Starts and ends..... Hillsong

 https://youtu.be/iFdujIf_Otw

 Have you ever tasted a delicious dish , and you just couldn't explain how it tasted to someone when they asked you, "how did it taste?"  Instead you told them, "you need to taste it for yourself."

 That's how I feel about Jesus.  He is my, "I can't explain."   Like the scripture says in Psalm 34:8 "taste and see that the Lord is good", and like the lyrics of this song., "He is my every good thing.".....He is my, ENOUGH.

  It's my opinion, and what I believe. If you don't know him this way,  you will always search for something to fill that empty place.

 These are truly some powerful lyrics in this song.  Our souls will thirst for things that we can't explain. Because the flesh is a beggar and a thief.  Our heart is a battleground for what Jesus wants to fill, and what satan wants to steal. 

 Jesus says in John 3:3-8, " No one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again." ....  Not by flesh, but by by the Spirit of God. There is a Spirit Man that desires to awaken our soul. We will never have even a glimpse of understanding this side of Heaven, of the craziness that is happening until Jesus is Lord of your life. Not just your go to when you need Him.  Or your Sunday visit. That is far from a love relationship. 

Think of what you would want in a love relationship. How do you want to be treated? 

The One Who gave us life, and redeemed us deserves far more in a love relationship. 

 Does  this world feel like it's unraveling and you are about to come undone?  Well there is a Shepherd, and a Priest, Who desires a love relationship with us.

 He truly is my comforter who comforts me.  My soul has truly found rest where it makes no sense.  "All my old regrets, all my  brokenness,  all my  failures redeemed." .......I pray you taste and see.

For His glory always 

Kim D

Touch of heaven.. Hillsong

 https://youtu.be/nxxr47zEUxE

I'm sure there are many of us who want heaven to touch earth in our prayer life. I'm learning, the more I surrender of myself, the more I get of Jesus.  It's Who He was, and Who He is in me. 

 Jesus gave us the outline for prayer in Matthew 6: 9-13. Most of us pray this as just something memorized that we learned as a child. But there is so much meaning in each and every verse. Jesus said that His kingdom is not of this world, and it shouldn't be of ours either. Most of us pray for the things we want. When it should be the complete opposite. It should be what God wants.

  Personally for me, my heart's desire is more of Him. God's desire is to give us more of Him deeper in our Spirit.  We need to open up our heart. We need to surrender. We need to become more kingdom minded, rather than self minded.

 What is so sad, is I have seen God answer desperate prayers.  Just to be tossed aside after the prayer was answered.  More or less like, God when I need you, I'll call on you again. It truly doesn't work that way, and God will get our attention sooner or later.

 I have never experienced a hesitation in God's love and affection. But I have experienced his hesitation in answering prayer. God knows whether we want more of Him for who He is,  or just for what He can do for us. He's our Father, He's Holy, He has the best for us and we should Hallow His Name. 

  If God has answered a desperate prayer of yours, don't hesitate hesitate to show Him love and affection by surrendering your life, and living for for His purposes on this Earth. Be that witness for what He has done. Share your testimony. Don't just take what He has done for you, than Him,  and toss Him aside for later.  

 God loves for us to talk to Him in prayer. Make our request known.  But a love relationship is, when you are still in His presence, and also listen to Him. Become undone by all He is. Get to know Him deeper.

For Your glory Father always

Kim D

Changed... Rascal Flats

 https://youtu.be/DSozMCn9fFA

Crazy, the things that come up when I was looking for something else in my saved blogging. I continue to find gold nuggets from my husband, who has gone to be with the Lord,  5 years now. 

I just found this song, with my husband's note to me saying to "use this one." 

So I opened it and listened,  and oh my heart!!!! Now 5 years later, and here it is....

I will never forget the look on my husband's face before he went under that water. He was so happy to be free of the lies that held him in bondage, and to become a new man. 

 I am forever grateful for the faithful prayers from my friends,  and that my husband and I never gave up on each other. We were true to those vows.  But it sure wasn't easy.  How many times I wanted to give up,  but my husband was truly always sorry. I was that praying Christian wife, that God was molding into His forgiving and compassionate heart. I was trusting God to change him, but He changed me first. 

I would always remind my husband that, all of us are sinners, and we all fall short of the glory of God,  Romans 3: 23-24. 

Saten was always trying to bring up my husband's past addictions.The battle is real for all of us! But our new identity is in Jesus. The old is gone. Raised to a new life in Christ,  2 Corinthians 5: 17.

Use God’s written word against him and his voice will become faint. He will never leave us alone because we live in this fallen world, and it is falling fast! God didn’t say to us, “I’ll die for you when you deserve it.” He said, no , despite your sin, and in the face of your rebellion, My Son will still die for you, Romans 5: 8.

 Some of us come to this truth late in life like my husband did. He passed away not long after. The point is, it's never too late.  Just come.  

For Your glory Lord 

Kim D

Bring the rain.. Mercy Me

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kseRKxkq5iY

 

I find myself sometimes being in agreement with others and not understanding God, or wonder why He doesn’t perform the way I think He should. You would think that He would just stop all the evil that continues. But I do believe from the beginning of time we were created by God, to become children of God. We are all given free will, but at least God gave us an instruction manual to follow(the Bible). Question is do we follow it? Do we even believe it? Just like raising and teaching our own children, when they get older they will make their own choices. Some of which are very wrong. One thing I know for sure, one day your choice of believing and following Jesus, will come to a beautiful, or drastic end.

 

I know God is big enough to understand all my questions and anger over the things that happen to innocent people. But really think about it, there was, and never will be, anyone as innocent as Jesus. Gods own Son, innocent, sent here to die for our ugly sins. Our heavenly Father performed exactly how He had to. With hopes that His creation would choose to believe why He sent His Son, rather than choosing disbelief.

 

War, destruction, hate ,evil, divorce, death, murder, there are just things in this life that are inevitable. Horrible things have happened from the beginning of time. We live in an imperfect world. If you are a believer, the only comfort is knowing we are not home yet. We are here for a purpose. If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, then you are a part of building His kingdom right here while you are given time on earth.

 

Evil comes down to the choices people make, free will. Take comfort in knowing our Sovereign God knows and loves us. Nothing will ever come into our life that He does not allow. That’s why I find John 19: 10-12 so fascinating. Jesus said this to Pilate. Look how Pilate wanted to respond, and then look how the crowd responded. No matter what we face in life, take comfort that God is Sovereign. All these things that are allowed to come into our life are instruments to show the power of God in a follower of Jesus Christ. We should love God in good and bad times. Just like we love our parents, or as a parent, you love your children. It’s o.k. to have a lot of whys, but if you are not seeking knowledge you will NEVER get understanding, Hosea 4: 6. One day all our whys will be answered.

 

Like the lyrics of this song says, “I can count a million times, people asking me why I can praise You with all that I’ve been through. The question just amazes me, can circumstances possibly change who I forever am in You?” God in all His Sovereignty, knew just how much to give me little by little, and little by little I grew in my faith. He has been my shelter through each and every storm. My choice was not to turn my back on Him, but to grow closer to Him through them. He proved His word to me over and over. Scripture like, Romans 8: 28, that all things work out for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. Psalm 46, He is my present help in times of trouble. He is not a faraway God. He is right there in the mix of everything we go through. 2 Corinthians 12: 10, He takes our weakness and PROVES HIMSELF STRONG! Colossians 1: 16, He holds ALL THINGS together, both in heaven and earth.

 

Little faith will bring our souls to heaven when we leave this world, but great faith will bring heaven to our souls. Did you get that? Bring heaven to our souls while we are here in this crazy world. That is the faith I want. As I grow in my faith, instead of saying “God get me out of this.” I’ve learned to say with much faith, “God, I know You’re going to get me through this.” Faith is more than just belief in Jesus. It’s how we respond to life circumstances.

 

He is Who He says He is! It is a growing process to get this view of God. Keep seeking, and remember, we are not home!

 

Red Letters... Crowder

 https://youtu.be/E1ohrZaZfTI

Luke 23: 39-43

 I absolutely love this story. I don't think there's any one of us who can't relate to both thieves at one time or another in our lives.

 One of the criminals who hung there on the cross hurled insults at Jesus. " Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!" 

 He obviously didn't want Jesus for Who He  was. He wanted what he can get from Him. Like some of us. We need proof. We say,  "Get me out of this situation. Or, "Get me out of this suffering, than I'll believe."  We focus so much on the here and now, and living as long as we can. We can be selfish, stubborn people. Not realizing what this gift of life is all about. God desires a relationship with us, by acknowledging His Son. The other criminal looked beyond the cross into eternity. 

 

I don't think we can wrap our mind around around how long eternity is. But the other criminal must have.

The other criminal realized that they were being punished justly. He feared God. He knew Jesus was an innocent man and didn't deserve to be sentenced to death. He must have even seen beyond the cross by his statement to Jesus. He said, "Remember me when you come into your kingdom." ... He was a free man that day. Even though he was going to die. All because of the grace of God. He took his eyes off the cross and focused on Jesus. He would open his eyes to paradise the moment he took his last breath, verse 43.

 Sometimes our prayers don't get answered the way we expect, or as quick as we think they should be answered.  Because God is after a relationship with us through His Son. Sometimes, it's only in the hard times and suffering, that God gets us to spend time with Him, and talk to Him. 

God wants to know we want Him. Not what we can get from Him. It's an insult to want the blessing and not the Blesser.

One criminal wanted the blessing. The other wanted just the Blesser.

One sweet day, I know I will experience the red letters written in Luke 6:43, just like the one criminal....  "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise." I want the Blesser.

For Your glory Lord 

Kim D

You are good... Karl Jobe

 https://youtu.be/O15tsWWo_Ys

Romans 2: 4...

 God's loving kindness, patience, tolerance, should lead us to repentance.

Reading Hosea 8 and focusing on this one hard truth. Verses 2-4.. put your name in where it says Israel. Make it personal like this..  Kim cries out to me, " Oh my God, I acknowledge you! But Kim has rejected what is good, an enemy will pursue her"...... I look at the enemy as consequences that came on due to my own choices..... We, like Israel, often call on God to ease our pain without wanting him to change our behavior. And we, like Israel, may repent after it is too late to avoid the painful consequences of sin. Who do we blame?

Then verse 12, " I write for them the many things of my law, but they regarded them as something alien." .....  When I read verses in the Bible,  I take them very personal. Not looking at who else they may apply to. That's an easy thing to do. The word of God is to be taken personally. We can't avoid making changes in our life. I mean we can. But then who do we blame for the consequences that come upon us.  Do we blame God and say that he is mean and too hard to obey? He is love, and disciplines us because He loves us, Hebrews 12: 5-6.

Everything, absolutely everything that God has written in his word is to protect us from painful consequences. 

 Just like a loving parent. I never liked punishing my children, but that is love. It guards and protects. Proverbs 13:24....Proverbs 22:15.... Proverbs 23: 13-14. 

For Your glory Lord 

Kim D

Talking to Jesus.. Elevation Worship and Maverick City

 https://youtu.be/OXsxw1fRHMA

What a beautiful song of truth. Do you talk to Jesus? All I can say is,  give it a try... 

Some of the Lyrics: There's no wrong way to do it. There's no bad time to start. It doesn't have to sound pretty. Just tell Him what's on your heart. Cause it's not a religion.  It's more like a friendship. Just talk to your Father, like you are His kid.

 I don't think I ever had to force my kids to go to church, or youth group. They really enjoyed it, and I am so grateful. In fact, I remember my kids started going to a different church than me when they got older and were driving themselves. I noticed such a change in them, it made me want to visit there. It was so alive. It's one of those churches when the preacher starts talking, it's like hes talking straight to you. I believe it's very important to find a church where you find the truth of the word of God being spoken. Not these candy coated, feel good messages. Gods word is alive. It causes us to change our thoughts and ways. James 1: 22-25 " Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.".....

 My kids are grown, with kids of their own. Now they are taking their children to church.

 I always talk to my grandchildren about Jesus.  I absolutely love our conversations about Him.  To get a child's perspective on things, is so precious. My granddaughter, will even break out with a song that she makes up her own words. But the beauty of it is, that's what's is in her heart. Another thing I love, is when she sleeps over and I hear her little feet in the morning coming closer to my prayer room.  She will come on the couch with me for a prayer before we start the day.

Don't ever think it's too late start. Pray, and ask God to lead you to a Bible teaching,  life filled church. You will know,  just like I did when God was moving me to another church family. Because that's what it is, family.

Proverbs 22:6 " Start off children in the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it."  This is a promise. God is true to his word. I have lived it. I have seen it. He is faithful, even when things don't look like they are going the way you want them to. Keep praying!

For His Glory 

Kim D 

Gladys Knight.. The best thing that ever happened to me

 https://youtu.be/1lGrShe7t7c

I love the lyrics of this song.  Most of the lyrics I associate with God. He is the author of my story. Truly, the best thing that ever happened to me. He knew every detail of my life that He could trust me with. Even the painful ones that He would get me through for His purpose, and someone else's blessing. 

 Sitting in my prayer room and just being still. Looking around the room of pictures of my family. Some who have gone to be with the Lord.  I can't help but give thanks to God for this time,  and place, and family, that He has blessed me with. 

I believe we all can say that we've had our share of life's ups and downs. I know I have. But between each line of pain and glory, Jesus was there. Waiting for me to let Him lead. 

I know my mom had many many reasons to leave my dad, but she didn't. She was such an example to me. I had many reasons to leave my marriage, but I didn't.  I'm sure many of us have reasons to leave a marriage. Personally for me and my story, God clearly spoke to me to stay. Was it hard, yes. But it wasn't only a blessing to me, it was also a blessing to my husband.

 There are many lessons to learn in painful situations. But the greatest blessing to me was, how close I got to the heart of God and His unconditional love and compassion for others.  For me, with my marriage, when my heart and compassion aligned with Christ, that's when everything changed for me. My prayer life changed.  Instead of praying,  "God change him". I began praying, "God change me."  I remember telling God,  "If it is your will to stay, then teach me how to love the way you do."  Well,  I guess God really loved that prayer. Because He answered it instantly.

  Before the Lord took my husband home from a battle with cancer,  I will never forget the last words he spoke to me. Only I didn't know I wouldn't see him again after that night in the hospital. Because the nurse told me, "everything is fine with his vitals come back in the morning."  I held his hand before leaving and said, " I just want you to know, you blessed my life." He said, "no you blessed mine, were even." 

 I don't know what your painful situation is.  Everyone's story is different. But talk to God and ask him what his will is. Pray for wisdom.  It's really not about your comfort and happiness. It's about  His purpose and use of your life for Him.  You will be blessed. But I can guarantee, it's mostly for the other person. I know that my mom can tell you the same thing. Because just like people told me to leave. I told my mom to leave as well.  It's only normal to want to see people happy. But God has other intentions.  If you are struggling in this area. I pray that God gives you clear direction. Remember, confusion is not from God. Wait on Him, until it is consistent and clear.  And of course, that your life isn't in danger. 

Alot of Christians take this scripture, and not reading it in full. Romans 8:26-28.  There's no mistaking, our lives are for God's will, and for His purpose. 

For Your glory Lord 

Kim D

For the one.... Jenn Johnson

 https://youtu.be/e_bj6mjUj7k

Luke 6: 32-36 " If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you?".... Read the rest of the verses. Such truth!

Smiles say so much without even saying a word.

Who is your one.  We all have one. You know,  the one that is so hard to love and show compassion to, or be patient with.  They push every button there is to set you off.  Some of us have more than one. But they have been given to us for a reason.  To shape us and make us look more like Jesus, 1 John 2: 3-11. I mean, like the word says: what is it to love those that are easy. 

God gave us His son for all!  Not one of us were deserving of this kind of love. The scripture that always gets me is Romans 5:8, " But God  demonstrates His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." I mean, who would do that.  Jesus did,  in obedience to His Father. Oh how He loves us. All of us! Yes even sinners. Patiently waiting for them to turn from sin to Him. 

I love being used by God. My prayer is that maybe I don't even have to say a word. That just by my smile, and attention I give to someone in need, they would feel the Father's love.  That they can feel open with me, without me judging them.

People are hurting and lost. Just like we were. Never forget where you were before His love captivated you, and you were never the same.  I know personally for me, that the people I was training at the gym years ago physically,  they were put in my life to train me spiritually. They were patient with me. They were who God was using to bring me from religion to relationship with Jesus. They never have up on me. 

1 Corinthians 13:4-8, " Love is patient, love is kind"...... Read the rest.  I thank my God for the people he put in my life that never gave up on me. Now I return that for the glory of God, and the furthering of His kingdom. 

All for His glory 

Kim D

God of all my days... Casting Crowns

 https://youtu.be/ZYkZE8AogDE

Malachi 3:6.    Hebrews 13:8

I am so thankful that God never changes. He's right there, waiting for us with open arms. Stilling our thoughts as we  draw near. Single mindedness,  James 4:8

I woke up this morning in a fog of thoughts. I hate those mornings because it takes me a while to feel the presence of God, even when I am in my prayer room with my Bible in hand.  It's crazy! 

Knowing the truth, that God is always present, and never changing, brings my Spirit aligned with Him. Sometimes it takes a while, but I sit and wait till it does. Good thing I don't have to punch a time clock anymore. LOL

 I can pretty much hear Him say to me, "I'm right here, focus." 

 I'm sure I'm not the only one who wakes up in the morning, or sometimes through the day, and are drowning with questions. The seasons that we all go through in life. The why's,  or how long? These are the things that we can either get further away from God,  or draw us closer to Him. It's a choice. Don't let the enemy keep you from searching the God of all wisdom. It's where you will find peace, even in the changing seasons of life. 

 In our worry, hes our stillness. In our searching, hes the answer. In our weakness, hes our strength. In our blindness, hes our vision. In our bondage, hes our freedom. 

He is the God of all our days.

For Your glory Lord

Kim D