Yesterday was such an awesome day. I am still feeling the overflow from yesterday. It was a busy day but a day spent with my family, my church family and with God. I am thankful I am serving a God who loves me above all things. Its personal and I know there is no place or feeling that I can hide from Him. I think about how much my life is different compared to just a few years ago. How God has changed my heart, my church is high on my priority list, my church family and Rock Group family that has changed my life - and especially how much more love I have to give others. My heart is open and I want to encourage - I want to serve - I want to lead - I want to spend time with my Rock Group and how I can't wait till Sundays! God has put these awesome blessings in my life and I am experiencing His love and I am not afraid to open myself up for people to see me because in some ways - I want them to see Jesus. Sometimes the people we meet and run into in this life - that just might be it for them - it might be just what they need to see Jesus to change their heart and move them from the place they currently are to seeking and finding Jesus. I feel sad for those who are living their lives for themselves, not attending a church who is making a difference and making them feel welcome, I feel sad for those who are not reaching out to people who can lift them in prayer and encourage them. I feel sad for those who are hurting and struggling but are choosing to stay where they are - just like sinking in quicksand. Those are burdens that I carry with me - There is more - there is a place for you to fit in - a place to meet others and a place to have people who are family - all serving God and each other. We may be the only Jesus that people see. Open your heart and let God fill your heart with Him - and reach out to those around you. I am thankful that my family and I are all attending a church that is doing something amazing - putting people first - and making a difference in people's lives. There is so much more going on than just ourselves....
Romans 12
Love 9Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.[c] Do not be conceited.
I pray today Lord that You continue to to motivate me to be an encourager for others - bless me so that I may bless others with Your love and message. Help me be a bigger giver Lord and expand my horizons for You. Help us all to be reaching out to others so that You can change peoples lives and open a love they have never experienced before.
- Amen
Monday, March 5, 2007
Sunday, March 4, 2007
JOY = Good Attitude...
When you are full of joy and have a good attitude, you keep yourself strong. That positive attitude of faith paves the way for God to work miracles-it paves the way for God to turn your situation around! Does this sound like you and your current walk with Jesus? I hope so ... if not you may need a little refocus. Give the Lord praise and give Him thanks at all times, even during your times of struggles. By lifting your struggles and worries to Jesus, it gives you a chance to heal and remove those things from your life. Praise God in the good times and in the bad - during those times, you will experience joy that only God can give you.
Today we had an awesome church service. I am so proud of my son today. He has been saving his money for months and yesterday he told me he was putting $100 in the offering basket. SO today, all excited, he filled out his collection card, wrote his name on the envelope and put it in the basket. He loved the experience and my wife and I are so proud of him for placing church HIGH on his list of importance. He could have easily spent this money on himself with toys or games but instead he offered it to God. My son said this afternoon when we were leaving - "Mom, I feel good because I gave that money to our church."
My son "Gets it"...... and we are proud of him.
Be joyful in everything you do - people are watching and comparing because many of them "Dont get it" and many of them are looking for an excuse in life - but maybe they just want to share in your joy and in your smile. The joy in the Lord is our strength, not just during the good times but in all times.
Psalm 34:
1 I bless God every chance I get; my lungs expand with his praise. 2 I live and breathe God; if things aren't going well, hear this and be happy: 3 Join me in spreading the news; together let's get the word out. 4 God met me more than halfway, he freed me from my anxious fears. 5 Look at him; give him your warmest smile. Never hide your feelings from him. 6 When I was desperate, I called out, and God got me out of a tight spot. 7 God's angel sets up a circle of protection around us while we pray. 8 Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see— how good God is. Blessed are you who run to him. 9 Worship God if you want the best; worship opens doors to all his goodness. 10 Young lions on the prowl get hungry, but God-seekers are full of God. 11 Come, children, listen closely; I'll give you a lesson in God worship. 12 Who out there has a lust for life? Can't wait each day to come upon beauty? 13 Guard your tongue from profanity, and no more lying through your teeth. 14 Turn your back on sin; do something good. Embrace peace—don't let it get away! 15 God keeps an eye on his friends, his ears pick up every moan and groan. 16 God won't put up with rebels; he'll cull them from the pack. 17 Is anyone crying for help? God is listening, ready to rescue you. 18 If your heart is broken, you'll find God right there; if you're kicked in the gut, he'll help you catch your breath. 19 Disciples so often get into trouble; still, God is there every time. 20 He's your bodyguard, shielding every bone; not even a finger gets broken. 21 The wicked commit slow suicide; they waste their lives hating the good. 22 God pays for each slave's freedom; no one who runs to him loses out.
I love that last verse - no one who runs to him loses out. Joy in the Lord is our strength - it sets us apart from everyone else.
Lord we give you praise and glory - help us focus on the good in all people and help those who are hurting and need of Your Word. Help us be joyful in all situations because You are in all situations that we face. We are never alone and thank You dear Lord for always being with us. You are our source of strength and we are so blessed in so many ways.
In Jesus' name,
Amen
Randy~
Today we had an awesome church service. I am so proud of my son today. He has been saving his money for months and yesterday he told me he was putting $100 in the offering basket. SO today, all excited, he filled out his collection card, wrote his name on the envelope and put it in the basket. He loved the experience and my wife and I are so proud of him for placing church HIGH on his list of importance. He could have easily spent this money on himself with toys or games but instead he offered it to God. My son said this afternoon when we were leaving - "Mom, I feel good because I gave that money to our church."
My son "Gets it"...... and we are proud of him.
Be joyful in everything you do - people are watching and comparing because many of them "Dont get it" and many of them are looking for an excuse in life - but maybe they just want to share in your joy and in your smile. The joy in the Lord is our strength, not just during the good times but in all times.
Psalm 34:
1 I bless God every chance I get; my lungs expand with his praise. 2 I live and breathe God; if things aren't going well, hear this and be happy: 3 Join me in spreading the news; together let's get the word out. 4 God met me more than halfway, he freed me from my anxious fears. 5 Look at him; give him your warmest smile. Never hide your feelings from him. 6 When I was desperate, I called out, and God got me out of a tight spot. 7 God's angel sets up a circle of protection around us while we pray. 8 Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see— how good God is. Blessed are you who run to him. 9 Worship God if you want the best; worship opens doors to all his goodness. 10 Young lions on the prowl get hungry, but God-seekers are full of God. 11 Come, children, listen closely; I'll give you a lesson in God worship. 12 Who out there has a lust for life? Can't wait each day to come upon beauty? 13 Guard your tongue from profanity, and no more lying through your teeth. 14 Turn your back on sin; do something good. Embrace peace—don't let it get away! 15 God keeps an eye on his friends, his ears pick up every moan and groan. 16 God won't put up with rebels; he'll cull them from the pack. 17 Is anyone crying for help? God is listening, ready to rescue you. 18 If your heart is broken, you'll find God right there; if you're kicked in the gut, he'll help you catch your breath. 19 Disciples so often get into trouble; still, God is there every time. 20 He's your bodyguard, shielding every bone; not even a finger gets broken. 21 The wicked commit slow suicide; they waste their lives hating the good. 22 God pays for each slave's freedom; no one who runs to him loses out.
I love that last verse - no one who runs to him loses out. Joy in the Lord is our strength - it sets us apart from everyone else.
Lord we give you praise and glory - help us focus on the good in all people and help those who are hurting and need of Your Word. Help us be joyful in all situations because You are in all situations that we face. We are never alone and thank You dear Lord for always being with us. You are our source of strength and we are so blessed in so many ways.
In Jesus' name,
Amen
Randy~
Saturday, March 3, 2007
Movie buff? Check this first....
Remember the old days when TV had family friendly time between like 8PM and 10PM? Doesn't seem to be that way anymore. I remember years ago when we had our son - how much that changed my tv habits and what I was watching. Even the commercials seem to be more than adult these days. I still think MTV, VH1 and all those type of channels are a waste for teens and send so many wrong messages. Even the Victoria Secret magazines are too much.... when we have children. I cant really remember too many movies that I have seen over the last 9 years that was not a family movie - animation or something we could take my son to see. I love those animation movies - like Toy Story, ANTS, Cars etc..... they are really good and family friendly.
Anyways, my days for the Simpsons are gone I guess...... LOL
I did want to share this with you today - its Christian movie reviews - so look at a few of these web sites and get a movie review based on Christian Values - BEFORE you go see the movie.
Hope it helps ...... Parents need to stick together - our children are exposed to too much these days. So many wrong messages that can lead them astray...
http://www.previewonline.org
http://www.christianitytodaymovies.com
http://www.movieguide.org
Have fun movie watching.... get some popcorn for me.
Randy~
Anyways, my days for the Simpsons are gone I guess...... LOL
I did want to share this with you today - its Christian movie reviews - so look at a few of these web sites and get a movie review based on Christian Values - BEFORE you go see the movie.
Hope it helps ...... Parents need to stick together - our children are exposed to too much these days. So many wrong messages that can lead them astray...
http://www.previewonline.org
http://www.christianitytodaymovies.com
http://www.movieguide.org
Have fun movie watching.... get some popcorn for me.
Randy~
Project 252
I wanted to take a moment this morning and share with you - Project 252.
This is our new kicked off middle school and high school ministry at church. Why such a cool name? Project 252 came from Luke 2:52 - This is where Joseph and Mary was looking for Jesus and could not find him. They had left the town they were in and was traveling.... but had to go back because they could not find him. They were searching all over for him and found him teaching in the temple. As you could imagine - they were a little upset that Jesus would wander off and they could not find him. I have seen lots of lost children at the mall over my years. I can't say we have ever lost my son - but I could imagine the panic that would be over me if I could not find him amongst the hundreds of people shopping and going about their day in a store, mall or sporting event. It happens fast...... one second there and the next - gone. So imagine with me the fear in Joseph and Mary with not being able to find their son. Especially being a days travel away and not just a few minutes! Jesus had a calm comeback for them when they asked him where he had been. In my Fathers house teaching, where else would I be mom?
I think in many ways its a perfect name for our new young ministry!
Jesus, even at the age of 12 - way ahead of his time with knowledge and teaching -this amazed all who listened to him. The Jewish leaders couldn't understand how this boy knew all this with no formal training or teaching. This is just one of the many reasons why they rejected Him and were threatened by Him. Enjoy the story.....
The Boy Jesus at the Temple
41Every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. 42When he was twelve years old, they went up to the Feast, according to the custom. 43After the Feast was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. 44Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. 45When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. 46After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you."
49"Why were you searching for me?" he asked. "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?" 50But they did not understand what he was saying to them.
51Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. 52And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
This is our new kicked off middle school and high school ministry at church. Why such a cool name? Project 252 came from Luke 2:52 - This is where Joseph and Mary was looking for Jesus and could not find him. They had left the town they were in and was traveling.... but had to go back because they could not find him. They were searching all over for him and found him teaching in the temple. As you could imagine - they were a little upset that Jesus would wander off and they could not find him. I have seen lots of lost children at the mall over my years. I can't say we have ever lost my son - but I could imagine the panic that would be over me if I could not find him amongst the hundreds of people shopping and going about their day in a store, mall or sporting event. It happens fast...... one second there and the next - gone. So imagine with me the fear in Joseph and Mary with not being able to find their son. Especially being a days travel away and not just a few minutes! Jesus had a calm comeback for them when they asked him where he had been. In my Fathers house teaching, where else would I be mom?
I think in many ways its a perfect name for our new young ministry!
Jesus, even at the age of 12 - way ahead of his time with knowledge and teaching -this amazed all who listened to him. The Jewish leaders couldn't understand how this boy knew all this with no formal training or teaching. This is just one of the many reasons why they rejected Him and were threatened by Him. Enjoy the story.....
The Boy Jesus at the Temple
41Every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. 42When he was twelve years old, they went up to the Feast, according to the custom. 43After the Feast was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. 44Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. 45When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. 46After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you."
49"Why were you searching for me?" he asked. "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?" 50But they did not understand what he was saying to them.
51Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. 52And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
Friday, March 2, 2007
friday night blog....
I probably wont have a chance to blog anything tomorrow. But I wanted to share with everyone that my wife and I will be attending our church teachers meeting tomorrow morning and then we are headed to my cousin's house for lunch. She is 29 this week (LOL) and we are taking her out to lunch tomorrow at her choice. Its the first time my wife will be at her new home - and we are really looking forward to spending a few hours with her. Hopefully my other cousin will be there and her daughter - so it will be a small gathering of family which is always good!!!
Tomorrow night my son and I will be attending the 49er game - last one of the season! Sad really - because the basketball games are always fun!!! Hopefully our friends from our small group will be going with us.
Church Sunday - Sunday school and then stuffing eggs... LOL- only 28000 more to go. Send help......
praying for our new church building and for safe travels tomorrow....
Randy~
Tomorrow night my son and I will be attending the 49er game - last one of the season! Sad really - because the basketball games are always fun!!! Hopefully our friends from our small group will be going with us.
Church Sunday - Sunday school and then stuffing eggs... LOL- only 28000 more to go. Send help......
praying for our new church building and for safe travels tomorrow....
Randy~
Gripped by the awesomeness of God...
Gripped by the awesomeness of God. When was the last time God moved in your life with a thundering jolt? Have you never experienced Gods awesomeness? If not, you are truly missing out. Miracles do happen - your faith allows them to open up in your life. If you have not accepted Jesus into your heart and your faith is no where to be found - living for yourself and taking care of #1 - why would God do anything for you? Why would He do something for you when you are doing nothing for Him? Seems simple - unless of course you just ain't getting it.
John 11 still - because this passage is just amazing. I awoke at 12:10 this morning thinking about this passage. How it has gripped me this week and I am feeling the awesomeness of God through this passage. I couldn't get back to sleep - I was fired up knowing thinking about this - that Jesus had to prove to the people that He could raise the dead if they only believed in Him. Jewish custom tells us that the person who dies hovers over their body for 3 days. The 4th day - its too late. Jesus specifically waited for the 4th day to raise Lazarus so that there would be NO question that he was dead. Faith raised Lazarus - but still all the people did not believe.
Now I know if we were there - or if Jesus was here walking the earth in the flesh and performed a miracle like this right in front of our eyes - we all would be saying - I believe - I will never question or doubt you again!!! But in reality - there will be those who do. There are 3 types of people who just like the bible tells us in this passage - Some were amazed and believed right then. They decided to put their hearts into Jesus! Some sat back and used it as gossip. Kind of like us showing up to church and sitting there. CHECK - got this done for Sunday, now what? See ya next week. Jesus has not gripped you and you have not accepted the message because you do not believe with your heart - otherwise you would have the PASSION! Typical water cooler talk at the office..... the lastly - some decided to kill Him. How the plans move forward because Jesus was a risk to their way of life. The Romans could come and check into this and take away everything that WE have and change the way we are living and doing things. We will lose control of the people. Kill him before word gets out and people start believing.
Jesus knows how you feel and what you are going through.
As He came to the city where Lazarus was buried - Mary and Martha whom he loved like family - He felt their pain and felt their grief - Jesus knowing that things are not supposed to be this way - He cried and felt what they were feeling! When someone dies - they are not dead but alive more so now than when their body was alive! Jesus broke down and wept loved ones! He gave God His thanks - raised Lazarus - because of the faith the people have in Him.
What kind of person are you? The believer who "Gets it" or the talker who wants to discuss all this and kind of ride the fence? - or the person who doesn't want risk a change in your life? Maybe you are putting down everyone else who does follow Jesus. You make harsh comments and poke fun at them. I have experienced this recently in my life, to be honest - it does break my heart because so many people are caught up in themselves - they think so small and little. How that breaks my heart. Jesus has better plans for you. Your life is not over till Jesus - says its over. Your situation and struggles are not over until Jesus says they are over! Its not too late to accept Jesus and His free gift of salvation no matter how old you are or what you have done or been through. Nothing is free and you have been purchased by the blood Jesus shed for you. How can you walk away from that? Loved ones, I pray God grips you and changes you! My heart breaks for those who I know who continue to reject God's love for them. I have shed many tears - many heartfelt prayers lifted on your behalf. Your eternity is at stake here - and all it seems is that your selfishness keeps you in the place you are. Jesus offers us HOPE or you can continue to stand at the water cooler..... Its not over till Jesus says - its over. He is looking to change you - not your problems or your struggles or relationships.... He wants just YOU. Come as you are ..... You can't fix the things that Jesus will fix in you.... come as you are so that Jesus can perform His first miracle in your life - You will be His - eternal life and a place in heaven for all eternity - forgiveness of your sins and let God grip your life! Faith .... its the building blocks to God. What do you really believe.....?
Continuing to pray for all the lost ones.....
Lord, open our eyes to those who are ripe for your message today.
Randy~
John 11 still - because this passage is just amazing. I awoke at 12:10 this morning thinking about this passage. How it has gripped me this week and I am feeling the awesomeness of God through this passage. I couldn't get back to sleep - I was fired up knowing thinking about this - that Jesus had to prove to the people that He could raise the dead if they only believed in Him. Jewish custom tells us that the person who dies hovers over their body for 3 days. The 4th day - its too late. Jesus specifically waited for the 4th day to raise Lazarus so that there would be NO question that he was dead. Faith raised Lazarus - but still all the people did not believe.
Now I know if we were there - or if Jesus was here walking the earth in the flesh and performed a miracle like this right in front of our eyes - we all would be saying - I believe - I will never question or doubt you again!!! But in reality - there will be those who do. There are 3 types of people who just like the bible tells us in this passage - Some were amazed and believed right then. They decided to put their hearts into Jesus! Some sat back and used it as gossip. Kind of like us showing up to church and sitting there. CHECK - got this done for Sunday, now what? See ya next week. Jesus has not gripped you and you have not accepted the message because you do not believe with your heart - otherwise you would have the PASSION! Typical water cooler talk at the office..... the lastly - some decided to kill Him. How the plans move forward because Jesus was a risk to their way of life. The Romans could come and check into this and take away everything that WE have and change the way we are living and doing things. We will lose control of the people. Kill him before word gets out and people start believing.
Jesus knows how you feel and what you are going through.
As He came to the city where Lazarus was buried - Mary and Martha whom he loved like family - He felt their pain and felt their grief - Jesus knowing that things are not supposed to be this way - He cried and felt what they were feeling! When someone dies - they are not dead but alive more so now than when their body was alive! Jesus broke down and wept loved ones! He gave God His thanks - raised Lazarus - because of the faith the people have in Him.
What kind of person are you? The believer who "Gets it" or the talker who wants to discuss all this and kind of ride the fence? - or the person who doesn't want risk a change in your life? Maybe you are putting down everyone else who does follow Jesus. You make harsh comments and poke fun at them. I have experienced this recently in my life, to be honest - it does break my heart because so many people are caught up in themselves - they think so small and little. How that breaks my heart. Jesus has better plans for you. Your life is not over till Jesus - says its over. Your situation and struggles are not over until Jesus says they are over! Its not too late to accept Jesus and His free gift of salvation no matter how old you are or what you have done or been through. Nothing is free and you have been purchased by the blood Jesus shed for you. How can you walk away from that? Loved ones, I pray God grips you and changes you! My heart breaks for those who I know who continue to reject God's love for them. I have shed many tears - many heartfelt prayers lifted on your behalf. Your eternity is at stake here - and all it seems is that your selfishness keeps you in the place you are. Jesus offers us HOPE or you can continue to stand at the water cooler..... Its not over till Jesus says - its over. He is looking to change you - not your problems or your struggles or relationships.... He wants just YOU. Come as you are ..... You can't fix the things that Jesus will fix in you.... come as you are so that Jesus can perform His first miracle in your life - You will be His - eternal life and a place in heaven for all eternity - forgiveness of your sins and let God grip your life! Faith .... its the building blocks to God. What do you really believe.....?
Continuing to pray for all the lost ones.....
Lord, open our eyes to those who are ripe for your message today.
Randy~
Thursday, March 1, 2007
4 days... its not even close to being over
Do you cry out and ask God why doesn't he fix the situation, struggle or heartache you have in your life? Maybe its your little amount of faith. If you are crying out in pain and yelling to him to fix this Lord - God is saying to YOU - that he doesn't care about your circumstances - He is fixing you. Its about building your faith and your trust in Him with everything in your life. Every detail, every situation and every struggle - Your relationships - Your marriage and Your finances. God is in control of all of this and He has a plan for your life. Putting your trust in Him and having faith in Him - allows God to open the doors and allows God to grow your faith.
Do you believe that Jesus is the eternal life?
I wonder what my mom would say to that question. Look where mom is now and look where we are here. Where would you want to be if you had the choice. Funny thing is - You do have a choice. There are only 2 places to go when our time is up here.... we do have the final answer.
James 11 -
17On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. 18Bethany was less than two miles[a] from Jerusalem, 19and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. 20When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home.
21"Lord," Martha said to Jesus, "if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask."
25Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; 26and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"
Imagine with me for a second - a man dead in the tomb for 4 days. Jesus had raised plenty of folks over His time - but 4 days - Imagine the smell and the shock in everyone when Jesus called out to Lazarus to come out. Lazarus had not just died - there was NO question that he WAS dead. Faith had raised him - it was not over until Jesus said IT WAS OVER.
Looking back I remember the roller coaster that we were all on with mom. Thinking this could be it - mom would rally back - mom again would be down and mom again would rally back. Why do you think that? A spirit is hard to break - especially one who has Jesus with them. There is something to learn during those times loved ones - Its not over until JESUS sais its over. Maybe your struggles right now and your heartache in life is because your choosing to stay where you are. Focus on the Glory of God - What Jesus has given You - how can you stay in your seat and not just run to GOD with pure amazement and awe!! If God has never really got ahold of you and shook you hard - taking mom sure was a big jolt. Mom did not leave 1 second before it was time - or one second later than it was time. Same goes for you - same goes for me. Let God get a hold of you ..... and experience what God has in store. ITS NOT OVER UNTIL JESUS SAYS - Its over. God is fixing YOU - not your problems, your feelings, your struggles - all He wants is you.
4 days is really dead..... but not for Jesus.
Randy~
Do you believe that Jesus is the eternal life?
I wonder what my mom would say to that question. Look where mom is now and look where we are here. Where would you want to be if you had the choice. Funny thing is - You do have a choice. There are only 2 places to go when our time is up here.... we do have the final answer.
James 11 -
17On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. 18Bethany was less than two miles[a] from Jerusalem, 19and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. 20When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home.
21"Lord," Martha said to Jesus, "if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask."
25Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; 26and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"
Imagine with me for a second - a man dead in the tomb for 4 days. Jesus had raised plenty of folks over His time - but 4 days - Imagine the smell and the shock in everyone when Jesus called out to Lazarus to come out. Lazarus had not just died - there was NO question that he WAS dead. Faith had raised him - it was not over until Jesus said IT WAS OVER.
Looking back I remember the roller coaster that we were all on with mom. Thinking this could be it - mom would rally back - mom again would be down and mom again would rally back. Why do you think that? A spirit is hard to break - especially one who has Jesus with them. There is something to learn during those times loved ones - Its not over until JESUS sais its over. Maybe your struggles right now and your heartache in life is because your choosing to stay where you are. Focus on the Glory of God - What Jesus has given You - how can you stay in your seat and not just run to GOD with pure amazement and awe!! If God has never really got ahold of you and shook you hard - taking mom sure was a big jolt. Mom did not leave 1 second before it was time - or one second later than it was time. Same goes for you - same goes for me. Let God get a hold of you ..... and experience what God has in store. ITS NOT OVER UNTIL JESUS SAYS - Its over. God is fixing YOU - not your problems, your feelings, your struggles - all He wants is you.
4 days is really dead..... but not for Jesus.
Randy~
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)