Tuesday, December 27, 2016

The cause of Christ ..... Kari Jobe




1 John 4:8, "Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is Love."

God's Love is so BIG, it is hard to describe. But once you've tasted, once you've encountered Him, you will NEVER be the same. You can't stop talking about it. Just like when you first fell in love with someone. You couldn't stop talking about them right? You always wanted to be with them. You wanted to know everything about them. You wanted to spend the rest of your life with them....That's how it is with Jesus. Then all you want to do is satisfy His hearts desire. The only difference in Jesus's love is, HE WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU, and He doesn't base His love on who you are, but on Who He is. Big difference!!! 

Jesus came, as the bible calls Him, the Bread of life. John 6:51, "I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give to the world." That's the message I want to share with anyone who is searching and never satisfied. He fills you!

I don't have the words to describe such a love as His. But the picture is very clear. THE CROSS!! I don't question anymore if my existence matters. I know I do. Love died for me and you. People go from one relationship to another looking to fill that void. Value yourself as God values you.
1 John 4: 9-10, "In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent His only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him.....not that we loved God but that He first loved us."

He does not love you based on your performance. There is nothing you can do to cause God to love you any more than He already does, and nothing to love you less. He loves us more than we love ourselves or anyone else in your life will love you.

In opening your life to Christ, you will find total love and acceptance. To be secure in His love, you will become a VERY SECURE person. That's where it begins. Knowing who you are in Christ!

…..mvdevotional.blogspot.com
Kim
  

Monday, December 19, 2016

I'm Yours.....Lauren Daigle

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Bo7mDvQyeA

“But now, this is what the Lord says…Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1

Have you ever colored by number? It starts off just a dull sketch with numbers to color in those spaces. As you continue to color, you see a beautiful picture unfolding.

When you go through storms of life, you don't see clearly what's happening. You can barely even think clearly. But if we keep the faith and let our Creator fill in those spaces, everything begins to have more color. Psalm 46: 10 "Be still," God is on your side. It's hard to bear the cross of grief or pain. It's hard not to get scared at times. But God will continue to color in those spaces and create a beautiful picture of purpose. In every change in life, He is faithful and will remain with you in it.

I remember teaching kickboxing classes. One of those classes a real boxer came up to me and asked, "can I give you some pointers?" I said, "sure, I'm not scared." By the way, there is no holding back when someone is hitting your mitts. He cracked up at how I responded. It meant him being allowed to hit my punch mitts however he wanted, and then me hitting him with his good pointers.

Working out and taking hits from class attendees, is way different than getting hit by the storms of life. Class is over, and that's that. Life goes on, and the hits can come whenever they want. What do you do? I rest on God's promises. I tell Him, "God here comes another hit. But I know "I'm Yours," and you've got this.

God gives great pointers in His word. I hear His voice of love when I read it, and it cripples every fear. Nothing can separate me from His love. He is God over every storm. I don't have to take the hits, He does. 

…..mvdevotional.blogspot.com
Kim

Monday, December 12, 2016

Constant ONE..... Steffany Gritzinger

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0-7yOE8IjM

What Beautiful truth in these lyrics in this song!!!
 Psalm 139....
Who is like God? Do you know anyone whose countenance is always the same? No matter what happens in life, they are never shaken? You will never find anyone like that. That is a fact.

As much time as I spend with the Love of my life, I am still never constant in all my circumstances. God is the only One whose countenance NEVER changes. He is the "Constant One" in ALL things! Faithful in all He does. ENDLESS in His love for us. His mercy is truly like the sun. Always rising over us, Lamentations 3:22-23.

In the mountains, and in the valleys, He takes me just for who I am. But He NEVER leaves me the same. Happiness to most people is based on their circumstances in life. We all know what hard times can do to us all. Believers and non believers. We can all be shaken. The only difference with a believer is, we know what Joy is. Joy is a deep unexplainable feeling in the soul. It is given to us by the gift of the Holy Spirit. He causes us to see the beauty of Jesus Christ, and the meaning of everything we go through.

One of my favorite lived out scripture is, James 1: 2-3. "Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of ANY KIND come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow." I love that.... My endurance has a chance to grow. Who wouldn't want that? I mean, life is like a race. The bible even tells us that, 1 Corinthians 9:24. We are all heading towards a finish line. I want to go out joyful, and I WILL!!, because I know the truth to this life. There is no place that I can go that He will not find me. That is very comforting to me.

There is really no other way to experience true joy, than to be in it with Jesus. Trials will come. But He is constantly Faithful! His track record in my life has always been perfect!

…..mvdevotional.blogspot.com
Kim

Tuesday, December 6, 2016

When You walk into the room... Bryan and Katie Torwalt

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Zqg5k_GUx4

Genesis 2:7----Job 33:4---John 20:19-22

The part of this song that gets me the most, because it is very personal with my husbands death, is...."When You walk into the room, sickness starts to vanish. Every hopeless situation ceases to exist. And when You walk into the room, the dead begin to rise because there's resurrection life in all You do."
From the very first breath of a newborns life, to the very last breath of someone going to their new address in heaven. It's still all "the breath of the Almighty".... Job 33: 4.
Some things that you see with your own eyes are unexplainable, but definitely a golden nugget from God to let you know He walked into the room.   

I know for a fact that when Jesus walks into the room sickness is healed one way or another. I've seen it in my husbands life twice. Once when he was healed of his cancer this side of heaven, and another time when God's will was to heal him for all eternity from lung cancer. No more will he ever have to fight to take a breath.

 2 months before I would take my husband to the emergency room, for which I didn't know would be the last time, he would always say..."I can't wait till 10:00, or, "Is it 10 yet?" I asked him why he always asked that? He said, "because I want to go to bed at that time." This was every night for about 2 months. No one will ever change what I know to be true!!!

I will never forget what God let us see, when ONLY HE KNEW it would be my husbands last night....

I had left the hospital around 9 PM because the nurse said all my husbands vitals were fine. Mikes sister stayed a little while longer. Long enough to see her brother ask the unexplainable.. She called me and said that Mike had asked to take his oxygen mask off around 9:30 and that he was very comfortable. I couldn't believe it! My husband wasn't able to go without his oxygen mask for almost 3 days. So of course I thought everything was fine, and I would see him in the morning. She called me and said she was leaving because he was resting comfortable. I said, "without the oxygen?" She said, "yes." It was around 11:30 I got a call telling us to come back to the hospital, my husband was going. Even the nurse was shocked! I know that when my husband asked to take the oxygen mask off just before 10 pm, Jesus was with him and he was already breathing heavens air. What a golden nugget from God. I mean, how do you explain that?

…..mvdevotional.blogspot.com
Kim

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Power to Redeem.... Lauren Daigle




1 Thessalonians 5: 19, "Do not quench the Spirit." God's voice is gentle. So unless you are living in complete fellowship and oneness with Him, you will not hear it.

Never become attached to anything that continues to break the heart of God. For you to be free of it, God must be allowed to hurt whatever that may be. Sometimes He breaks us to save us. (Selah)

You ever hear the saying, "too much of anything is no good for you?" It's true, all things in moderation. I've seen what addictions can do. They are harmful, and just become more harmful. Any addiction, even exercise. I taught so many classes in my career as a trainer, that I developed a nerve condition. Thank God I can still do all that I do, but now I do it all in moderation. 

God is the only One Who deserves our all in all. Be addicted to Him. Our lives, our bodies is His temple, and we are to live like it.

Are you sensitive enough to detect His voice? Or do you continue to quench it? Once you choose Jesus as your Savior, let Him continue to do His work in you. To save you from the harm that the enemy wants for us. That's what working out your salvation with fear and trembling means, Philippians 2: 12-13. Don't continue in your old ways, old habits, old addictions. Luke 9: 62, Jesus replied, "No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God."

Once I gave my life to Jesus, that He died to give me, my desire was to know how to please His heart. What pleases Him, is to be able to be used by Him here. To "give an answer to everyone who asks....the hope I have. But do it with gentleness and respect."(1 Peter 3:15) It a choice that no one can force you into. Pray to Him. Ask Him to reveal Himself to you.
Life is truly a journey, but now being used for service for the kingdom of God, it is so much more meaningful.
"God takes what was and He makes it beautiful" for His purpose. By the blood we are set free. With mercy strong to carry shame and nail it to a tree. Aren't you grateful? taste and see where your shame is undone. It is the sweetest of love!! Only Jesus has the "power to redeem."

…..mvdevotional.blogspot.com
Kim










Sunday, November 20, 2016

Lifeline..... Mandissa

 

There are many reasons that I will never understand how anyone can't believe in God. Colossians 1: 16, Psalm 146:6, The Creator of ALL THINGS.

After experiencing the birth of my granddaughter, that tops everything. Can a human mind even take it all in? I can't! From the time of conception, to developing in the womb, from getting all that it needs from this umbilical cord, EVEN BREATH, to coming out into this world, cutting that lifeline, and taking it's first breath from their little nostrils. WOW!!!! I'm sure I missed a lot in-between that only the Creator God knows. I mean, who do you think created you? 

Where do you think your air supply comes from? Every breath you take is because God is the umbilical cord you NEVER want to cut. He is your supply for everything!!
There is that lifeline from mother to child while they are developing in the womb. The baby is totally dependent on everything from it's mother. Then there is that lifeline, when you are old enough to understand. It is to God the Father through Jesus Christ His Son. Totally dependent upon Him to walk me through this life. But it's your choice to believe this by faith. God doesn't push Himself on anyone. He just gives you MANY EYE OPENERS!

What a gift from above these little bundles are. What Spiritual volumes conception and birth speaks.  From cutting the cord that the baby depended on everything to develop in that world. To coming into this world, still dependent, now on both parents. Our responsibility as parents, is to raise them up in the way that they should go, Proverbs 22:6.

 This is my hearts cry for all of my family. To never detach from this lifeline, lifelong relationship. To always be dependent on God through Jesus Christ. Romans 8: 31-39 says it all for me. I hope you read it for yourself....."nothing can ever separate us from God's love." He will always love us. Sin is the only thing that separates us from a relationship with Him, now and for all eternity. He loves us but hates our sin. That is why He sent His Son. We can never be good enough, or do enough. So we depend on the blood flowing grace alone to bring us into a right relationship with God. The same as you punish your children for doing something wrong as a parent. God the Father is a just God as well as loving. Wrong does not go unpunished. All God desires from us is to recognize our need for Jesus. Is that really asking too much to free us from our sin? I sure don't think so.

1 John 4: 9, "He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him." Get it...Lifeline...our adult umbilical cord. Just like a baby needs that cord for life, so we need Jesus to truly live. Romans 8:10, "But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness."
Don't take things so deep. Believe by faith, and go deep into relationship with Jesus.

…..mvdevotional.blogspot.com
Kim


Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Man in the Mirror....Michael Jackson



You want changes? Start with looking at yourself first.

James 1: 23, "Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like."

I know I didn't use a Christian song, but this is VERY appropriate for the times we are in!! The lyrics are powerful!

I heard a statement that a Pastor used at our church the other night, and it is so true. I will broaden his quote, and use it in how I feel about a lot of things that are going on.

His quote, "Our problem is not a skin problem, it's a sin problem." Think about that... We are in a sinful  world, and the only source to free us from our sin is asking Jesus to be Lord of our life. Our way of thinking will change. The way you treat human beings will change, because you will see them through His eyes and not your own. Your talk will change, and so much more...... If you are the same person, and think you don't need to change, that is a pride issue. We all need change. The only One Who stays the same is our God. I pray we mirror the gift of Jesus in us!!

It doesn't matter if your black, white, yellow, English, Latino, Muslim, Jewish, Italian and so on.... If you don't know Jesus Christ, and accept Him into your heart, and CHANGE, you are part of this worlds problem! I say that because this world is Satan's. I didn't just make that up. The bible says it is, 2 Corinthians 4:4. So if you don't want to change, he is who is leading you. John 10:10, He is a deceiver, and just wanting to kill, steal, and destroy. Jesus came to bring life, and to have it in full.

Matthew 6:10..1 Corinthians 3:16..The only way to have the Kingdom of heaven here, is to accept Him into your heart. When you do this your life will prove you are His. Not just words. Many people who say they are His, are turning non believers off. Why? Because we don't treat people as He would. We don't love them as He would. He came to seek and save the lost. What are we doing? Are we loving as we should, or just judging? Remember what drew you to Jesus. Was it someone constantly pointing out your wrongs, or pointing you to Jesus?

For me personally, it was the ones who pointed me to Him. Mercy triumphs over judgment. 
Sweet Jesus, help us to love as You did, yet never compromise the truth.

 

Wednesday, November 9, 2016

King of the World.....Natalie Grant




Psalm 47: 7 "God is the King of the whole earth. Make your best music for Him!"

Oh how I pray my life does just  that. Even when the music fades.

Worship is a lifestyle. It doesn't stop just because the music does. Our love for Jesus should sing through how we live our life, how we treat others, and how what we believe gets us through every valley in life. Hebrews 10:24, "Spur one another on"....

Do you ever forget at certain times of devastating news that God is "King of the World?" I know I do sometimes. But it is only for a few brief moments. The more I grow in Him, the shorter they are. My valleys will not overwhelm the Holy Spirit that lives in me. The same God that raised Jesus from the dead, raises me above my circumstances. They may not go away, but either does the power of my God to carry me through. He is never shaken, He never grows tired or weary, Isaiah 40:28.

How can I even try to fit God inside the walls of my mind? Proverbs 3:5, How can I lean on my understanding of anything? I will sink every time. Until I seek Him, and trust that He knows what's best for me. I don't have to like whatever may come my way, but I get to choose to trust in the One Who holds my story for His glory. He sets everything in motion. Every single moment of my life He is totally aware of, and He never lets go of me.

Isaiah 55:9, because His ways are so much higher than ours, we could never pull Him down to see eye to eye with us. He is the Lord of all that exists. Truly it is a choice to give God His rightful place in our lives. He gives me nothing but the best, Luke 11:11-13.... "how much more will your Father in heaven give you the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!" I know I did. I will never walk this world the same, or alone. Until He calls me home, I walk with the King of the World. I pray to lead many more to this unexplainable truth and strength.

Psalm 145:4, "One generation commends Your works to another; they tell of Your mighty acts."

…..mvdevotional.blogspot.com
Kim

Tuesday, November 1, 2016

Once and for All..... Lauren Daigle

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Btfz9qKXUIk

Some of us are on a path of destruction and don't even realize it. Or maybe you do, and you're just to set in your ways to ask for help....Pride.... I pray this is where you die to self. May your kingdoms fall, "Once and for all."

What battle inside yourself are you letting take you down, possibly kill you? The consequences of sin are real. God is so much greater than any battle within ourselves. Sadly some of us let these battles within us, destroy us. What are you allowing the enemy to use in your life, what he knows will kill you? John 10:10, He comes to kill, steal, and destroy. It is happening all around us. I will live the rest of my life to make sure the enemy doesn't like when I get out of bed!

God tells us in his word, 2 Chronicles 7:14, "if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land."... Yes... even God's people are a part of this. He is not talking to the unsaved people here. He is talking to those of us who are called by name. We can't be called by name if we are not His children. That's means Born again. Once by flesh, and once by Spirit. Unsaved people do what they do. It shouldn't surprise us. Look what God's word say about being lukewarm....Revelations 3: 16,  "So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth".... That may be hard for us to swallow, but God finds it hard to swallow the lukewarm children we have become.

If we allow it, the enemy will take us further and further down the wrong path. Listen to the people God has put in that path of destruction. How else can God intervene if you yourself are not seeking Him? He will send people your way. Listen to the voice of truth, and begin to let your kingdoms fall.

…..mvdevotional.blogspot.com
Kim

Tuesday, October 25, 2016

On the Throne..... Desperation Band (Kari Jobe)




A quote a friend sent me... Thank you Heather...Perfect timing, because we serve an on time God... "Though heaven is future, it is also present tense. As you walk in the light with Me, you have one foot on earth, and one foot in heaven."

Isaiah 46: 10... I woke up from a dream and this verse was on my mind. John 10: 33, Also knowing that Jesus said, "In this world you WILL have trouble. But take heart, I have overcome the world." We will have trouble here. There is no way around it. But Jesus overcame it. I put my hope in all His promises. He walks with me every minute of my day, and holds me while I sleep.

Colossians 3:2,..I have to constantly focus my thoughts on things above the valley's that I am taken through in life. God is above, and bigger than anything I will ever go through. He is, and always will remain in control and "on the throne." Nothing shakes Him of the evil that continues to go on here. Do you really think it surprises Him? He wrote the book. He knows how it is all going to end. He is not willing to loose any one of us. So why do you think this world keeps spinning? He's waiting! Waiting for those who haven't acknowledged His Son as Savior, to realize our need for Him.

Jesus overcame, and so will I. He is higher than any mountain that I face. This helps me in every season of my life, and everything else that goes on in this world that I don't understand. To know that God NEVER looses control. 

I really can't wrap my mind around why He came down from heaven to save me, and that's ok. I do know He created me, and He knew me before I was even in my mothers womb, Psalm 139: 13...Jeremiah 1: 5. I was sent from eternity for a purpose, and then I will go back home.

We all have a choice. To walk by ourselves here and try to figure out all the ugly stuff that happens with our way of thinking. Or hold the Creators hand like a child holds their earthly parents hand. Let Him guide you through. He brings meaning and direction to our lives in this lost world. He brings life to lost souls.... IF YOU CHOOSE HIM. It's really that simple.

…..mvdevotional.blogspot.com
Kim

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Good to Me .... Audrey Assad



  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-vSGoJtB0M

Oh yes, so good to me. Whether things turn out how I hope for or not, God is still "Good to me."

Solomon 2: 15 "Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our vineyards that are at bloom."
True joy is found in nothing accept knowing the fullness of God's heart and our purpose for living. You can search in everything, try every substance to drown out pain, have all the material things of this world, you are still empty.
I find that joy always increases when I keep my eyes on my purpose, and following Jesus in it. It always turns out that I am praying for others, and helping others, and letting God take care of me. He's got me!!

We live in a fallen world with constant challenges. But that doesn't mean we can't experience true joy. Not as the world gives it, but this joy can only come from knowing the truth. Knowing this truth will set you free. You may have set backs every now and then, but God will let you see it for what it is purposed for. Everything we go through has Kingdom purposes. I just can't say that enough!!! This is not our home. If you believe that, you are not seeking the truth of what Jesus said in His word. What is the hope you are holding on to. Who do you place your hope in if sickness is allowed to come your way, a spouse that wants out, a loved one you watch suffer from illness, you loose your job, or your position in that job?...... You can't help yourself in any of these things? The peace that passes ALL UNDERSTANDING comes from Jesus!
1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18, tells us to give thanks in all circumstances. Even the ones we don't like. Because the testing of our faith produces perseverance, and we should let perseverance finish it's work so that we can be mature and complete, not lacking anything of Christ's character being poured into us, James 1: 2-4.

Romans 5: 5, The Spirit of the Living God desires to be created in us so He can work through us. He is the only One who truly loves the Lord Jesus, and He has been poured out into our hearts. Whenever the Holy Spirit sees the opportunity to glorify Jesus Christ through us, He will take our entire being and set you on fire for Kingdom purposes.
Philippians 2: 13, "For it is God who works in you to will and act in order to fulfill His good purpose." But we are the ones who have to be obedient and sensitive to the Holy Spirit in our everyday walk. God doesn't shield us from being made into the likeness of His Son, IT HURTS!!!! But somehow His grace carries us through. He makes us stronger. That's a good thing. The enemy tries to steal our joy anyway he knows how, but God uses it to make us stronger witnesses to the truth.
Consider this scripture, and keeping your eyes locked on Jesus when life takes you for a ride you don't like. Romans 8: 18, I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us."

You see, it's all about God..... So keep all your hope in the truth of His promises. Steady your heart on the ground of His goodness. All He wants for this crazy world to realize, is how much we all need a Savior. His name is Jesus. Don't complicate the meaning of being a true believer. Leave all that stuff to the Holy Spirit. Just lead people to the hope you hold.

…..mvdevotional.blogspot.com
Kim

Friday, October 14, 2016

Heaven's Song.....Phil Wickman

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PsgGW5N1fs
Please listen to this beautiful song...

Jeremiah 1: 5,"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart;I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.

When I read this scripture, and heard this beautiful song, I thought about my daughter and her husband who are preparing for little Charlotte to be born. So much goes into preparation before these little gifts from heaven arrive to this world from a world they were in for 9 months. Technology is amazing. You can watch videos that they have now of a baby moving around in this tight space, even sucking their thumb, Amazing!!! I can't imagine, or even remember what that was like.You know, we won't remember this world either.
 
There is a place being prepared for us too, John 14:2-3 "My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." The only preparation we have to make here, is putting our faith and trust that Jesus is Who He said He is. Our Lord and Savior.

Well, Charlotte's room is all ready for her arrival. Michelle even has a song picked out to sing to her, among the other songs I'm sure she will sing. I thought about how they say a baby here's when you talk to them. So when we are in church singing praise songs, Charlotte hears them. I went into thought, my vision only of course, Charlotte saying in the womb... "Daddy God, I can't wait to sing praise songs with the mommy and daddy you picked for me. Thank you for the family You have given me on earth. I will be back someday I know, when my purpose is fulfilled. Until then, I know You have my place already prepared for me when I come back to You. I can't wait to hear You say.... "Well done my Charlotte. Enter in and rest. I will join You and the angels once again and sing our "Heavens Song."

Sunday, October 9, 2016

Thief......Third Day

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYkC6pliiQw

Ephesians 2: 1-7, I pray you read this with your whole heart and God gives you understanding. You don't have to clean up. Jesus washes over you when you choose Him. The cross, and the blood that was poured out was for us.

Luke 23: 39-43, These verses gives us 2 examples of attitudes of the heart of a person. That is what Jesus sees. The attitude of our hearts. The two thief's that hung on the cross next to Jesus, one was arrogant, and one was humble enough to believe Jesus was Who He said He was. A simple prayer of his faith, "Jesus remember me." That reached the throne room of heaven. We are not saved because we are better than anyone, or because you walked your whole life serving Jesus. That one thief had no time to clean up and walk with Jesus. Yet because of his humble prayer of need, Jesus said, "Today, you will be with me in paradise."

I don't think any of us realize the magnitude of the horror of crucifixions at Golgotha. Louie Giglio explained it as the worst sort of barbaric garbage landfills possible. Romans would crucify criminals and often no one would claim the bodies. So the soldiers would peel the bodies from the beams and toss them into the garbage heap. Wild animals would take care of the rest. Need I say more? That is just horrific! To think that is what they were going to do with the body of Jesus Christ. The criminals deserved the punishment they got. But Jesus, can you even wrap your mind around that? At any time He could have called a legion of angles, but He didn't.  

Jesus was nothing but love and mercy to all He met. He was never drawn to people who thought they had it all together. He was drawn to those in need. Which thief can you relate to? The one who was arrogant and expected Jesus to perform a miracle? Or the one who realized his need for Jesus. He realized he was getting the punishment he deserved. I love how this video and scripture tell a very important part of salvation. Turn and acknowledge our need for Jesus. That will change the direction of your eternity. It shows us the depths of Gods mercy, even at our last moments of life. Will Jesus remember you? That is something to think about, don't you think?  If you think that you can navigate your own way through life, in a way you made yourself your own god. I need Him. My Creator knows how to lead me better than I can ever do myself.

Jesus did die on that cross. I would rather believe that now, then find out one day that I was wrong. He rose again and is seated at the right hand of the Father. Acts 7:55, I'm sure that for every lost soul, that if you acknowledge your need for Him, He would STAND and receive your cry to Him. He is a God of mercy and grace.


…..mvdevotional.blogspot.com
Kim

Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Spirit of the Living God.....Vertical Church Band

 

What a moving song!!!

I truly wish people could just put religion aside and just think of a loving relationship. A love relationship changes things. Allow God to walk into every room of your being. Better said invite Him, because when He comes into the room He changes everything.

I love Christian music. Heartfelt music makes me just stop and lean into more of God. Because when I invite Him, He changes me. My outlook on things. My emotions that are not of Him, like deep sadness, fear, worry, anxiety... He brings a peace to every part of me. Something only He can do and no one else. But you have to invite Him, and when you do you wont regret it.
  He's our Daddy God, and He wants a relationship with you. You will see that He is very much alive and a part of you. The Spirit of the Living God, living inside you. Helping you walk through all your questions. His presence is there with you, walking you through this crazy world.

When I look at things from God's perspective and purpose, it totally changes the way I look at them. It cancels out all my whys. It makes me realize that things don't happen for a reason, they happen for a purpose. Yes, He works all things out for the good, but it is for His purpose, and His eternal glory.

An inevitable part of the human experience is pain and sorrow. It is a part of this world. None of us will escape it. One beautiful thing is, it shows the watching world the strength that lives within us on how we walk through our pain and sorrow.

Spirit of the Living God, I only want to know You more. I'm hanging on every word from You.

…..mvdevotional.blogspot.com
Kim


Saturday, October 1, 2016

More.... Red Rock Worship

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YCNlQT6MTE

Matthew 9: 20-22....Mark 5:25-34....Luke 8:43-48...

I just love the visual I get every time I read these scriptures. They were written 3 times in the new testament. Certainly they must be very important to God. Once you've tasted the love, grace, and mercy of God, you just want "More."

What faith this women had. She knew if she could just touch the robe of Jesus she would be healed of her illness. I remember quite a few years back, I put on a play with different scenes of the stories of Jesus. In one of them, I picked a little boy who was laying down playing sick, and when Jesus walked by he reached out and touched His robe and was healed. Little did I know that this little boy was really very sick at one time. The family prayed for healing, and it was God's will to heal him. I remember after the play, the mother came up to me crying and told me his story. Pretty amazing to me that God choose this little boy for the part that I knew nothing about what he went through.

Life isn't a play. It's very real and so is Jesus. He is the Living God! The same yesterday, today, and forever! He still heals, comforts, and gives peace beyond understanding.

I love this journey with Jesus through life, but I can't help but want "More." I can't get enough of all He has to offer and show me of His greatness, love, and power. I want to receive what He desires to offer me, not in part, but in whole.

There is nothing more in life that I desire, than for Jesus to reach into my heart and heal every part of me. To know the fullness of Who He is inside all my weakness.

…..mvdevotional.blogspot.com
Kim

Monday, September 26, 2016

Thank You..... Jonathon Helser (Bethel)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2qUoZKxC9s

How do I say "Thank You" for all that God has done, and all that He will do?
For me personally, it's allowing Him to use me. To trust Him in all things. Even in the things He already knows that I am frightened of.

God doesn't have to come every time I call out to Him, but He always does. He doesn't always change my circumstance, but He certainly changes me. That's because He always shows up in splendor. Something only He can do......

You know what it's like to me? It reminds me of when I was little and something would frighten me. I would yell from my bedroom, or run into my parents room for my mom. Just her presence would sooth me. Then she would talk to me and all my fears were gone. Even when I got older and had those teenage heartaches. All I had to do was talk to mom.

 Then there came a time that conversations with mom weren't fully satisfying my shame, fears,  and emotions. God wanted to be my all in all. It took me sometime to get that, but I am so glad I did. He walked through every wall I thought was protecting me. He stepped into my past and filled my world with His grace.
You know, He didn't have to come for any of us, but He wanted to. So how do you say thank you to Jesus for the life that He gave, and the cross that He bore? He poured His love out on that cross of suffering to ransom our souls. Romans 5:8, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

So this life that He gave me, I give back to Him. I've come to realize, it's not my life. It's the life He died to give me. It's not even my day, minute, second, or even my own breath. Acts, 17: 28, Because of Jesus, I live and move and have my being.   Mark 8: 35,  "For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it." Putting all my wants and desires on hold because My Daddy God has the best for me. While I am here, this side of heaven, I will trust Him with my life.

…..mvdevotional.blogspot.com
Kim

Friday, September 23, 2016

Heaven Come.... Bethel (Jenn Johnson)




 What a beautiful song of simple truth.... .

"Heaven come and fill this place. Glory to glory, and grace to grace. Here and now let Your Kingdom come"...............

I know how I feel when my thoughts are fixed on all Jesus is, and all He has done. I also know how I feel when I let my thoughts wonder. I know it's a choice to let those thoughts take me away from the peace and joy He offers. That's why everything I am cries out for more of Him.

I don't feel bad when I am afraid, or if I get anxious over things I don't understand that God might be calling me to be a part of with Him. All I care about is that He understands me, and is right there with me. Luke 22: 42, Even Jesus cried, "Not my will but yours." While Jesus was here on earth He was fully human and understands all our emotions. Just as the Father was with Jesus, He is with us. Leading us on in everything He purposes for us to do.

I always have to look back and remember all that God has already done and brought me through. His promise is that there is more to come. So when I get that stirring in my soul, I know that God is on the move. It's my choice to join in and let His kingdom come through my life.

 Isaiah 26: 3, "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you." This truly is the key to me. I trust God, that whatever it is He is calling me to be a part of, He's there, He's all around me. Knowing this truth, my heart, mind, and soul can stay at peace in moving forward with Him. Keeping my every thought fixed on His purpose, His will, His glory. To live in this earthly body trusting God in all things. Even if I don't like it or understand it. Galatians 2: 20, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

Dear God , I love to be with You. Your presence is heaven to me. You never change. You are, and always have been faithful. I desire to experience You daily. Let Your kingdom come in my life Lord.


…..mvdevotional.blogspot.com
Kim
  

Saturday, September 17, 2016

Even when it Hurts (I'll praise You) Hillsong




There is no greater comfort than knowing a loved one has gained forever with Jesus Christ because they have put his faith and trust in Him as their Savior.
Have you ever been so hurt that you were lost for words? I have, and I'm sure it won't be the last time as long as I am on this side of heaven. But I can bring heaven to my heart and soul when...... "Even when it hurts" I will sing Him praise!!! That stuffs the enemy right back to hell and out of my presence!!!

Jesus takes our fainted heart and washes us in His love. His grace comes in just when you need it. If it's in sickness, watching a loved one suffering, a child making harmful choices, a spouse that decides they no longer want to be married.... life this side of heaven has it's heart aches! Things may not turn out the way you have hoped or even prayed for. How do you deal with it? What do you place your hope in? What truth do you hold onto? God never let's go of you. He knows things we may never know this side of heaven. We just need to trust Him, and that He truly is working out everything for our good and His purpose.

 I've seen death coming, and I know how a believer welcomes it when they've had enough, and they're tired of fighting. Jesus Christ makes that difference in them. They have no fear. It is the peace that passes anything we can understand. They are given that grace in their time of need, and so will we.

When you can praise God for all you are learning in painful experiences, you are on your way to healing. These words hold true to my everyday..... "When my strength is lost, when I have no song, when the fight seems lost, when it hurts like hell, even when it makes no sense to sing... Louder then I'll sing Your praise. I will only sing Your praise!"

 We have to remember that our story is for God's glory. Our misery, becomes our ministry.