot in heaven. I believe this makes all the difference in this world on how we reflect Him, and we are able to do the impossible that people aren’t able to understand until they too decide to come into this relationship with Jesus.

Also never forget where you once were, and what Jesus has taught you in this journey, and where He’s brought you with His never ending, and never changing love for you.

Now go out and “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” Philippians 4: 5.

  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mountain-Valley-Devotionals/508413785852066

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Kim

There will be a day.. Jeremy Camp

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8gkDiTvloc

Do you want to follow Jesus? He demands a life change, complete surrender of our life to Him. Matthew 16: 24, "If anyone follow me, he must deny himself and take up his cross"....  What is your cross? If you don't have one yet, you will. It won't be easy, but He promises to ALWAYS be with us.

I believe half of the reason why people don’t give all of themselves to Christ, is because either they don’t want to change or give up something’s, but also afraid of how God might want to use their life to bring Him glory.

If you have been watching the bible series on t.v., or you have read the bible, you will see that ALL of God's servants, (Children of God) did not have it easy at all. Look at what Paul says in Philippians 2: 14-18, "I am being poured out like a drink offering"... That doesn't sound easy to me. Our lives are to be an offering to point people to Jesus and our eternal home.

We can hold on to this world, but we will feel the weight of what it brings, and the hurt that will always try to grab at our hearts, mind (thoughts), and soul. Or we can enter into God's rest, holding onto the promise that He brings. "There will be a day, and a place with no more suffering." No more tears, no more pain, no more fears, no more burdens of this place. But until that day of seeing Jesus face to face, hold onto Him through this race. The beauty that Jesus brings to our hearts, mind, and souls while we are here in this life, far outweighs the hurt of life's sting.

John 5:30, Jesus said, "I seek not to please myself but Him who sent me." Wow, this is the mind set we are to have as a follower! That's not easy at a young healthy age, is it? Yes if we are old, and have lived life, it would be a little easier to say. But the truth of this gift of life is, what God says it is. And that is to glorify Him, and point people home.

I look at life as a race. You will find many scriptures that say that...1 Corinthians 9:24,.. Hebrews 12: 1,.. 2 Timothy 4: 7   We don't know how long our race will be. It may be a sprint, it may be for a long distance. It is a race of being made spiritually mature. The experiences that God allows for us to go through, should bring our hearts, mind, and soul, one with Jesus Christ. It is never an easy race, but winners have to train hard. Our life is a stage for God from the start, to the finish line.

Think of how short Jesus' life was on earth. Being tested in the desert for 40 days to build His strength for all He would endure before He was sent out to do the will of His Father. Everything Jesus did was to point us to His Father, and our home forever, as He glorified Him in His suffering.

Suffering, and trials will come in this race of life. We can't say it isn't fair when we look at Jesus and His suffering. He is the reason why we even have this gift of life.  Some of us are given a long life, some of us are given a short time here. Whatever we are gifted with, the race is still to glorify God.

So how do we "shine like stars.... as you hold out the word of life".... even while you carry your cross…… By rejoicing, not complaining. Look to Jesus on the cross coming close to His death, and remember what He said when He saw His loved ones crying. “don’t cry for me, cry for yourselves.” He knew where He was going. Back to His glorious kingdom He promises to all who believe, and call Him Lord, and live their lives to show He is Lord. He knew what we who are left here in this world, are going to face. I thank God this isn’t home. So until that day, I hold onto Him as tight as I can.

Watching the lives of those who are believers and rejoicing in their trials, is more attractive to me than someone complaining and gloomy everyday of their life.

I want to know the strength that person has to keep running the race of eternal victory, even while they are suffering, from the start, to the finish line.

I heard a car insurance commercial the other day and it made me think.... He said, " Are you in good hands? Well with us, good things come to those who drive right."

Well, I know that I am in good Hands, and I know good things while I am here may not happen. But the greatest part of this race, is I am allowing God to drive my life. I don't want to go yet, but I don't fear it either. I know... "There will be a day that I will enter in His rest, with the wonders anew, and I will see Jesus face to face."

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Kim

Keep singing.....Mercy me

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSyixFR9tLo

I hope you feel the peace in the lyrics of this song....

One thing I get to do at my job, is drown out the TV with my music. So I “Keep singing” and praising His name anyway !! I don’t ever have to be away from my Father’s presence.

There will always be days when we watch the news, or look at the cover of news papers, and I'm sure we'll wonder “how much more can God take? What is He waiting for?” Than I get stopped in my selfish thinking.

This always makes me think of the scripture that He is not willing to loose not one. Maybe that one is a family member of mine, or a friend I have been praying for to receive Jesus Christ as their Savior. Or someome else in this world praying for their family members. It really makes me realize just how patient God is with us all. God hears the prayers of His children, and I thank Him that His love for us all is longsuffering.  

 2 Peter 3: 8-10 "But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years is as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise.....but is longsuffering...not willing that any should perish, but all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord WILL COME as a thief in the night".....

I love the lyrics "can I climb up in Your lap, I don't want to move, Jesus sing over me"

After my quiet time with God in the mornings, I really don’t want to move. It is such a peaceful place. Then I get to work and the TV goes on in the break room, and the paper gets delivered to the concierges desk. I can hear all the heartbreaking news behind me on the TV, and see the horror on the front page of the newspaper. It makes me just want to cry. It often makes me think of how little I see and hear. If I don't want to see it or hear it, I can just turn it all off. But what about our God? Our loving Father.  He sees and hears and knows  EVERYTHING. He gave us all free will, so He can't stop peoples evil choices. We see the news on TV, or look at a news paper of things that are happening around the world. But we still don’t see everything that God sees. How His heart must break.

We can't escape reality. What we see and read is really happening. Some of which is very hard to believe. That is why I love my quiet place with my Father every day. Reality is, I can't stay in that closed quiet room upon His lap. But I can stay at peace within my heart knowing the truth of God's word. John 16: 33, "I have said these things to you so that you may have peace. In the world YOU WILL have tribulation, but take heart, I have overcome the world." It will all come to an end one day, but none of us know the day or hour, Matthew 24: 36.

Where do you go in times of trouble? Who do you call? Do you have a relationship with Jesus? My prayer is if you don't know Him in an intimate way, you will open the door to your heart so He can come in and clean your house. The horrible things that are going on in this world will come to an end one day. I hope you will be part of the family. Those of us who follow Jesus, and put all our hope and trust in Him alone.

If you need your teeth checked, you go to a dentist... If you're sick, you go to a doctor....if your car has broke down, you call a mechanic....

When you need the "peace that passes all understanding" go to Jesus.

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Kim

Hammer Holds

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HcHYWI4df4

GREAT LYRICS in this song!!!!

“A shapeless piece of steel, that’s all I claim to be. This hammer pounds to give me form, this flame it melts my dreams”…

The hard heart, a heart of stone, refuses to be hammered into form. But the heart of flesh, a new heart, is willing to be molded by the Makers hand. No matter how impure our life may be, how unclear things seem, God always offers His view, new beginnings, and His amazing, never ending, unconditional love.

We have a Maker, and we are His handiwork, Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Our heavenly Father wants the best for us, just like our earthly parents. I am so thankful for the parents God gave me. I always prayed to be like my mom in many areas I love about her character. I’ve also prayed to be like my dad in many ways, especially his physical strength. God gave me a little of the both of them in my makeup.

When I was little, I really didn’t understand  being disciplined for things I did wrong,  and I definitely didn’t like it. But as I got older, and gained more understanding, I appreciated what I was becoming. All that my parents knew I could be. I had no doubt how much my parents loved me, and wanted the best for me and to keep me from harm.  I always hoped my life would make my parents proud. Proud to say that I am their daughter.

The process of growing up from a child to an adult, and all the bumps in the road of becoming who we are, is the same process of growing in our relationship with Jesus. As the hammer pounds again, it’s to look more like Him,  to have more of His characteristics. We will get disciplined along the way, and we won’t like it. But as we grow closer to Him,  you realize it’s all because of how much He loves us. You will want to live your life to put a smile on His face. To know within your Spirit, the situations that arise in your life and how you are handling them, are making Him a proud Father.

If we will just remain through this process that can be painful, our final shape, and final form, we are bound to find. The first step is to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Then allow The Maker to create in you a new heart. Ezekiel 36: 26 “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you. I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.”

When we realize that our dreams are not the issue here. That it is all about taking the life of this guiltless Man. Than the things that were once so unclear, our life and tasks that God has set before us, will become more clear.

So if the question still remains,… “what am I to be?”….  know that He’s pounding and shaping you into a “perfect piece of art for all to see.”

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Kim

Grace flows down

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f02YXBP-KFE

His grace flows down and covers us......

Have you ever prayed with everything you’ve got, everything you have left inside of you? Or have you forgotten how to crawl back up into your Father’s lap? Don’t stay away to long. Because every moment you do, the enemy continues to deceive you with his lies. You won’t be able to see clearly, or even think clearly. He is a liar and wants’ to destroy everything good.

My prayer is that we never forget the POWER in the blood of our Savior. So pray it over EVERYTHING, and EVERY AREA OF YOUR LIFE!

This is where you will find relief. This is where you will be refreshed, filled with the strength that is only found in the precious blood of Jesus. His grace comes down and covers us. It will clear your vision so you could see things how God sees them, and He will prove to you that it is sufficient.

I just love this verse... 2 Corinthians 12: 8-9 "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."

I've said it before, and I'll say it a thousand times, "I don't know how anyone can walk through this life without wanting to feel the presence of Jesus every day."

You will see that what your praying for may not change, but you will. Whatever it is you're going through and asking God for help, grace comes in and continues to change you. Your weakness on the inside to His strength. Psalm 59:16 "But I will sing of Your strength...for you are my fortress in times of trouble."

I read a quote in a devotional the other day, and it gave me such a clear picture of what it means when you plead with God for understanding, or to change your circumstance. Things may not be well with your circumstance and understanding of things right now, but it will become clear, and well with your soul... "God makes no mistakes in planting people where they are. He does not put any of us in a spiritual climate in which we cannot grow in beauty and strength. Wherever He plants us, He sends streams of grace to refresh us. So whatever our circumstance may be, it is possible for us to live godly lives."

Our circumstance will either lead us to grace, or grace will get us through our circumstance even if it doesn’t change.

Psalm 1: 2-6 "But his delight is the law of the Lord...he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water....and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers"...

To prosper in knowing the power of Christ in you, the will of God in your life, is the secret to perfect peace amid all the confusion and turmoil in our lives. You will have more understanding of why things are as they are. God is good, and remains ALL POWERFUL no matter what things look like.

The enemy has NO POWER over the BLOOD of Jesus!!!

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Kim