Face to Face.... Mandissa

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpfI7R7xHEs

 

When a baby is in its mother’s womb, it probably thinks that’s home. Of course, none of us can remember if we even had any thoughts.  One day when space runs out, they push their way into a big surprise.

This world may feel like home to you, but it’s not. One day we are in for a big surprise too.

 

Well out of 5 boys, the first little baby girl was born into our family. Little precious Kiya. I am always in awe and wonder when I think about the world inside mommies womb. In this dark warm place, those precious gifts of God are developing into this little bundle of joy.  Not one of us remember that place. It is a world we passed through, just as we are passing through this world. I look at it as one great BIG BELLY, but not all of us are going to the same place for all eternity.

 

So here we are, on this side of the babies developing world, praying that they would hurry up and come. Well she must have heard, because she came early. Seven months of developing, and she is just perfect. What a blessing.

One day, they run out of space and start pushing themselves into this new world. A world full of voices calling their name and a brightness like they’ve never seen before. As I was holding Kiya and looking at her little face, I kept calling her name. She kept opening and closing her little eyes as if in amazement of this new place and noise. I am sure the light had a lot to do with it too. Then the nurse came in the room and noticed that she was cold. She said, “give her to mommy. I want her skin to skin to feel mommies warmth. It is amazing to me how fast those little ones know their mommies touch, voice, and I’m sure her heartbeat, as Kiya laid her head upon her mommies chest.

 

As I walk through life here, I love the feeling of the closeness I feel with my God. But one day it won’t be just be a feeling. I will get to look right into His eyes.

 

I look at leaving this world like a baby leaves the womb. The only difference is we know the beauty that waits ahead if you are a believer.  Jesus tells us this in His word. (John 3: 16, 2 Corinthians 5:1, John 14: 3) I can only pray you believe and receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. We will probably open and close our eyes too, in amazement of this Glorious view. John 3: 19, No longer living in a dark world, but living where the light will never dim. Just like a baby hears voices calling them by name, I’m sure we will hear voices of our loved ones calling us too,( 1 Corinthians 13: 12…Matthew 17: 1-8) But most of all, I can’t wait to hear my Savior call me by name. I will worship my God “Face to Face” no longer worlds apart. I will be close enough to feel His heart, because I will be holding Him, laying my head upon His chest.

 

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Kim

Remedy... David Crowder

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afgwvO5GI4Y

 

A lot of people I talk to today want change in something or other. In the relationship they are in, change within themselves, with the job they are in, and so on….

Question is, what are you doing to change, or get the change you want? Do you have some kind of “Remedy?” If not, maybe I can help you.

 

First, you need to be broken, humbled. Pride will get you nowhere. Isaiah 66:2 … “but this is the one to whom “I” will look, he who is humble and contrite in spirit and TREMBLES at My word.” I don’t know about you, but I want the Creator of the universe looking my way. The International Bible Encyclopedia describes a contrite heart as one in which the natural pride and self-sufficiency have been completely humbled by the consciousness of guilt. A contrite heart offers no EXCUSES and SHIFTS NO BLAME. A contrite heart does not take the forgiveness of God for granted! Don’t be like the Pharisees, going through the motions of religion and being ignorant of a relationship you are in so need of. Psalm 51: 17 “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit. A broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise. Anything else is you, and that’s called PRIDE.

 

Jesus Christ, and looking to Him is the cure. It is the only cure for change. And if you don’t think that is the answer, good luck with your change. You are in for the roller coaster ride of your life. When you get tired of that, maybe then you will see what you always needed first in your life for lasting change.

 

1 Peter 3: 15 The bible tells us to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. I love this, because no one can tell me that what, and “Who,” I put my hope in isn’t true. It’s my personal experience, so therefore I can’t be wrong. It’s Jesus Christ, and only Him, Who has carried me through the roughest waters of my life. I would love to sit with anyone who wants to hear the reason why I believe in every written word of God. Sadly, it’s usually their pride that stops them from wanting to know.

 

         “He is the One Who has saved us. He is the One Who embraced us. He is the One Who has come and is coming again. He’s the Remedy,” for LASTING CHANGE.

 

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Kim

 

Today is beautiful..... David Dunn

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdj_w3MxQXo

 

Learn to look at things in a different “Light.”

 

Each day is a gift, so my thought each day is, “Today is beautiful.”

 

I went to the gym today and had a GREAT workout. I’ve been at this workout thing for a long time now. To me it’s a way of life, but it can also teach you a lot of things spiritually too. I use to hate working out really, so I had to change my thoughts, and the way I looked at things. How was everything I wanted for my health and body going to happen if I didn’t endure and persevere through the hard workouts? How would I get stronger and feel more energized if I gave up because it was just too hard, or I had no time? Really,.. than nothing would change. I would just get weaker and probably more and more health issues as I get older.

So by changing the way I looked at things, it made my thoughts about working out more positive. The difficult workouts then became fun and easier. I reached my goals as I persevered and didn’t give up. Workouts, and hanging in there with all the muscle soreness and hurts, toughen you up. Like they say, “what doesn’t kill you, will only make you stronger.”

 

Life can be like a workout, and all the trials that come with it. James 1: 2-3 “Consider it pure joy..…whenever you face trials of MANY KINDS, because you know that the testing of your faith PRODUCES PERSERVERANCE.” Verse 4, “Let perseverance FINISH its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

 

Our trials in life are not limited, that’s why the scripture says “many kinds.” Just like my workouts aren’t limited, always changing them to make change. Do you want to be mature and complete? Faith says PRESS ON, but a lot of people quit when the going gets tough. Endurance produces our character, DON’T QUIT.

 

Not giving up on our workouts builds muscles and endurance, it’s a fact. Not giving up when things get tough in life builds faith and character. It’s God’s word, and that’s a fact.

 

So what do you do with tough life situations? Never trust your own direction or thoughts. Trust God and take Him at His word. Don’t let fear direct your path. Psalm 119: 105, Let God’s word be a light unto your path.

 

“If you see more than what’s in front of you. You might see more of heavens view. Lift your eyes, see it in a different light. Just a cloud up in the open sky. Let the rain fall away because “Today is beautiful.”

 

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Kim

 

 

Lead me..(The cry of a women's heart) Sanctus Real

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLr6G8Xy5uc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtIJqNrNKsI ….Story behind this song. LISTEN!

 

How many of us women have been here? Men please listen to these words, it is the cry of our hearts, but most importantly, our Creators!

 

Ephesians 5: 25 “Husbands, love your wives just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her”….. It is so much easier for a women to submit to this kind of man.

 

What kind of man are you? I guess if your wife is smiling and full of joy,(not just in picture frames) you must be a man of God and fighting for your marriage.

 

It seems like people today are finding it easy to say, “I tried God, it just doesn’t work for me.” Wow, what a cop out! People find it just as easy to cop out of marriage relationships today as well. How Sad! What happened to… “For better or worse, in sickness and in health, till death do us part.” I guess what we said at the alter in the presence of our Lord doesn’t matter.

 

You don’t just try marriage on like a sweater, and then take it off when times get hot and  you are full of excuses.  Lines like, we are just growing apart (Then grow together)….You deserve better than I can give you (Then work on better)….I just don’t feel it anymore (Then reach out and try harder) The list can go on and on. It doesn’t change the fact that they are still excuses. You just don’t try Jesus either, and then when the going gets tough you cop out and stop believing. I agree with the bible, and the bible says “Pride goes before destruction” Proverbs 16: 18. “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” James 4: 6….. I would much rather feel the grace of my God than have destruction come upon me and my marriage. How about you? Is pride holding you back?

 

Whoever said walking with Jesus is easy should be knocked right out of the pulpit. The bible tells us we will share in His sufferings, Romans 8:17…. 2 Corinthians 1: 5. Whoever said marriage is easy, needs to wake up from their dream. It is a fight for your marriage, and Satan wants to make it as hard as he can for you.  Ephesians 6: 13 “Therefore put on the FULL ARMOUR OF GOD, so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground”….If you read on in this chapter, it tells you what to be clothed with. So if you just try Jesus, you can never be fully armored for the battles to come, and they will come. You will be easily defeated EVERYTIME!

 

So if things aren’t working for you, and everything feels like it is falling apart, Romans 13: 14 says, “But cloth yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ.” Don’t just try Him, wear Him, and never let Him go.

 

We all need to pray for strength to be everything we are called to be. Our Heavenly Father can show us the way.

 

 

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Kim

  

Dear fellow readers,

It’s me Kim’s husband again. Hi. I don’t usually chime in on Kim’s blogs because this is her field of expertise and she does it great but I felt lead to share this with all of you. Kim, being modest as she is neglected to say that she is not only writing this from scripture and words from songs but from her real life and hands on experience.  Kim has been in a battle for a long time and I regret to say  it was FOR ME rather than WITH ME.

After 7 years of dating and 31 years of marriage ( 38 years total) we have been through A LOT. God blessed me with Kim and then he blessed us with two beautiful daughters and two beautiful grandsons, and now a beautiful marriage. So yes Kim’s fight was worth it and has finally has paid off.  Now we stand together fully armored ( the Holy Spirit) our weapons ready ( Our Bibles ) and Gods strength to support us. We are now ready to fight until “Death We Do Part” because those were the vows we said to each other in front of God.  It is true that two heads are better and stronger than one but when you add God as the third then you have a cord of three that cannot be broken by anything or anyone( Kim taught me that). So MEN pick your Bible, read Song of Songs to start (otherwise known as Song of Solomon), and then read with your wife some form of God’s word everyday.  Amour up with your wife, bring God into your life and get ready to FIGHT before it’s too late. It will be well worth it. Trust me I know it was for me.

 

God’s Blessings to all of you who read these devotionals

 

Thank you Kim for writing this devotional which inspired me to write this.. I love you…see you home…

 

I will let these speak for themselves!!! Watch and listen to wisdom!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IAhDGYlpqY …..Why I hate religion

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4OK9DmLpCY...... sex, marriage, and fairy tales

I hope these short powerful messages help someone. This is worth the few minutes to watch, more important, LISTEN!

 

Mercy Tree... Lacey Sturm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrgl9z3grKU

 

Love this artist… See the joy she has singing this song with all her heart, and the new life she has in Christ. Death didn’t get her in suicide. She died to her old life and raised to a new one in Christ. All glory to You Lord God!!!

I hope you got to hear her testimony…. AMAZING!!!!!  I sent it out in a devotional “The cross, My hope America, Billy Graham”

 

Do you have a desire to be noticed? Some people go to great lengths just to be noticed. Look at some of your talk shows like Jerry Springer and what people do on camera, or postings people put on face book. We can continue to fool ourselves in trying to be noticed, and thinking we have hundreds of friends on face book. But have you actually met them all? We can have all the human connection we want, but do you really know them in a personal way. Can you really trust their opinion of you, or the things you may be struggling with. 

 

We can all stop searching for ways to be noticed. Find your rest, and be made whole. Jesus said “It is finished” John 19:30. Let’s praise Him for the “Mercy Tree” Love has won!!!!

 

You won’t find wholeness in anything you do, any amount of money you make, having all the friends you can imagine. You won’t find wholeness in anything or anyone until you are made whole in Jesus Christ! That is the hole you have to fill or you will never be satisfied. You will never feel you are good enough, even though God says you are perfect just the way He made you. We were created in His image. What more perfection are we looking for?

 

I believe that so many of us who need attention, is because of our distance from the “One” who should get all our attention. The feeling of loneliness and insecurity can be filled. Jesus waits with open arms for you to receive Him. But because magazine articles, TV talk host, science, and everything else, and everyone else has the answers to our problems, we put Him on the shelf. Doing this totally blinds us of our DEEPEST NEED that only He can satisfy. Until we are connected with our Savior, personally and intimately, we will always be lacking the feeling of being secure, and always looking for more.

 

All  our searching for meaning, fame, security, belonging, is all satisfied when we realize that we are loved beyond what we can possibly ever imagine by our Great God, Who gave us His One and only Son out of His love for mankind.

 

 

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Kim

Mystery... Phil Wickham

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gc8fK0ns53A

 

 

Some think that God is such a “Mystery.” Yes, that is true, but if we would just sit a little while with Him each day, He would be glad to reveal more and more of Himself to us.

 

Are your ears open to Gods sweet whisper? Or are you one who only listens when the loud thunder sounds? Some of us are like that. I am growing to get better at listening sooner rather than later. Sadly, some listen when it’s too late. 

 

Sometimes after the lightning strikes, the thunder sound is far off. But the lightning is what gets our attention first. Then there’s those times after it strikes it scares you half to death because the thunder is so loud because the strike was so close. Well that sure gets my little grandbaby Chase’s attention. He looks right at you when the lightning strikes, waiting with anticipation, then the BIG BOOM!! He sits right down wherever he’s at and says, “OH BOY!” Some of us really need to sit that quickly and listen to our great God.

 

God will speak to you in a sweet whisper at times. But sometimes it takes the loud thunder of His rage to break down the door of our stubbornness. Then, just maybe, we will sit down and listen.

 

I love the lyrics of this song: “Shine down Your bright light, I need a lamp for my feet. I want to hear the thunder of Who You are. To search out Your heart and all of Your mysteries.”

 

This weekend God spoke to me 2 times, using my grandchildren. I was a bit scared when my husband called me and told me he was in the emergency room. He felt pain in his chest, and a tingling down his arm at work and drove himself to the hospital. I was babysitting my grandsons when my husband called. My 5 year old grandson looked at my face when I was on the phone and knew something was wrong.  With the sweetest face he called me and said, as he tapped his heart “Nanny, remember Jesus.” This is something I always would say to him when he was only 2. “Where is Jesus?” Then we would tap our heart. Well that sure stuck with him, and he knows right when to use it. This wasn’t the first time. Then seeing Chase drop to the ground every time the thunder sounded. God couldn’t speak to me any clearer Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God.”   Thank God, after the test were done everything was o.k. They were able to find some other health issues my husband will have to work on. God is so good!

 

All I can say is, God doesn’t want to be a “Mystery” to any of us. But it is up to us to want to know more about Him. He has nothing to hide, and EVERYTHING to give. It’s up to us to desire it FULLY! Jesus said the #1 commandment is to, Matthew 22: 37, “Love the Lord your God with ALL your heart , soul and mind.” Do you want to know Him? Then just simply love Him.

 

 

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Kim