Please make sure to visit the website and download the study. I truly want you to have this Easter study to keep.
www.bodysoulandhome.com
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Footsteps That Lead to Amazement and Understanding
Next lesson is available on website http://www.bodysoulandhome.com/
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Easter Week
This week lesson will be available on my website. It is titled "The Footprints of Easter." You can open the individual days. And it is still free :)
http://www.bodysoulandhome.com/
http://www.bodysoulandhome.com/
Friday, March 26, 2010
March Week 4 Day 5: Choose to Focus
It feels as if we just celebrated the birth of Christ. And now it is time to draw near to the cross and the empty tomb. Oh my spirit leaps, my heart pounds, my eyes fill up with tears as I come near the cross and the empty tomb.
Next week, we will be taking the time to study the week between the triumphal entry and Resurrection. So, I ask you to start preparing yourself, your heart and your mind. Be ready to focus on our Savior and even ourselves as we come near to our Savior.
Let's start our focus on Christ predicting His death.
Matthew 20:17-19
Jesus Again Predicts His Death
17Now as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside and said to them, 18"We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death 19and will turn him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!"
Wow! Read it again and remember Jesus knows exactly what is going to happen and is sharing this information with the disciples.
Personally, I do not even know if I would willing go somewhere just to be mocked. But Christ went to Jerusalem knowing He would be mocked, flogged and crucified. Do you truly understand that part? Christ knew his fate before he even started on the journey to Jerusalem.
Why? Why would Christ travel by foot to face mocking, flogging and death?
As a parent, I would run anywhere, face anything to protect my child. Even if I knew, I might face injury myself. Love for her children will make a mama do crazy things. So, is love what drove Christ to start that long walk to Jerusalem? Did Christ see my face, your face as he walked that road? Did Christ know my stupidity would need saving?
Oh, my dear friend, Christ walked the rode to Jerusalem knowing his fate. But, Christ made that journey for you, for me, for our children, for our loved ones, for our neighbors because He loves us. Every step on that dusty road was made to save us.
Stop and focus on the footprints on that dusty road and remember, they were made for you.
John 10:10-11
10"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.
11"I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.
Print the footprint or save it as your wallpaper and focus on the journey Christ made for you. And my friend, who do you know that needs to hear about the footprints made for them.
Next week, we will be taking the time to study the week between the triumphal entry and Resurrection. So, I ask you to start preparing yourself, your heart and your mind. Be ready to focus on our Savior and even ourselves as we come near to our Savior.
Let's start our focus on Christ predicting His death.
Matthew 20:17-19
Jesus Again Predicts His Death
17Now as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside and said to them, 18"We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death 19and will turn him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!"
Wow! Read it again and remember Jesus knows exactly what is going to happen and is sharing this information with the disciples.
Personally, I do not even know if I would willing go somewhere just to be mocked. But Christ went to Jerusalem knowing He would be mocked, flogged and crucified. Do you truly understand that part? Christ knew his fate before he even started on the journey to Jerusalem.
Why? Why would Christ travel by foot to face mocking, flogging and death?
As a parent, I would run anywhere, face anything to protect my child. Even if I knew, I might face injury myself. Love for her children will make a mama do crazy things. So, is love what drove Christ to start that long walk to Jerusalem? Did Christ see my face, your face as he walked that road? Did Christ know my stupidity would need saving?
Oh, my dear friend, Christ walked the rode to Jerusalem knowing his fate. But, Christ made that journey for you, for me, for our children, for our loved ones, for our neighbors because He loves us. Every step on that dusty road was made to save us.
Stop and focus on the footprints on that dusty road and remember, they were made for you.
John 10:10-11
10"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.
11"I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.
Print the footprint or save it as your wallpaper and focus on the journey Christ made for you. And my friend, who do you know that needs to hear about the footprints made for them.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
March Week 4 Day 4: Choose to Let It Out
Today is going to be brief. As I was starting to write, my heart became heavy. I feel the Lord is telling me one or more of my dear sweet friends needs me to speak to them. So I am. If you are not that person or persons, will you read the blog and pray for our fellow friend.
This week I have been praying and desire greatly for you to cry out to God so you may be healed of your wounds. But I know your wounds are deep. You have been trying to bandage them up yourself and ignore the pain. But my dear sweet friend, the pain is paralyzing you. It paralyzes you in your relationship with God and maybe even relationships with those around you.
My eyes are filling up with tears as I write to you. My dear sweet friend, you do not have to hurt anymore. My sister, fall on your knees before God. Weep in His arms. Tell your Heavenly Father your pain, your hurt. Let it all out. Stop and be still before God. Hear Your Savior tell you how much He loves you. Maybe it is even forgiveness you need. Your Savior is there ready to forgive you.
Play "Healer" again. Believe the words you sing through your tears.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaB53_AS7Ug
Call a friend and weep together before God. Spend as much time as it takes before God to let it out and let the healing begin.
I do not even know if I know you. But you are my sister in Christ and I love you. May you experience the healing hand of God.
This week I have been praying and desire greatly for you to cry out to God so you may be healed of your wounds. But I know your wounds are deep. You have been trying to bandage them up yourself and ignore the pain. But my dear sweet friend, the pain is paralyzing you. It paralyzes you in your relationship with God and maybe even relationships with those around you.
My eyes are filling up with tears as I write to you. My dear sweet friend, you do not have to hurt anymore. My sister, fall on your knees before God. Weep in His arms. Tell your Heavenly Father your pain, your hurt. Let it all out. Stop and be still before God. Hear Your Savior tell you how much He loves you. Maybe it is even forgiveness you need. Your Savior is there ready to forgive you.
Play "Healer" again. Believe the words you sing through your tears.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaB53_AS7Ug
Call a friend and weep together before God. Spend as much time as it takes before God to let it out and let the healing begin.
I do not even know if I know you. But you are my sister in Christ and I love you. May you experience the healing hand of God.
March Week 4 Day 3: Choose to Renew by Being Still
Psalm 46:10
"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
Do not steal. Do not use the Lord's name in vain. Those are pretty easy. Be still? Are you crazy??
Being an American in the 21st century and being still seem to contradict each other. Our lives get faster and we keep trying to do more and more. Evidently Taco Bell was not fast enough so we now have Taco Bell Express. Sadly, prayer lives are a to go item also. While I completely agree we should talk to God throughout the day, we, as a nation, as a church, as Christians have forgotten to stop and be still before God.
If you, if I , do not stop and be still what are we missing? What is God doing that we do not notice? Are you missing His healing, His miracles, His answers?
Life is and will continue to be crazy. But and I mean BUT, God is still faithful, still has the power to perform miracles, still forgives, still loves and still has a plan and purpose for you. My question to you, will you choose to be still? Will you choose to be still and listen? Will you choose to be still and see God working?
As Samuel told the Israelites in his farewell speech,
1 Samuel 12:16
"Now then, stand still and see this great thing the LORD is about to do before your eyes!"
You may not see the power of God like the Israelites, but you will see God.
If you need healing from your wounds and hurts, will you choose to be still and let God heal you? If you need an answer or are seeking God's will, will you be still to hear God speak? If you need to renew your relationship with God, will you be still in His presence?
My friend, God is there and here. God is working. Will you choose to be still and know that He is God?
Remember your assignment is to choose to let God heal you. Now be still so God can.
Memorize Psalm 147:3 and I would suggest the verse above too, Psalm 46:10.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
March Week 4 Day 2: Choose to Renew through Worship
Nothing makes you feel more renewed than an amazing worship service. Feeling the presence of God sends chills down your spine. While there is nothing like corporate worship, can you not experience worship in your home?
Whether it has been awhile or maybe you have never tried it, I recommend that you experience an intimate worship experience in your home. Just you praising and worshiping your Almighty Creator, your Heavenly Father. Stopping to connect with God through song and prayer.
Now, some of you are already making excuses on how silly you would feel or you are too scared to be in God's presence by yourself. My sweet friend, you are being silly.
Make a playlist of worship songs you love and that claim the promises of God. Simply start by playing and singing them. Listen to words you speak about your God. As you speak those words, truly believe them. My sister, you may start shouting, weeping or be in complete silence because of who God is.
As part of your healing process, choose to draw close to God as you worship Him.
Remember your only assignment is to choose to let God heal you from your hurts and memorize:
"He heals the brokenhearted
and binds up their wounds" Psalm 147:3
Now go worship your Savior.
Whether it has been awhile or maybe you have never tried it, I recommend that you experience an intimate worship experience in your home. Just you praising and worshiping your Almighty Creator, your Heavenly Father. Stopping to connect with God through song and prayer.
Now, some of you are already making excuses on how silly you would feel or you are too scared to be in God's presence by yourself. My sweet friend, you are being silly.
Make a playlist of worship songs you love and that claim the promises of God. Simply start by playing and singing them. Listen to words you speak about your God. As you speak those words, truly believe them. My sister, you may start shouting, weeping or be in complete silence because of who God is.
As part of your healing process, choose to draw close to God as you worship Him.
Remember your only assignment is to choose to let God heal you from your hurts and memorize:
"He heals the brokenhearted
and binds up their wounds" Psalm 147:3
Now go worship your Savior.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
March Week 4 Day 1:Choose To Heal
You had a week to continue on your journey of refreshing and renewal. Some of you may be trying really hard, but you still feel lost, hurt or too burned out to feel refreshed. You are missing a step.
You are trying to refresh your life the same way you refresh your house when last minute company walks through the door. Yes, you are cramming all the junk in the closet and giving a false sense of cleaning up. Eventually the door is going to bust or the company is going to open the door looking for the bathroom and all the junk is going to come tumbling out.
What hurt, memories or guilt are you pushing down and trying to ignore? My dear sweet friend, you do not have to hold it in. You do not have to hide the pain. You do not have to carry the secret that haunts your memory. My friend, I promise you that my God, your God, can heal you.
Please stop shutting the door to hide the pain. Come before your Heavenly Father and let Him heal your Spirit, Soul, body and mind. He is your Healer.
If God can heal a victim of date rape, verbal name calling from a loved one and a betrayed relationship, plus the numerous years of rebellion. He can heal you.
Play this song and come before your Father. Lay it down at His feet.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaB53_AS7Ug
Healer
You know my every worry
Calm my raging sea
walk with me through fire
Healer of my disease
I trust in you (x2)
Chorus:
I believe you are my healer
I believe you are all I need (Oh Jesus)
I believe you are my portion
I believe you are more than enough for me
Jesus you are all I need
Oh my healer (You're my healer)
You know my every worry
Calm my raging sea
walk with me through fire
Healer of my disease
I trust in you (x2)
Chorus:
I believe you are my healer
I believe you are all I need (I believe)
I believe you are my portion
I believe you are more than enough for me
Jesus you are all I need
Nothing is impossible for you (x3)
You hold my world in your hand
Soloist: Nothing
Nothing is impossible for you (x3)
You hold my world in your hand
Repeat Chorus
I believe you are my healer
I believe you are all I need (Soloist: Everything I am)
I believe you are my portion (Soloist: Yes you are)
I believe you are more than enough for me
Jesus you are all I need
Soloist:
Reach out to the Lord
our deliverer
Everything we need(x2)
All I need is found in you (x4)
All sufficient one
All: All we need is found in you
Soloist:Nothing is impossible for you
Nothing is impossible for you (x3)
You hold my world in your hands.
I believe you are my healer
I believe you are all I need
I believe you are my portion
I believe you are more than enough for me
Jesus you are all I need
More than a enough for me
Jesus you are all I need
You are more than enough for me
Jesus you are all I need
You're more than enough for me.
Do you believe God is your healer? Do you have enough faith that He can and will heal you from your hurts and wounds? Will you choose to go before your Father and let Him heal you? Will you choose to reach out and touch His cloak?
I pray you will. I lived a wounded life filled with hurt. I am the one above who was healed by my Father.
*If you have faced abuse of any kind, rape, etc, please seek Christian counseling. I can point you in the right direction. If counseling scares you, please talk to me, your pastor or a Godly woman in your church.
*If you are currently in an abusive relationship, then leave immediately and seek help. Go to your church, a friend, family member or a women's shelter immediately. You do not deserve to be abused and it is not your fault.
This week your only action plan is to spend time before the Father and find healing.
Memorize
You are trying to refresh your life the same way you refresh your house when last minute company walks through the door. Yes, you are cramming all the junk in the closet and giving a false sense of cleaning up. Eventually the door is going to bust or the company is going to open the door looking for the bathroom and all the junk is going to come tumbling out.
What hurt, memories or guilt are you pushing down and trying to ignore? My dear sweet friend, you do not have to hold it in. You do not have to hide the pain. You do not have to carry the secret that haunts your memory. My friend, I promise you that my God, your God, can heal you.
Please stop shutting the door to hide the pain. Come before your Heavenly Father and let Him heal your Spirit, Soul, body and mind. He is your Healer.
If God can heal a victim of date rape, verbal name calling from a loved one and a betrayed relationship, plus the numerous years of rebellion. He can heal you.
Play this song and come before your Father. Lay it down at His feet.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GaB53_AS7Ug
Healer
You know my every worry
Calm my raging sea
walk with me through fire
Healer of my disease
I trust in you (x2)
Chorus:
I believe you are my healer
I believe you are all I need (Oh Jesus)
I believe you are my portion
I believe you are more than enough for me
Jesus you are all I need
Oh my healer (You're my healer)
You know my every worry
Calm my raging sea
walk with me through fire
Healer of my disease
I trust in you (x2)
Chorus:
I believe you are my healer
I believe you are all I need (I believe)
I believe you are my portion
I believe you are more than enough for me
Jesus you are all I need
Nothing is impossible for you (x3)
You hold my world in your hand
Soloist: Nothing
Nothing is impossible for you (x3)
You hold my world in your hand
Repeat Chorus
I believe you are my healer
I believe you are all I need (Soloist: Everything I am)
I believe you are my portion (Soloist: Yes you are)
I believe you are more than enough for me
Jesus you are all I need
Soloist:
Reach out to the Lord
our deliverer
Everything we need(x2)
All I need is found in you (x4)
All sufficient one
All: All we need is found in you
Soloist:Nothing is impossible for you
Nothing is impossible for you (x3)
You hold my world in your hands.
I believe you are my healer
I believe you are all I need
I believe you are my portion
I believe you are more than enough for me
Jesus you are all I need
More than a enough for me
Jesus you are all I need
You are more than enough for me
Jesus you are all I need
You're more than enough for me.
Do you believe God is your healer? Do you have enough faith that He can and will heal you from your hurts and wounds? Will you choose to go before your Father and let Him heal you? Will you choose to reach out and touch His cloak?
I pray you will. I lived a wounded life filled with hurt. I am the one above who was healed by my Father.
*If you have faced abuse of any kind, rape, etc, please seek Christian counseling. I can point you in the right direction. If counseling scares you, please talk to me, your pastor or a Godly woman in your church.
*If you are currently in an abusive relationship, then leave immediately and seek help. Go to your church, a friend, family member or a women's shelter immediately. You do not deserve to be abused and it is not your fault.
This week your only action plan is to spend time before the Father and find healing.
Memorize
"He heals the brokenhearted
and binds up their wounds" Psalm 147:3
and binds up their wounds" Psalm 147:3
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Website
It is not completely finished, but it is up and running. I hope to have the videos and downloads soon. Plus more study material.
www.bodysoulandhome.com
www.bodysoulandhome.com
Thursday, March 11, 2010
March Week 2 Day 5
Before we get into today's lesson, I wanted let you know that I will not be writing next week. I am taking some time off from the blog so I may work on a website. I am very excited about it. It will have the Choices Study, workout videos, photos of organization ideas and mp3 downloads of the study.
Please keep choosing God, exercise, rest and sticking to your schedule. I would encourage you to keep refreshing by Spring cleaning the bathrooms and spend time with God outdoors.
Now I am going to give you something to think on and study over the next week. My only request is that you put aside anything you have been taught and truly look for answers in God's Word over this next week. And I would love to hear your thoughts on it.
My question is: who is the crazy one, the person who has faith in God, no matter what reality they may be facing, or the person who has faith in God, just not enough to think God will perform an outrageous miracle?
Here is my example:
A man suffers a stroke leaving him bed ridden. His health has many complications over the next ten years. And at one point he is even put on hospice. His wife believes that the the Lord told her one day God would heal him. Even as he goes on hospice, she still believes God can and will heal him. (This is a Godly woman who has made God a priority in her life. She finds time for God no matter what trial she may be facing. she has a close, intimate relationship.)
Once he is on hospice, the people of the church start coming to her and telling her she has to give up this dream of him being healed. She is told she needs to face reality.
Is the wife believing God can and will perform a miracle crazy or are the people saying God cannot perform a miracle, it is too late, crazy? Or is there a middle ground that makes more sense?
Currently, I am searching God's word for this answer. I know the people on both sides of this story. Neither side would I consider ungodly or far from God. I respect both sides very much as a person. But these people read the same Bible and worship and love the same God. How can their faith be so different?
When there seems tobe no hope for a marriage, an illness, a rebellious child or a lost soul, can it be too late for God to step in and perform a miracle? We know death was not too late for Jesus to step in and perform a miracle. 99 years old was not too late for Abraham to have a child. Even after Saul killed those following Christ, Jesus changed his life and generations have read his words. But then some argue that those miracles are not for today's world.
David is another example I keep studying. As his child was ill and dying, he fasted and prayed. He had faith God could save his child's life. But that time God chose not to perform a miracle. David had faith but when the answer was no, he accepted it. Should we hold on to faith and hope in God for a miracle until He answers us instead of just holding on to faith until reality tells us it is too late?
Any Christian I know would say they have faith in God and believe in miracles. But they tend to struggle that God would perform that miracle in their life or they lose faith once the doctor report comes back or after a certain amount of time has gone by. I am guilty of it myself.
Do I, do you, truly choose to believe God? Are we putting a limit, time frame on His power and works? Or are we suppose to believe reality?
I have some of my own answers. But I am not going to share them yet. You look for answers and seek wisdom and discernment from God. Maybe right now there is something in your life where you have no more hope. Does God want you to hold on and hope a little longer?
I love you and pray God reveals who He is and what He can and will do for you. Have a blessed, refreshing, renewing weekend and week with God.
(P.S. The man who was on hospice is no longer on hospice. And for the first time in three years, a therapist took him outside in his chair for 20 minutes. Praise God!)
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20samuel%2012:15-23&version=NIV
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=gen%2018:10-15&version=NIV
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=gen%2021:1-7&version=NIV
Please keep choosing God, exercise, rest and sticking to your schedule. I would encourage you to keep refreshing by Spring cleaning the bathrooms and spend time with God outdoors.
Now I am going to give you something to think on and study over the next week. My only request is that you put aside anything you have been taught and truly look for answers in God's Word over this next week. And I would love to hear your thoughts on it.
My question is: who is the crazy one, the person who has faith in God, no matter what reality they may be facing, or the person who has faith in God, just not enough to think God will perform an outrageous miracle?
Here is my example:
A man suffers a stroke leaving him bed ridden. His health has many complications over the next ten years. And at one point he is even put on hospice. His wife believes that the the Lord told her one day God would heal him. Even as he goes on hospice, she still believes God can and will heal him. (This is a Godly woman who has made God a priority in her life. She finds time for God no matter what trial she may be facing. she has a close, intimate relationship.)
Once he is on hospice, the people of the church start coming to her and telling her she has to give up this dream of him being healed. She is told she needs to face reality.
Is the wife believing God can and will perform a miracle crazy or are the people saying God cannot perform a miracle, it is too late, crazy? Or is there a middle ground that makes more sense?
Currently, I am searching God's word for this answer. I know the people on both sides of this story. Neither side would I consider ungodly or far from God. I respect both sides very much as a person. But these people read the same Bible and worship and love the same God. How can their faith be so different?
When there seems tobe no hope for a marriage, an illness, a rebellious child or a lost soul, can it be too late for God to step in and perform a miracle? We know death was not too late for Jesus to step in and perform a miracle. 99 years old was not too late for Abraham to have a child. Even after Saul killed those following Christ, Jesus changed his life and generations have read his words. But then some argue that those miracles are not for today's world.
David is another example I keep studying. As his child was ill and dying, he fasted and prayed. He had faith God could save his child's life. But that time God chose not to perform a miracle. David had faith but when the answer was no, he accepted it. Should we hold on to faith and hope in God for a miracle until He answers us instead of just holding on to faith until reality tells us it is too late?
Any Christian I know would say they have faith in God and believe in miracles. But they tend to struggle that God would perform that miracle in their life or they lose faith once the doctor report comes back or after a certain amount of time has gone by. I am guilty of it myself.
Do I, do you, truly choose to believe God? Are we putting a limit, time frame on His power and works? Or are we suppose to believe reality?
I have some of my own answers. But I am not going to share them yet. You look for answers and seek wisdom and discernment from God. Maybe right now there is something in your life where you have no more hope. Does God want you to hold on and hope a little longer?
I love you and pray God reveals who He is and what He can and will do for you. Have a blessed, refreshing, renewing weekend and week with God.
(P.S. The man who was on hospice is no longer on hospice. And for the first time in three years, a therapist took him outside in his chair for 20 minutes. Praise God!)
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20samuel%2012:15-23&version=NIV
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=gen%2018:10-15&version=NIV
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=gen%2021:1-7&version=NIV
March Week 2 Day 4: Will You Choose To Refresh Or Grumble
It is the day on your schedule to clean house. Do you look forward to it? Or are you thinking if every excuse not to do it?
Just like everything else we have discussed, your attitude over caring for your house is your choice. And if we are honest, we would all have to admit we grumble more about the beautiful house we have to clean than being thankful for our beautiful home. But you and I can choose to change our attitudes of grumbling to attitudes of seeking refreshing.
I have a Refresh Challenge for you. Now I do not 100% believe it will work, but it will not hurt any current circumstances.
My Refresh Challenge will be you choosing to refresh your home, body and spirit all at one time. As you joyfully clean your house, you will be worshipping God. Crank up the worship music and rejoice in all the ways God has blessed you. (If you have a home to clean and things in it to pick up, you are blessed.) Clean at a speed that will give you the complete benefits of a workout. We are not going to look at cleaning our house as a chore, but as a time of worship and workout.
OK, it seems a little bit crazy, but I think you will be much more likely to be refreshed when you are done. You will know you are a getting a workout. You will be worshipping and praying for loved ones as you go along. And when you are all done, your house will be clean.
We are blessed beyond belief with all our stuff and the size of our homes. Why not choose to show your gratefulness when you clean instead of complaining about your blessings?
March Action Plan
To refresh our soul and mind and Spring Clean Our Homes
March Week 2 Action Plan
Spring Clean Living Areas: Wipe down baseboards, blinds and walls if they need it. Dust fans and light fixtures. Vacuum out the furniture and under the furniture. Dust off the power cords. Clean the inside of the windows. Spray some pretty smelling febreeze over the furniture to give a fresh scent.
Memorize Psalm 103:1-5
"1 Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2 Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits-
3 who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
5 who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's."
March Week 2 Day 4
Choose to count your blessings.
Choose to read Acts 16:22-27. If Paul can worship God after being beaten in prison, I think we should be able to worship when we clean house.
22The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten. 23After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. 24Upon receiving such orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.
25About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. 26Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody's chains came loose. 27The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. 28But Paul shouted, "Don't harm yourself! We are all here!"
Choose to keep doing your workout routine. (maybe even get outside today)
Choose to work on living area and put up laundry.
Choose to get a good night's sleep.
Just like everything else we have discussed, your attitude over caring for your house is your choice. And if we are honest, we would all have to admit we grumble more about the beautiful house we have to clean than being thankful for our beautiful home. But you and I can choose to change our attitudes of grumbling to attitudes of seeking refreshing.
I have a Refresh Challenge for you. Now I do not 100% believe it will work, but it will not hurt any current circumstances.
My Refresh Challenge will be you choosing to refresh your home, body and spirit all at one time. As you joyfully clean your house, you will be worshipping God. Crank up the worship music and rejoice in all the ways God has blessed you. (If you have a home to clean and things in it to pick up, you are blessed.) Clean at a speed that will give you the complete benefits of a workout. We are not going to look at cleaning our house as a chore, but as a time of worship and workout.
OK, it seems a little bit crazy, but I think you will be much more likely to be refreshed when you are done. You will know you are a getting a workout. You will be worshipping and praying for loved ones as you go along. And when you are all done, your house will be clean.
We are blessed beyond belief with all our stuff and the size of our homes. Why not choose to show your gratefulness when you clean instead of complaining about your blessings?
March Action Plan
To refresh our soul and mind and Spring Clean Our Homes
March Week 2 Action Plan
Spring Clean Living Areas: Wipe down baseboards, blinds and walls if they need it. Dust fans and light fixtures. Vacuum out the furniture and under the furniture. Dust off the power cords. Clean the inside of the windows. Spray some pretty smelling febreeze over the furniture to give a fresh scent.
Memorize Psalm 103:1-5
"1 Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2 Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits-
3 who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
5 who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's."
March Week 2 Day 4
Choose to count your blessings.
Choose to read Acts 16:22-27. If Paul can worship God after being beaten in prison, I think we should be able to worship when we clean house.
22The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten. 23After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. 24Upon receiving such orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.
25About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. 26Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody's chains came loose. 27The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. 28But Paul shouted, "Don't harm yourself! We are all here!"
Choose to keep doing your workout routine. (maybe even get outside today)
Choose to work on living area and put up laundry.
Choose to get a good night's sleep.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
March Week2 Day 3: Refresh the Living Room
Refreshing!!! Saying the word makes me feel better. The sunshine makes me feel better. And a couple of new pillows, candles and plants make my home a welcoming site.
Last week, I hit the jackpot. I found decor pillows for $3 and floral arrangements for $5. A few dollars has added some new life to my living room. The Spring Cleaning part may not be much fun, but adding a little extra color is a lot of fun.
If your living room has you dragging then go by a place like Ross and spend a couple of dollars. One or two new pillows will refresh your whole room.
Enjoy making your living room a clean, refreshing space this week. And remember if toys or things tend to clutter your living room, please get you a cute basket for the clutter until you can put it up.
March Action Plan
To refresh our soul and mind and Spring Clean Our Homes
March Week 2 Action Plan
Spring Clean Living Areas: Wipe down baseboards, blinds and walls if they need it. Dust fans and light fixtures. Vacuum out the furniture and under the furniture. Dust off the power cords. Clean the inside of the windows. Spray some pretty smelling febreeze over the furniture to give a fresh scent.
Memorize Psalm 103:1-5
"1 Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2 Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits-
3 who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
5 who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's."
March Week 2 Day 3
Choose to sit in the sun while you worship the Son..
Choose to read
Exodus 15:2
The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him.
Choose to keep doing your workout routine. (maybe even get outside today)
Choose to work on living area and wipe down the bathroom.
Choose to get a good night's sleep.
Last week, I hit the jackpot. I found decor pillows for $3 and floral arrangements for $5. A few dollars has added some new life to my living room. The Spring Cleaning part may not be much fun, but adding a little extra color is a lot of fun.
If your living room has you dragging then go by a place like Ross and spend a couple of dollars. One or two new pillows will refresh your whole room.
Enjoy making your living room a clean, refreshing space this week. And remember if toys or things tend to clutter your living room, please get you a cute basket for the clutter until you can put it up.
March Action Plan
To refresh our soul and mind and Spring Clean Our Homes
March Week 2 Action Plan
Spring Clean Living Areas: Wipe down baseboards, blinds and walls if they need it. Dust fans and light fixtures. Vacuum out the furniture and under the furniture. Dust off the power cords. Clean the inside of the windows. Spray some pretty smelling febreeze over the furniture to give a fresh scent.
Memorize Psalm 103:1-5
"1 Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2 Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits-
3 who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
5 who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's."
March Week 2 Day 3
Choose to sit in the sun while you worship the Son..
Choose to read
Exodus 15:2
The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him.
Choose to keep doing your workout routine. (maybe even get outside today)
Choose to work on living area and wipe down the bathroom.
Choose to get a good night's sleep.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
March Week 2 Day 2: Choose to Renew with Hope
A month ago, twelve inches of snow covered the ground. Yesterday was dark, gloomy and raining. Today, I get to enjoy the sunshine and warmth. Unfortunately most of it will be through a library window, but at least I will see the sunrise this morning as I drive to work.
Just the like sunshine brings a smile and warmth to our face after a long winter, God will bring peace and joy during and after the storm. And your home should bring a smile to your face and be your place of refuge.
The season of trials and sorrow may feel like those long winter months when you are waiting for sunshine and new life. But even though it may be a long winter, you hold on to the hope of spring. You should hold on with even more hope to God. Even in the darkest of times, you can hold on to the hope and truth you have in Christ. It is simpler than we admit. Will you and I sulk and give up or will you and I choose to hold on and find joy because of the hope we have in Christ?
And I also plead with you one more time, will you please choose to make your home a place of refuge for you and your family. Freshen it up with some flowers for spring. Pick it up as you go along in the morning so you come home to a clean home. I promise you that you will have a smile on your face when you get home. Flowers to greet you and no mess on the floor are the most welcoming sight after a long day.
As I enjoy watching the sunrise and find new hope in a new day as I drive to work this morning, my prayer for you is that you choose to find hope in Christ today and choose to refresh your home for the Spring.
March Action Plan
To refresh our soul and mind and Spring Clean Our Homes
March Week 2 Action Plan
Spring Clean Living Areas: Wipe down baseboards, blinds and walls if they need it. Dust fans and light fixtures. Vacuum out the furniture and under the furniture. Dust off the power cords. Clean the inside of the windows. Spray some pretty smelling febreeze over the furniture to give a fresh scent.
Memorize Psalm 103:1-5
"1 Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2 Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits-
3 who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
5 who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's."
March Week 2 Day 2
Choose to rejoice and proclaim your hope in Christ. Giv your sorrows and burden to him.
Choose to read through Exodus or Isaiah and see the promises God kept to His people.
Choose to keep doing your workout routine. (maybe even get outside today)
Choose to work on living area and do a Family 15.
Choose to get a good night's sleep.
Just the like sunshine brings a smile and warmth to our face after a long winter, God will bring peace and joy during and after the storm. And your home should bring a smile to your face and be your place of refuge.
The season of trials and sorrow may feel like those long winter months when you are waiting for sunshine and new life. But even though it may be a long winter, you hold on to the hope of spring. You should hold on with even more hope to God. Even in the darkest of times, you can hold on to the hope and truth you have in Christ. It is simpler than we admit. Will you and I sulk and give up or will you and I choose to hold on and find joy because of the hope we have in Christ?
And I also plead with you one more time, will you please choose to make your home a place of refuge for you and your family. Freshen it up with some flowers for spring. Pick it up as you go along in the morning so you come home to a clean home. I promise you that you will have a smile on your face when you get home. Flowers to greet you and no mess on the floor are the most welcoming sight after a long day.
As I enjoy watching the sunrise and find new hope in a new day as I drive to work this morning, my prayer for you is that you choose to find hope in Christ today and choose to refresh your home for the Spring.
March Action Plan
To refresh our soul and mind and Spring Clean Our Homes
March Week 2 Action Plan
Spring Clean Living Areas: Wipe down baseboards, blinds and walls if they need it. Dust fans and light fixtures. Vacuum out the furniture and under the furniture. Dust off the power cords. Clean the inside of the windows. Spray some pretty smelling febreeze over the furniture to give a fresh scent.
Memorize Psalm 103:1-5
"1 Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2 Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits-
3 who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
5 who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's."
March Week 2 Day 2
Choose to rejoice and proclaim your hope in Christ. Giv your sorrows and burden to him.
Choose to read through Exodus or Isaiah and see the promises God kept to His people.
Choose to keep doing your workout routine. (maybe even get outside today)
Choose to work on living area and do a Family 15.
Choose to get a good night's sleep.
Monday, March 8, 2010
March Week 2 Day 1: Choose to Renew Yourself in His Promises
The Promise by the Martins
Click on link and then follow along with the words.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hF8H5BWY6_M&feature=related
I never said that I would give you silver or gold
Or that you would never feel the fire or shiver in the cold
But I did say you'd never walk thru this world alone
And I did say don't make this world your home
I never said that fear wouldn't find you in the night
Or that loneliness was something you'd never have to fight
But I did say I'd be right there by your side
And I did say I'll always help you fight
'Cause you know I made a promise that I intend to keep
My grace will be sufficient in your time of need
My love will be the anchor that you can hold on to
This is the promise, this is the promise I've made to you
I never said that friends would never turn their backs on you
Or that the world around you wouldn't see you as a fool
But I did say like me you'll surely be despised
And I did say My ways confound the wise
I didn't say you'd never taste the bitter kiss of death
Or have to walk thru chilly Jordan to enter into rest
But I did say I'd be waiting right on the other side
And I did say I'll dry every tear you've cried
'Cause you know I made a promise that I've prepared a place
And someday sooner than you think you'll see me face to face
And you'll sing with the angels and a countless multitude
This is the promise, this is the promise I've made to you
So just keep on walking don't turn to the left or right
And in the midst of darkness let this be your light
That hell can't separate us and you're gonna make it thru
This is the promise, this is the promise I've made to you
Oh, this is the promise, this is the promise I've made to you
As we renew and refresh our self this month, we need to remember God's promises. This song reminds us of what we are promised. There will be disappointments, there will be hurt, there will be loss in our lives, but my dear, sweet friend, God has promised us so much more. Read the words again and really think if you believe those words. Find joy in each and every promise. No matter what lies ahead today, tomorrow or this week, God has promised to love you and never let you walk alone. Find peace in that truth today.
March Action Plan
To refresh our soul and mind and Spring Clean Our Homes
March Week 2 Action Plan
Spring Clean Living Areas: Wipe down baseboards, blinds and walls if they need it. Dust fans and light fixtures. Vacuum out the furniture and under the furniture. Dust off the power cords. Clean the inside of the windows. Spray some pretty smelling febreeze over the furniture to give a fresh scent.
Memorize Psalm 103:1-5
"1 Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2 Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits-
3 who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
5 who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's."
March Week 1 Day 4
Choose to open up to God about the promises that are hard for you to believe.
Choose to read through Exodus or Isaiah and see the promises God kept to His people..
Choose to keep doing your workout routine.
Choose to work on living area and put up the dirty dishes in the kitchen.
Choose to get a good night's sleep.
Click on link and then follow along with the words.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hF8H5BWY6_M&feature=related
I never said that I would give you silver or gold
Or that you would never feel the fire or shiver in the cold
But I did say you'd never walk thru this world alone
And I did say don't make this world your home
I never said that fear wouldn't find you in the night
Or that loneliness was something you'd never have to fight
But I did say I'd be right there by your side
And I did say I'll always help you fight
'Cause you know I made a promise that I intend to keep
My grace will be sufficient in your time of need
My love will be the anchor that you can hold on to
This is the promise, this is the promise I've made to you
I never said that friends would never turn their backs on you
Or that the world around you wouldn't see you as a fool
But I did say like me you'll surely be despised
And I did say My ways confound the wise
I didn't say you'd never taste the bitter kiss of death
Or have to walk thru chilly Jordan to enter into rest
But I did say I'd be waiting right on the other side
And I did say I'll dry every tear you've cried
'Cause you know I made a promise that I've prepared a place
And someday sooner than you think you'll see me face to face
And you'll sing with the angels and a countless multitude
This is the promise, this is the promise I've made to you
So just keep on walking don't turn to the left or right
And in the midst of darkness let this be your light
That hell can't separate us and you're gonna make it thru
This is the promise, this is the promise I've made to you
Oh, this is the promise, this is the promise I've made to you
As we renew and refresh our self this month, we need to remember God's promises. This song reminds us of what we are promised. There will be disappointments, there will be hurt, there will be loss in our lives, but my dear, sweet friend, God has promised us so much more. Read the words again and really think if you believe those words. Find joy in each and every promise. No matter what lies ahead today, tomorrow or this week, God has promised to love you and never let you walk alone. Find peace in that truth today.
March Action Plan
To refresh our soul and mind and Spring Clean Our Homes
March Week 2 Action Plan
Spring Clean Living Areas: Wipe down baseboards, blinds and walls if they need it. Dust fans and light fixtures. Vacuum out the furniture and under the furniture. Dust off the power cords. Clean the inside of the windows. Spray some pretty smelling febreeze over the furniture to give a fresh scent.
Memorize Psalm 103:1-5
"1 Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2 Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits-
3 who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
5 who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's."
March Week 1 Day 4
Choose to open up to God about the promises that are hard for you to believe.
Choose to read through Exodus or Isaiah and see the promises God kept to His people..
Choose to keep doing your workout routine.
Choose to work on living area and put up the dirty dishes in the kitchen.
Choose to get a good night's sleep.
Friday, March 5, 2010
March Week 1 Day 5: Choose to Renew in God's Word
My dear friend, I pray today that as you read God's Word you remember He is your God. The God of the Bible is your God today. God's promises still hold true. His love, joy, strength and peace are for you, too. So come before your Father and renew yourself in His truth.
28"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."
Matthew 11:28-29
6 Praise be to the LORD,
for he has heard my cry for mercy.
7 The LORD is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.
My heart leaps for joy
and I will give thanks to him in song.
Psalm 28:6-7
2 The LORD is my strength and my song;
he has become my salvation.
He is my God, and I will praise him,
my father's God, and I will exalt him.
Exodus 15:2
2 O LORD, be gracious to us;
we long for you.
Be our strength every morning,
our salvation in time of distress.
Isaiah 33:2
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:30-31
3 Have mercy on me, O Lord,
for I call to you all day long.
4 Bring joy to your servant,
for to you, O Lord,
I lift up my soul.
5 You are forgiving and good, O Lord,
abounding in love to all who call to you.
Psalm 86:3-5
4 For you make me glad by your deeds, O LORD;
I sing for joy at the works of your hands.
5 How great are your works, O LORD,
how profound your thoughts!
Psalm 92:4-5
17 Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.
19 The Sovereign LORD is my strength;
he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
he enables me to go on the heights.
For the director of music. On my stringed instruments
Habakkuk 3:17-19
19 Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior,
who daily bears our burdens.
Selah
Psalm 68:19
Matthew 11:28-29
6 Praise be to the LORD,
for he has heard my cry for mercy.
7 The LORD is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.
My heart leaps for joy
and I will give thanks to him in song.
Psalm 28:6-7
2 The LORD is my strength and my song;
he has become my salvation.
He is my God, and I will praise him,
my father's God, and I will exalt him.
Exodus 15:2
2 O LORD, be gracious to us;
we long for you.
Be our strength every morning,
our salvation in time of distress.
Isaiah 33:2
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:30-31
3 Have mercy on me, O Lord,
for I call to you all day long.
4 Bring joy to your servant,
for to you, O Lord,
I lift up my soul.
5 You are forgiving and good, O Lord,
abounding in love to all who call to you.
Psalm 86:3-5
4 For you make me glad by your deeds, O LORD;
I sing for joy at the works of your hands.
5 How great are your works, O LORD,
how profound your thoughts!
Psalm 92:4-5
17 Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.
19 The Sovereign LORD is my strength;
he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
he enables me to go on the heights.
For the director of music. On my stringed instruments
Habakkuk 3:17-19
19 Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior,
who daily bears our burdens.
Selah
Psalm 68:19
Now read the scriptures again. Use them as your praise and prayer to God. Worship your God and bring Him your burdens. Find joy and strength in the Lord today.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
March week 1 Day 4: Choose to Refresh and Reflect
I hope you are taking time to renew your relationship with the Lord. If you are one of the ones lucky enough to be receiving the sunshine this week, I would suggest sitting out in the sun as you worship the Lord.
As you are refreshing your health and soul, we might as well refresh our homes. I hope your are cleaning out the kitchen and giving it a good wipe down. You will be amazed about the difference freshly wiped cabinet doors and baseboards can make. But sometimes you want just a little more refreshing.
I am on a strict budget. I cannot just buy to buy. But you do not have to spend a lot to refresh your kitchen a little more. For $5-$10 you can buy some fun Spring hand towels and/or potted flowers for the kitchen or table. A few bucks can bring new life to your kitchen and table. You can even try the Dollar Tree. I bought cute bamboo placemats one time there. And they were just a dollar.
And as we start this time of renewal and refreshing, maybe it is time we start living like life is good even on the worst of days. Our lives and our homes need to start reflecting God's goodness. Why not even choose to let our lives and homes reflect the joy of the Lord?
God has blessed me and He has blessed you. Even if the last thing Christ did for you was die on the cross, well then, you are still abundantly blessed. (But you know God has done much more.)
Will you choose to start reflecting the goodness and joy of the Lord? Will you choose just for a month to give it a shot? I would encourage you to keep a journal about the difference it makes in your life. I will warn you, the enemy will try to tear you down. But I know you can stand firm and choose to find joy and goodness in the Lord.
March Action Plan
To refresh our soul and mind and Spring Clean Our Homes
March Week 1 Action Plan
Spring Clean Kitchen: Clean out cabinets, fridge and pantry. Wipe baseboards, blinds and cabinets doors. Break it down through the week if it makes it easier.
Memorize Psalm 103:1-5
"1 Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2 Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits-
3 who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
5 who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's."
March Week 1 Day 4
Choose to thank God for His specific goodness in your life.
Choose to read your favorite scripture of promise.
Choose to start your workout routine.
Choose to work on kitchen and put up laundry.
Choose to get a good night's sleep.
As you are refreshing your health and soul, we might as well refresh our homes. I hope your are cleaning out the kitchen and giving it a good wipe down. You will be amazed about the difference freshly wiped cabinet doors and baseboards can make. But sometimes you want just a little more refreshing.
I am on a strict budget. I cannot just buy to buy. But you do not have to spend a lot to refresh your kitchen a little more. For $5-$10 you can buy some fun Spring hand towels and/or potted flowers for the kitchen or table. A few bucks can bring new life to your kitchen and table. You can even try the Dollar Tree. I bought cute bamboo placemats one time there. And they were just a dollar.
And as we start this time of renewal and refreshing, maybe it is time we start living like life is good even on the worst of days. Our lives and our homes need to start reflecting God's goodness. Why not even choose to let our lives and homes reflect the joy of the Lord?
God has blessed me and He has blessed you. Even if the last thing Christ did for you was die on the cross, well then, you are still abundantly blessed. (But you know God has done much more.)
Will you choose to start reflecting the goodness and joy of the Lord? Will you choose just for a month to give it a shot? I would encourage you to keep a journal about the difference it makes in your life. I will warn you, the enemy will try to tear you down. But I know you can stand firm and choose to find joy and goodness in the Lord.
March Action Plan
To refresh our soul and mind and Spring Clean Our Homes
March Week 1 Action Plan
Spring Clean Kitchen: Clean out cabinets, fridge and pantry. Wipe baseboards, blinds and cabinets doors. Break it down through the week if it makes it easier.
Memorize Psalm 103:1-5
"1 Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2 Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits-
3 who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
5 who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's."
March Week 1 Day 4
Choose to thank God for His specific goodness in your life.
Choose to read your favorite scripture of promise.
Choose to start your workout routine.
Choose to work on kitchen and put up laundry.
Choose to get a good night's sleep.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
March Week 1 Day 3: Choose a time of renewal
"Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." James 4:8 (NASB)
Read that verse again. It does not say might or maybe but will. I am covered in chills just at the thought of God drawing near to me. How wonderful it is to be near to God!!
As we choose to renew our relationship with God, I hope you desire to draw near to God, to be in His presence, to rest in the shadow of His wings.
Why I would love just to focus on verse 8, we have to look at the surrounding verses to know how to draw near to God. If we want to live like a new creation and renew our relationship with Christ, there are a few messy things to clean up first.
Read James 4:1-12
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=james%204&version=NIV
What are some things we need to choose to lose or clean up?
- Desires of pleasure
- Wanting what others have
- Selfish motives
- Friendship with the world
- Pride
- Slander and judgement
What do we get if we choose God?
- Devil will flee when we resist him
- God comes near to us
- As we humble our self, He lifts us up
- Gives grace to the humble
We can draw near to a world of stuff and immediate pleasure or we can draw near to a God full of grace and promises. So let's shed our worldly winter coats that have left us cold and choose to renew ourselves as we draw near to God and soak up the warmth of His love.
March Action Plan
To refresh our soul and mind and Spring Clean Our Homes
March Week 1 Action Plan
Spring Clean Kitchen: Clean out cabinets, fridge and pantry. Wipe baseboards, blinds and cabinets doors. Break it down through the week if it makes it easier.
Memorize Psalm 103:1-5
"1 Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2 Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits-
3 who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
5 who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's."
March Week 1 Day 3
Choose to stop and draw near to God.
Choose to read James 4:1-12.
Choose to start your workout routine.
Choose to work on Kitchen and wipe down bathrooms.
Choose to get a good night's sleep.
Monday, March 1, 2010
March Week 1 Day 2: Choose A Time of Renewing and Refreshing
"16So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 18All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:"
2 Corinthians 5:16-18
As we began to look at the road to the cross, His death and His resurrection, we remember not only what Christ did for us, but also what it meant for us. It did not stop at Christ dying for our sins. The suffering and death was the first part. The resurrection gave us a chance for a new life.
The most important decision you will ever make is accepting Christ as your Lord and Savior of your life. It is crucial and has to be made so you may spend eternity with God. But why do we let it stop there. Yes, we are promised a new life and a new earth one day, but girl...you are a new creation now. You are chosen by God now. You have promises from God today. Yes you may have to give up some old habits, but is it not worth it?
My sister and friend, you are God's creation and once Christ came into your life, you became a new creation. So why do you choose to live as the old? Why not choose to live as the new creation you are in Christ?
As new flowers start to bloom, old, empty trees become full of life and bloom, or as the baby bird hatches from its egg, you my sister in Christ are a new creation too. Let's to choose to live as on and experience the abundant life of Christ.
March Action Plan
To refresh our soul and mind and Spring Clean Our Homes
March Week 1 Action Plan
Spring Clean Kitchen: Clean out cabinets, fridge and pantry. Wipe baseboards, blinds and cabinets doors. Break it down through the week if it makes it easier.
Memorize Psalm 103:1-5
"1 Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2 Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits-
3 who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
5 who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's."
March Week 1 Day 2
Choose to praise God the death and resurrection of Christ that made you a new creation.
Choose to read your favorite scripture of promise.
Choose to start your workout routine.
Choose to work on Kitchen and do a Family 15.
Choose to get a good night's sleep.
March Week 1 Day 1: Choose A Time of Renewing and Refreshing
Welcome to a new month that hopefully brings us all a little warmer weather. I would like to apologize for not posting daily blogs last week. I have a sick little one that needs her mommy. I hope to have daily postings this week.
March means spring is coming, flowers and trees blooming soon. Green grass appearing again. Baby birds chirping. Spring is a time of new life. And even though it is a few weeks away, we are going to get an early start.
We are going to refresh our homes, hearts and minds. We are going to refresh ourselves by coming in the presence of our risen Lord as we approach His death and resurrection. We are going to refresh our homes as we do a little spring cleaning. And it is not going to drain us, but refresh us!!! Let's get started!
March Action Plan
To refresh our soul and mind and Spring Clean Our Homes
March Week 1 Action Plan
Spring Clean Kitchen: Clean out cabinets, fridge and pantry. Wipe baseboards, blinds and cabinets doors. Break it down through the week if it makes it easier.
Memorize Psalm 103:1-5
"1 Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2 Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits-
3 who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
5 who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's."
March Week 1 Day 1
Choose to praise God for a new life.
Choose to read Psalm 103 and shout those first 5 verses and claim them
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+103&version=NIV
Choose to start your workout routine.
Choose to work on Kitchen.
Choose to get a good night's sleep.
March means spring is coming, flowers and trees blooming soon. Green grass appearing again. Baby birds chirping. Spring is a time of new life. And even though it is a few weeks away, we are going to get an early start.
We are going to refresh our homes, hearts and minds. We are going to refresh ourselves by coming in the presence of our risen Lord as we approach His death and resurrection. We are going to refresh our homes as we do a little spring cleaning. And it is not going to drain us, but refresh us!!! Let's get started!
March Action Plan
To refresh our soul and mind and Spring Clean Our Homes
March Week 1 Action Plan
Spring Clean Kitchen: Clean out cabinets, fridge and pantry. Wipe baseboards, blinds and cabinets doors. Break it down through the week if it makes it easier.
Memorize Psalm 103:1-5
"1 Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2 Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits-
3 who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
5 who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's."
March Week 1 Day 1
Choose to praise God for a new life.
Choose to read Psalm 103 and shout those first 5 verses and claim them
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+103&version=NIV
Choose to start your workout routine.
Choose to work on Kitchen.
Choose to get a good night's sleep.
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