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VIEWING 1 - 10 OUT OF 11 TOTAL
Fitting in
DATE: 09 11 2007, 9:59 am / MOOD: Other
The new school year here folks! Off ya go, back to hit the books! But don't be bummed out, school is great, later on in life you will wish you had these precious years back when all you had to worry about was getting to school on time and making sure you handed in your assignments......or are those the only worries? Not at all. For those beginning in a new school there is the pressure to fit in and sort of blend in with everyone else, not being the sore thumb. For others its other pressures like meeting up to certain standards set by friends, our parents, or ourselves. I have good news for you. These are the best years of your lives, enjoy them to the fullest! We all want to fit in, but let's keep in mind that we are all individuals with different talents, looks, likes and personalities. Don't be afraid to be yourself, God wants you just the way you are! In the journey to finding yourself, don't lose your virtue, moral, and belief. We are living for a higher call, not here on earth so lets always keep in mind the will of God and what is pleasing to Him, even when no eyes are apparently watching us. I love you all, Have a great and blessed school year! Jeremiah 1:4-9 4 The word of the LORD came to me, saying, 5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew [a] you,
before you were born I set you apart;
I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." 6 "Ah, Sovereign LORD," I said, "I do not know how to speak; I am only a child." 7 But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a child.' You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. 8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD. 9 Then the LORD reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, "Now, I have put my words in your mouth. 10 See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant." | Leave A Comment
The Shadow of Egypt
DATE: 09 11 2007, 9:50 am / MOOD: Other
| The shadow of Egypt...... | In my devotional time this morning I was reading concerning Hezekiah and came across this commentary. I pray that it may bless you and strengthen you this day to not be enticed by Egypt (your past) but acknowledge that we are no longer bound by our past. We were set free to serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.When we begin to understand the freedom we have in Christ Jesus, the precious sacrifice on the cross, nothing that we had in Egypt will ever tickle our fancy anymore! Egypt leads to destruction, but our freedom leads to life eternal!
I love you all, be blessed.
Sol <3
Isaiah 30:1-2 (Amplified Bible)
1 WOE TO the rebellious children, says the Lord, who take counsel and carry out a plan, but not Mine, and who make a league and pour out a drink offering, but not of My Spirit, thus adding sin to sin;
2 Who set out to go down into Egypt, and have not asked Me--to flee to the stronghold of Pharaoh and to strengthen themselves in his strength and to trust in the shadow of Egypt!
The Everday life bible written by Joyce Meyer, comments:
Isaiah 30:1,2 is another of those "woe" passages we see from time to time in the Bible. In it the Lord pronouces a cuse upon those rebellious children who turn from trusting in Him to take counsel of themselves, carry out their own plans, and flee to " the shadow of Egypt," rather than resting under the "shadow of the Almighty."
In this case, fleeing to the "shadow of Egypt" refers to turning to the arm of the flesh rather than leaning on the arm of the Lord. In other words, we are not to trust in others, in ourselves, or in the world, but only in the Lord. We are to acknowledge Him in all our ways so that He may direct our paths. We are to find our strength in Him alone. |
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Being Sober-Minded
DATE: 09 06 2007, 11:58 am / MOOD: Happy
1 Peter 5:8 (KJV) 8Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour Romans 12:2-3 (KJV) 2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 3For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. I have listed these verses so that we may meditate on the things that we allow to influence our lives. When someone is an alcoholic we use the term "under the influence" to describe their mental state. But let us analyze ourselves and determine under what influence we are currently walking in. Are we walking under the influence of Satan? Believing that we are failures and will accomplish nothing in life, or that money is all you need in life; money, power, respect? Or are we walking soberly? Sober- thinking that lines up with the word of God. Balanced. Influenced by God's word. When we think in line with things that are not according to the word, we are not balanced, or sober. Colossians 3:2 (NKJV) 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. Let our minds be renewed daily with the word of God, and stay positive. We know that on our own strength little, if anything, can be accomplished; but with God, all things are possible (philippians 4:13). We can defeat our giant of defeat when we realize what God's word is saying to us personally and trust in His promises. If God says we are made for something and will accomplish things, then we will. Perhaps not how we thought we would, nonetheless we will! Things that are gained easily, fall apart easily. It is the things that take a life time to accompish that leave a legacy for the glory of Christ. I love you all, stay blessed Marie <3 | Leave A Comment
To my friends :)
DATE: 08 17 2007, 10:30 am / MOOD: Other
Just wanted to write and let you know that Jesus loves you. He cares about every aspect of your life. Whether it be your physical health, mental health, self image, finances, or your spiritual life. Every single hair on our head is counted! How amazing is that? How beautiful is that feeling of being looked after, taken care of. God cares about every single aspect of our lives. If we don't love ourselves we are rejecting God. How? We are His creation, created in His self image, then how can we reject Him?! Of course things may happen down the line that may affect our bodies and our self image, but it doesn't mean that we should reject ourselves. It simply means that we should seek balance in our lives to take care of that which God has given us. God loves us, all, even when we were still in the world. Did he agree with the things we were, (and still do), not at all. But He never rejected us, instead on more than one occassion tried to make us aware of His love. In this same way let us view ourselves. Let us love ourselves, seek a balanced life in God and allow His purpose to be fulfilled in our lives. If we don't maintain a balanced life, satan will take advantage of the door we have opened. Check your life and if you find areas out of balance, ask God to help you make those adjustments where necessary. Some of the things we should seek balance in is work and rest, eating a balanced diet, never spend more than we earn, and enjoy people but also have solitude. Although we want to please people and have friends, we must always put God first in our lives and His will in our lives, at all times. No matter how often you fail, don't give up. God is with you to strengthen and sustain you. He has promised to never leave you nor forsake you (hebrews 13:5) We want to make people happy and content with us, but my sense of worth is not dependent upon what othes think of me. Jesus has already affirmed my value by His willinglness to die for me. If you have any questions, comments, or prayer requests I urge you to contact me. There is nothing new under the sun, whatever we may be going through someone else may have already passed that test and can offer you encouragement and increase your faith, that you too will overcome. Together we can stand! I love you all in Christ, Sol <3
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Hidden Treasures.....
DATE: 08 16 2007, 6:16 am / MOOD: Happy
1 My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, 2 turning your ear to wisdom
and applying your heart to understanding, 3 and if you call out for insight
and cry aloud for understanding, 4 and if you look for it as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure, 5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD
and find the knowledge of God. 6 For the LORD gives wisdom,
and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. 7 He holds victory in store for the upright,
he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, 8 for he guards the course of the just
and protects the way of his faithful ones. 9 Then you will understand what is right and just
and fair—every good path. 10 For wisdom will enter your heart,
and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. When we are seeking answeres to our questions, what better source of wisdom than that which comes from our Father and heaven. He who made all, knows all! Many times we don't understand why certain things happen, or why or paths take on a certain course. Perhaps we are asking the Lord for a petition: New job, direction in ministry, husband, wife, finances.....but He tells us to seek His wisdom.....then we will understand what paths to take and the knowledge we attain from His wisdom will be pleasant to us, we will feel peace. The Lord will never leave us nor forsake us, but His ways are not our ways, nor are His thoughts our thoughts! We have a narrowed vision, we see what's in front of us, while His expands the width of the universe and beyond! Instead of getting frustrated at failed attempts, shattered dreams, broken promises that we have made the Lord, let us go before the throne of grace and ask for forgiveness in trying to walk this walk our own way, how we thought it was convenient and best for ourselves, and let us seek the wisdom of the Almighty, then will He make our paths straight. It says in verse 8, for He guards the course of the just and protects the way of His faithful ones. How do we attain this wisdom? It is a treasure, it is hidden in His word and we must search for it. We should seek it with a hunger that is never satisfied and a thirst that is never satisfied, but wants more and more each day. My brothers and sisters, I have known what it is to think I know everything and try to do things on my own, in my own understanding because I thought I was wise. I have lived through so much, so I knew alot about life and the hardships of life....boy was I in for a surprise! My wisdom is nothing to the wisdom I found in God's word. I discovered I was doing things absolutely the opposite of what I should do them. The world offers you selfish solutions, do what feels good. God challenges us to do what is right whether it feels good or not. He does not say forgive, if it feels good at the moment. No! He says to forgive, how many times? Seven times, and even more! Love if it feels good at that moment, and only your friends? Absolutely not! Love your enemies, pray for them, bless them, feed them, clothe them! What wisdom! Doing these things we show where our faith rests. In the Almighty God Jehovah, Father, Son, Holy Spirit! All is under His control and we confide in Him when we follow His commands....all this is for our benefit. Rise up early. Give God the firstfruits of your day...enjoy the pleasure of basking in His presence and seeking this Wisdom before we begin our day. Even before we eat breakfast, that He may give us the Wisdom to feed our bodies the proper nourishment. Ladies and Gentlemen, we serve a mighty God! God bless! | Leave A Comment
Straight from the heart
DATE: 08 11 2007, 10:48 am / MOOD: In love
Always Be My Home Your heart will always be my home
No matter where I go
No matter what may come
You'll be my Shelter in the storm
A Harbor safe and sound
Where only true forgiveness can be found
But still...I wanna run away
And go it all alone
When will I ever learn from my mistakes?
And I can't live without Your love
'Cause Your eyes have seen beyond the things I'm guilty of
I won't be afraid to turn back down the road
'Cause Your heart will always be my home
And when I've cried a thousand tears
You've always wiped them dry
And watched me as I spread my winds and fly
To a place where holiness begins
And mercy never ends
And I will find my freedom once again
But still (but still)
I wanna run away (run away)
And go it all alone (and go alone)
When will I ever learn from my mistakes?
And I can't live without Your love
'Cause Your eyes have seen beyond the things I'm guilty of
I won't be afraid to turn back down the road
'Cause Your heart will always be my home
Your hands are always open
To catch me when I fall
I feel a million miles away
But that's no distance at all Chorus
-Rachel Lampa Psalm 23:6 "Surely goodness, mercy and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and through the length of my days the house of the Lord shall be my dwelling place." I chose this song because it made an impact in my life. We all go through a time when there is so much going in our lives presently, that we just wanna give up. We just wanna throw our hands in the air in desperation and say "What now Lord! I pray, I seek you, I read your word and still these troubles overwhelm me! Still I am facing that same giant, I don't have the strength to fight anymore....is it worth even fighting for? I try to do what's right, and end up doing what's wrong. I try to avoid conflict and I mess that up too! Why do you even bother with me? I don't think I could ever be that woman of annointing and authority you called me to be cuz I feel anything but annointed right now." Sound familiar? Are these words similar to what you have cried out to the Lord in desperation? Woman, Man, young one, teenager, child, young adult, whatever your age, race, location, we all go through these things. It is part of life. These words I cried out to the Lord wednesday morning as I prayed. In my heart I was I deeply troubled. I felt insecure, worried, hurt, dissappointed and a bunch of other things that I could write. I continued in meditation and played worship throughout my day,knowing that God was with me, but not quite feeling better yet. He understood me completely. I am pretty sure He felt the same way right before He was crucified, overwhelmed, as He prayed to the Father in His desperation, nonetheless decided to obey the Father. The only difference was that Jesus was perfect, there was no sin in Him, he was guiltless. He didn't let His emotions get in the way, the way we do. If we don't feel like doing something we don't do when we know very well it's something we should be doing, you get me? I played this song on my computer as I put together some clothes to wash, and as I meditated on the words the tears flowed down my face, just as they do now as I think about it,lol. I wasn't depressed, but they were tears of gratitude, tears of love, tears of thankfulness, of joy and sadness at the same time, of hope, of a certainty deep down inside my spirit that I would finish the race but at the same time fearing I would'nt. All these emotions were surging through me, but then I couldn't help but think about: - How often and how much I fail God, but yet, when I wake in the mornings to pray how His love surrounds me. -How as soon as I open my mouth to say "Good morning Holy Spirit" I can feel His joy as if He were just waiting for me to acknowledge His presence. -I thought of all the times I've cried in His arms, including that morning, and His love and mercy fill my heart with hope that everything is in control. -Times of fear when He has reassured me that nothing will harm me for He is by my side. -Times when I've doubted in whether or not I will make it, whether my goals will be accomplished, He's uplifted me through HIs word. -Even when He allows me to be disciplined for an error I have committed, instead of feeling guilty, I feel loved that He would take the time to show me my error and help me get right back on my feet. -When I've fallen, and no one has known and by this I don't necessarily mean sexual sin, but we sin in our minds and in our hearts and with our disobedience too. When my heart hurt so bad it felt like it could break, He was always there to forgive and heal. Brethren I tell you these things to encourage you. We all go through our own trials, some we may say are greater than others, nonetheless it is our trial and part of our journey. How sweet it is to know that we have a friend, a Comforter, a healer, a Father, a Brother, and Intercessor (Jesus), a home in HIs presence, and best of all a Savior. We are never alone. I am never alone. And though I may be going through my desert, through my valley, I shall lean on my Rock and He sustains me. I put my faith in Him who has called me. He will carry me when I can't walk anymore and He will lead me every step of the way. The world offers false comforts, and the arms of a man will only comfort me conditionally, they too will betray me, but Jesus is faithful, even when I'm not. The seemingly free life the world boasts about is a false, been there done that. Christ has made me free! Thats why even though I go through my trials, so long as I have breath and God is my strength, I will not turn back, there is no way to go but forward. I encourage you to let Jesus' heart be your home. Abide in the shadow of the Father's wings so the heat of the sun (trials) will not burn you. Let the comfort of the Holy Spirit fill you with peace daily. Don't give up.....your journey may be a long one, but worthwhile is the prize for it will be eternal but these trials are just temporary! Read the word, pray, let this be your refuge and not friends, alcohol, drugs, food, t.v., music, whatever your outlet is, let it be the presence of the Almighty! Stay blessed! I love you all! Sol <3 
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I know my Father loves me!
DATE: 08 10 2007, 8:16 pm / MOOD: Full of life
In the morning, as the sun peaks through my window and its warm rays gently kiss my face His love fills me in a sweet embrace I know my Father loves me. At night, when the moon has risen, the stars testify of God's creation. They illuminate my dreams with hope and apirations. I know my Father loves me. In days of storm, when it seems the trials never end In His words I find comfort, and in His arms are strength. The shadow of His wings are my shelter from the rain. As the violent winds blow, threatening to tear down my dreams and my hope In my Father's eyes I see the promise of a new day I learn that just as storms come, they pass away but the love of my Father, will never fade away. I know my Father loves me. And this makes me smile again, without fear Because though my walls may crumble, my Father's hand holds might and His power is strong enough to subdue the crashing waves and uplift me with a wave of His hand. His love tumbles down every stronghold, every obstacle before me. I know my Father loves me, and though I may falter, His love will never fail. 
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Thank God it's Friday!!
DATE: 08 10 2007, 7:05 am / MOOD: Happy
Yes it's friday! The weekend is here, the workload is lightened. It's time to thank God for His provision through your jobs and praise Him for the rest the weekend has to offer. May you be strengthened this weekend and uplifted by His mighty power, to continue to excel and go from glory to glory day to day!
My friends, I have posted a new blog! I pray this inspiration will inspire you also! I look forward to hearing from you. But even if you don't, I know that a seed is being planted as you read.
I encourage those of you who have had a great week to testify of God's goodness, those who have had a tough one, to testify of God's faithfulness; and those who have endured tragedy to testify of God's comfort through the Holy Spirit and strength that comes from His righteous right hand! In all, remember to testify, we are called witnesses, meaning we are viewing and seeing God in everything. I can testify of this, God's mercy is more than I deserve, His grace is sufficient and His love is that which keeps me here. His grace, favor and love are what helps me keep my head up, because He is the only one who knows who I really am and still loves me. His love humbles me and motivates me to keep fighting.....reaching for that prize.............
James 1:2-3
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
Philippians 3:14
I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.
Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air.
No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
May God bless you richly, not only in that which you can see, but in what youdon't see, so that you may believe,
and your faith may increase.
Sol xoxoxoxo
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Walking in obedience
DATE: 08 09 2007, 6:07 am / MOOD: In love
(From bible gateway.com/commentary) Many have a value and affection for Christ, yet come short of salvation by him, because they will not forsake other things for him. They love him, yet leave him, because they do not love him enough, but love other things better. Ruth is an example of the grace of God, inclining the soul to choose the better part. Naomi could desire no more than the solemn declaration Ruth made. See the power of resolution; it silences temptation. Those that go in religious ways without a stedfast mind, stand like a door half open, which invites a thief; but resolution shuts and bolts the door, resists the devil and forces him to flee. (Ru 1:19-22) I chose this scripture reference because it applies to must of us at one time or another in our walk with God. We indeed love the Lord and want to serve Him with our lives and hearts but always tend to fall short, and remain stuck in our pits. Why? Because we need to let go of vain things; pride, selfishness, disobedience, fears, shame of the gospel, friends, addictions, pleasures of the flesh, the list could go on and on. God wants to help us crawl out of our pits, but how can we crawl out if we need both hands to grasp the gravel, look for rocky ground to anchor our steps as we work our way up, but the weight of all the extra stuff mentioned above just drags us down. We can't crawl out till we let go. The process hurts, and sometimes its so long we feel as if it isn't even worth letting go of ourselves towards that which Christ is offering us outside of the pit, that rainbow (promise) for our lives. Ruth's hard work and obedience to what she knew God was guiding her to do in her life, led her to great blessings. She remarried the wealthiest man, and bore a son, Obed who was the father of Jesse, the father of David(Jesus ancestor). Her legacy still goes on, and it was through her decision of letting go of her past and moving on to her future, starting out at the bottom, but ended up at the top. God never will leave us stranded, he honors our hard work and dilligence. I encourage you to give the Lord the firstfruits of your day, make up your mind to crawl out of your pit no matter how long or how hard it is. Make up your mind, being steadfast of mind is making a decision and heading towards that goal at all times, at all costs. This takes sacrifice, it takes courage, and it takes resillience. Precisely this is what the bible talks about when it states to resist the devil and he will flee from you. When you make a decision to obey God at all costs, no matter what happens, even if you stumble, you will make it! Obedience is key. Obedience is the exact opposite of not doing or not acting. Not doing what, you may ask? When we disobey God, we are doing that which He has told us not to do, when we obey Him we are doing just as He has said to do. If you need any further advice, or prayer, please feel free to contact me. I love you all and am praying that everyday you walk in His obedience to receive the blessing of the Father daily. God bless you Sol <3
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I dare you to move!
DATE: 08 08 2007, 1:11 pm / MOOD: Happy
Work it out!
Ruth 2:1-12
Ruth Meets Boaz
1 Now Naomi had a relative on her husband's side, from the clan of Elimelech, a man of standing, whose name was Boaz.
2 And Ruth the Moabitess said to Naomi, "Let me go to the fields and pick up the leftover grain behind anyone in whose eyes I find favor."
Naomi said to her, "Go ahead, my daughter." 3 So she went out and began to glean in the fields behind the harvesters. As it turned out, she found herself working in a field belonging to Boaz, who was from the clan of Elimelech.
4 Just then Boaz arrived from Bethlehem and greeted the harvesters, "The LORD be with you!"
"The LORD bless you!" they called back.
5 Boaz asked the foreman of his harvesters, "Whose young woman is that?"
6 The foreman replied, "She is the Moabitess who came back from Moab with Naomi. 7 She said, 'Please let me glean and gather among the sheaves behind the harvesters.' She went into the field and has worked steadily from morning till now, except for a short rest in the shelter."
8 So Boaz said to Ruth, "My daughter, listen to me. Don't go and glean in another field and don't go away from here. Stay here with my servant girls. 9 Watch the field where the men are harvesting, and follow along after the girls. I have told the men not to touch you. And whenever you are thirsty, go and get a drink from the water jars the men have filled."
10 At this, she bowed down with her face to the ground. She exclaimed, "Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice me—a foreigner?"
11 Boaz replied, "I've been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband—how you left your father and mother and your homeland and came to live with a people you did not know before. 12 May the LORD repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge."
Ruth had just endured tragedy, but that didn't stop her. She moved on with her life, decided to start over and worked hard at it. God placed Ruth in favor with Boaz, the riches man, because He honored her intentions and her pro activeness. She didn't dwell in her past, but decided to pick up her cross and follow Jesus and that meant daring to take on this challenge.
I encourage you to do the same. We must learn from life's experiences but not dwell in the should've, could've, would've's. The past cannot change, but your future could. When we put God first, pray intercede and if necessary fast for our needs and wants, God listens; and when we act upon it and make the extra effort to work towards our goals, God honors your heart by opening the doors necessary. We serve a mighty, merciful and loving God!
May you be blessed today and moved to take on that challenge that God has set before you. Even if you take a lickin', just keep on tickin'.
Luv you all in Christ,
Solmarie
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