A Name

 

A name. It is part of what defines you. Sometimes people hear a name and say, “it fits that person.” Sometimes, not so much. When children are born, we take great lengths to find the perfect name for the child. It might be given before birth or perhaps after, but still it is not given without great deliberation.

 

A name that I haven’t given much thought to through the years is that of the evil one. But in my recent reading, I came across this line. “Satan’s name means, ‘one who casts something between two things to cause a separation.’”[i] I must say, his name fits him to a T!

 

How blessed we as believers are to know that the name of the evil one doesn’t have to have a hold on our lives. Why? Because God’s Name is more powerful and can help us to overcome anything that the evil one puts in our way.

 

Remember this verse? “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” (Proverbs 18:10 – NIV) The Name of the Lord is available for us to call upon. And I do love the many different Names of God that we can call upon for each situation of our lives.

 

As an encouragement to my Mom, I wrote verses of Scripture on silk flowers that she could hold and read. On one flower, I wrote some of the Names of God on its petals. As she needs encouragement, strength, courage, healing or comfort, she can call upon the Name that will help her through her day. Guess what? We can do the same thing!

 

When you are fearful, you can trust that God will protect you as the Guardian of your soul.

 

When you are discouraged, you can be encouraged that God is your Comforter.

 

When you need to see some wonder-working power, you can pray to our Wonderful God who is able to do the extraordinary.

 

When you feel you are slipping, you can be set upon a firm foundation by the Righteous Name of God.

 

When you feel that you are under attack, you can be assured that there is a Shield about you to protect you.

 

And when you feel alone, just remember that Immanuel is with you and will never leave you.

 

These are just a few Names of the Lord that are available to each of us. Let’s be determined to seek the Name that will provide what we need today. I know without these beautiful Names, I would struggle to make it through each day.

 

Have a great day and remember to take the Name of Jesus with you (does that remind you of a song? Me too! Click here if you want to listen to a version of this beautiful hymn.)

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] Made to Crave Action Plan, Lysa TerKeurst, Zondervan, Grand Rapids, 2011, pg. 64.

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“Holy, Holy, Holy” – Monday Musical Musings

 

What a great day to worship Jesus! The sun is shining brightly on the Colorado Rocky Mountains. The birds are singing. It’s not raining. Yes, it’s a good day to join King David in praise of God and His unfailing love. Take a look at some of David’s words.

 

???????????????????????????????“Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.” (Psalm 90:14 – NIV)

 

“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. Rescue me from my enemies, O Lord, for I hide myself in you. Teach me to do your will for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.” (Psalm 143:8-10 – NIV)

 

What beautiful reminders. Even when life is not perfect and we are facing troubles, we know Who will give us all we need and Who will rescue us from anyone or anything that wishes to do us harm.

 

Praising God, especially in the morning, will help set the tone for our day. So I’ve chosen a beautiful praise song to share with you today. “Holy, Holy, Holy” is a song that reminds us of God’s glory, majesty and splendor. If you live where God’s creation is vibrant and beautiful, you may not have difficulty with praising Him for His works.

 

But this song goes on to remind us that when we praise God, we are to do so with our entire being. Even to the point of falling our knees to worship. That’s the kind of worship I want to bring before my God and King today. What about you?

 

As you read through the lyrics and listen to the music of “Holy, Holy, Holy,” I pray that you will move a little deeper in your praise and worship. I pray that you will not only seek God in the morning, but throughout your day. Let’s make it a great day!

 

“Holy, Holy, Holy”

 

The earth is filled with your glory
We stand in awe of your majesty
Behold the splendor of the King
And join the angels as they sing

 
Holy, holy, holy
Is the lamb of God
Honor, praise and glory
Are yours, O Lord, forever

 
As we gaze at your beauty
We cannot help falling on our knees
We have come to adore our King
And join the angels as they sing[i]

 

Click here to listen to this beautiful song by Larry Hampton.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

[i] “Holy, Holy, Holy,” Words and Music by Larry Hampton, Mercy/Vineyard Publishing, 1994.

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Seek God

 

One of my favorite passages of Scripture is found in Psalm 27. King David asked one thing of God in this chapter. To “dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.” (Psalm 27:4 – NIV)

 

DSC00374This is exactly what Sunday is all about. Dwelling with God in His house. Gazing upon His beauty. Seeking Him in His house of prayer. I pray that you have found these to be important. Don’t allow other things of this world to take you away from the gathering of God’s people each Lord’s Day. You will find great blessing and encouragement in each gathering.

 

Today’s repeat blog post is about the reminders we need to be with God, family and friends. Enjoy!

 

DO NOT SPEED

 

Last February, I visited Daytona Beach for two weeks. There were several reasons for being there, but one of the best reasons was to access the ocean. I stayed at my great aunt’s home that was about four blocks from the beach. Each day I would set out to walk the blocks that separated me from the beach and stroll down the beach a while, then head back to the comfort of my family.

 

On one of these excursions, I passed a motorcycle that had a sign across the wind shield in large letters and in plain sight of the driver, “DO NOT SPEED.”

 

Apparently, the driver of this cycle needed reminding that speeding was not a good idea.

 

Now I typically drive faster than I should. Driving 5 to 10 miles over the speed limit is not unusual for me. I have, however, found that in our community, police officers don’t appreciate even that. To keep myself in check, I use my cruise control around town. I have no desire to receive my first speeding ticket in the Tri-Towns area.

 

Most highway systems these days have large electronic signs where important messages can be displayed for all drivers to see. Colorado is no different and I pass several signs each day in my travels. My favorite message of late states, “75 means 75. Violators will be ticketed.”

 

Sometimes we all need reminding that we should or shouldn’t do something, whether it’s gossiping, lying, swearing, being kind to others, sharing the Gospel with our neighbor, or speeding. So God could say, “do not lie means do not lie.” Or “love your neighbor as yourself means love your neighbor as yourself.”   And even “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God means do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Has the “ah ha” moment hit yet?

 

What about the times we take “signs” for granted? We see them each day and perhaps become used to them. They are just part of the scenery and then we ignore them. We go back to our old way of life and don’t take to heart the message. I think in those times, we need to remember to look at the signs and really see what they or God is saying. Ask God to enlighten the eyes of our hearts and bring us back to the message He has for us.

 

God’s Word continues to give us these reminders, but unless we are in His Word on a regular basis, we might miss some of them. Don’t ever think that God doesn’t have something to say to you. Be open to His subtle hints and be aware of His blunt reminders.

 

To be honest, that “75 means 75” sign has made an impact on my life. I now find myself traveling I-25 at 75 miles an hour more times than not. I still use my cruise control around my community. And part of this slowing down in my driving has helped me to slow down in all areas of my life. I now have more quality time and opportunity to spend with friends, family and most of all God. I pray these same things for you. May God bless you today in your travels and in your relationships.

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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Go For It!

 

I have learned through the years that when summer hits, I become lazy in my quiet time with God. There’s no Bible study(s) to keep in the Word. There’s no structure to when I meet with other women to talk about God’s Word. In the past it’s been several months of separation from God.

 

Balloon Parade 2014 (11)So I’ve learned that staying in routine helps me through the summer. I usually pick up a Bible study that is interesting and I work through that on my own. I continue to wake up early each morning, go straight to Bible study and quiet time with God and then sit at the computer to write my blog post. It’s a good system…as long as I follow the plan.

 

At this moment, I’m working through Lysa TerKeurst’s Made to Crave Action Plan. Oh how I need this! I believe I have the craving God part down. It’s the eating and moving part that I’m not as good at. So I’ve decided to go for it (yet again) to see if I can lose some weight, feel better and have more energy to serve God in His Kingdom.

 

In the midst of learning about soluble and insoluble fiber and the difference between fatty acids, Lysa reminded me of a beautiful section of Scripture. “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – NIV)

 

What I have seemed to miss from these three little verses is the part about God’s will. For me to be in God’s will, what do these verses say I need to do? Be joyful always. Pray continually. Give thanks in all circumstances.

 

When no joy can be found in my life, or my face doesn’t reflect joy, or when my attitude is just plain lousy, I am outside of God’s will.

 

When I forget to pray, or when I’m too busy to pray, or maybe too lazy to pray, I am outside of God’s will.

 

When I am totally engrossed in myself, or I find no reason to be grateful, or when I want more than I already have, I am outside of God’s will.

 

Wow. Did you see yourself in any of these statements? Perhaps it’s time for an attitude adjustment. A God adjustment!

 

Let me suggest a few things to help take the focus off you and back on God.

 

First, if you struggle with prayer time, maybe set an alarm on your phone to remind you to pray. We use our phones to remind us of other things, why not to pray?

 

Next, you’ve probably heard of Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts. Ms. Voskamp’s thought is to recognize the power of gratitude in every day occurrences and things we encounter. By writing them down, we are able to fully engage in gratitude to God for the gifts He has given.

 

And finally, in Lysa’s book, she offers this exercise to draw us into a life filled with joy. It’s similar to the exercise above, but instead it is a joy journal. At the top write, “Joy is…” Throughout the day jot down everything that inspires joy. Then review at the end of the day.

 

In these verses, did you notice the words “always,” “continually,” and “all?” We really must consider them. The instructions given here are not to be done “when we feel like it” or “when everything is going well.” Nope. We are to be filled with joy, pray, and have grateful hearts during the tough times as well. Even during the “ho-hum.”

 

I don’t know where you are today, but I pray that you will take note of these short words from Thessalonians. I pray that you will consider what they mean in your life. But mostly, I pray that you will be determined to find joy throughout your day, to pray more and to have a heart of gratitude. Remember, it is God’s will for you!

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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It Begins

 

As I closed out of my work computer yesterday, I realized that it was a special moment. In the closing of my work laptop, I closed a chapter of my life. When I open the laptop on Monday morning, a new chapter will begin. Now, am I ready for this new chapter? I believe I am!

 

flowers from friends1.jpg1In thinking about next week and additional job, I wanted to find a few verses of Scripture to keep before me as this new adventure begins. I thought I’d share them with you today. Maybe they are verses you can take hold of as well. At any rate, God’s Word holds many promises and words of encouragement for each moment of each day. I know I will benefit in being reminded of them.

 

“In him we live, and move and have our being.” (Acts 17:28 – NIV)

 

“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Joshua 1:5b – NIV)

 

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.” (John 10:27-28 – NIV)

 

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” (Isaiah 43:19 – NIV)

 

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassion never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23 – NIV)

 

“I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Make of heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:1-2 – NIV)

 

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” (Proverbs 16:3 – NIV)

 

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7 – NIV)

 

“God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7 – NIV)

 

“Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let not your hands be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well.” (Ecclesiastes 11:6 – NIV)

 

These are my top ten verses to remember for this next week. I pray that you have found a little nugget to encourage you as well. Above all, I pray this prayer for each of us today.

 

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26 – NIV)

 

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

 

Donna

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