Saturday, May 30, 2009

The Voice of God (Poem)

You've been hurt by those who claim to love you.

You've been rejected by your own.

You've reached out to be slapped away

Now you feel so all alone.

Your life has not been easy

You've shed more tears than most your age.

You search for truth, hope and love

I am the truth, the light, the way.

Don't be fooled by those who come in my name

Their fruits speak clearly from whom they've been sent.

Come to me, my sweet love

Speak your heart, feel free to vent.

I knew you before the world's were framed

I've prepared you for this day

I long to spend eternity with you

Let me wipe your tears away.

My grace is sufficient

My love will never end

Draw near and I will show you

I'm one on whom you can depend.

I love you more then you'll ever know

I love you more than your mind can conceive

Remove your doubts, your fear and anxieties

Come and believe

Allow me to reveal myself

so you'll know and understand

I'm not a man that I should lie

Draw near, come take my hand.

Written By: Kimberly Thomas-Waters

May 19, 2009

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Wait for the Lord

"Wait for the Lord;
Be strong and let your heart take courage;
Yes, wait for the Lord."

Psalm 27:14 NASB


With so many decisions to make, so many choices to choose from. In every aspect of my life, I want to be pleasing to the Lord. I want to be where He wants me to be, doing what He wants me to do, living as He wants me to live and just totally, completely, 100% be sold out to Him! My heart's desire and #1 passion is to be everything God wants me to be. I've failed him all too often. I've went my own way too many times. I've made my decisions too many times and have had to reap the benefit or consequeneses. God doesn't break our arm to be in His perfect Will. He gives each of us our chance to choose. At times we go our own way and tho' He blesses us, the blessings are not as great as they could have been. And some times going our own way gets us in to big trouble. No matter where our own path leads us, He's forever standing there waiting for us to come back to Him and with open arms He invites us to follow Him again.

Too many times, I've had to learn things the hard way. My stubborness, hard-headedness and impatience has lead me all too often to grief. Whether sin or just simply walking in God's permissive will neither are as satisfiying as God's Perfect Will! It's only when we stand and wait on the Lord that our strength is renewed. It's only when we wait on the Lord that our battles are overcome. It's only when we wait on the Lord that our requests and petitions are answered and the path is brightened enough to take another step. It's only when we wait on the Lord that are faith is increased!

Maybe you're facing a "mountain". Maybe there's something or someone in your way. Whatever your circumstanc, wherever your decisions have left you or are leading you, and no matter what your choices may seem to be... "Wait on the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait on the Lord!"

He is the author and finisher of our faith. He is the beginning and the end! He is Jehovah Jirah! He is God! Praise Him Saints of God for His goodness and His mercy! He IS worthy to be praised!

- originally posted at www.mychurch.org/kdtw 9/17/07

Just Sing

When you feel you can't go on... sing your song!
Make up the words as you go along... but sing your song!
No one can sing it for you. This is yours and yours alone.
Give everything you've got, don't fear the outcome.
Give glory and honor where they belong...
give praise to the Lord, sing your song!

Change

"When you consider how hard it is to change

yourself and your own ways,

think how nearly impossible it is

to change others."

- "I'm More Than A Pastor's Wife" by: Lorna Dobson

Today as I was reading, "I'm More Than A Pastor's Wife" by Lorna Dobson, I came across this profound quote. There's much to be said on the subject. As anyone can attest, change is never easy. At the forefront of change you'll find struggle, rejection, closed ears and big mouths. Let's be real here. Change calls for... well... change.

When we’ve come to the realization that we have to lay across the bed to zip our favorite pair of jeans (ladies) or that we can no longer see our belt (men) we come face to face with the reality that something needs to change. Oh yeah, it hurts our feelings when we have to pass up that nice, delicious, cream-filled donut or just say no to another helping of that delicious ALL YOU CAN EAT dinner buffet, but when that belly and those hips begin to shrink, you start dancing and singing praises. Don’t tell me you don’t! So we agree, change is not easy, but oh so worth it! So then why is it so hard? Here’s why! As a general rule, we do not like to deny ourselves. We want what we want, when we want it. We’re, by nature, selfish people… generally. It’s a lot easier for us to point out the faults of others and glorify ourselves; however, when we do this, we’re only deceiving ourselves.

As I read the quote above, I had many thoughts. I know once I have my mind set on something I’m not easily persuaded or convinced otherwise. Just ask my husband. I’m a deep, analytical thinker… known to be over analytical at times. It takes a lot to make me believe something and once I believe something to be truth, it takes God to change my perspective or my take on the subject. Argue, make threats, fuss, pout and whatever else, but you’re only wasting your time. I’m stubborn. I like it! I’m not gullible or easily swayed. I listen to all sides but in the end I make up my own mind with much prayer and after looking to the Word… but guess what. I’ve been wrong! Yeah. I’ll admit it. I’ve been wrong about lots of things in my life that I believed to be God’s truth. It took time, study and a lot of time with God to convince me I was wrong, but nevertheless, I was wrong. So, if it took so long or so much to change me, how can I begin to expect changing others to be some how be easy.

Change can be scary. So does that mean we should forget change? NO! Take it slow? Yes and No. It depends on the seriousness of the situation. If you’re experiencing symptoms of a heart attack and you’re rushed to the hospital only to find that you indeed have blockages, a change is eminent. There’s no time to waste. Something needs to be done or you’ll die. The problem won’t go away until something gets done. But if you visit the doctor for a regular scheduled check-up and they tell you your triglycerides are high, they’ll more than likely suggest a diet change, possibly even some medicine. This would be considered slow change. Evaluate the seriousness of your situation and with much prayer determine the steps you need to take. Through it all keep this in mind. When dealing with others whom the changes will affect, be understanding of what’s running through their mind. Try to encourage, inform and uplift them, but where change is needed, change must come. You’ll battle resistance and feel misunderstood, but rest assured, you must press forward toward the prize.

Trust God to lead the way!

You Might Be Tempted To Laugh!!!

You Never Hear in Church


Hey! It's MY turn to sit on the front pew!


I was so enthralled, I never noticed your sermon went over time 25 minutes.


Personally, I find witnessing much more enjoyable than golf.


I've decided to give our church the $500.00 a month I used to send to TV evangelists.


I volunteer to be the permanent teacher for the Junior High Sunday School class.


Forget the denominational minimum salary: let's pay our pastor so she/he can live like we do.


I love it when we sing hymns I've never heard before!

You may be tempted to laugh as you read these, but for many churches, these "jokes" are so true. It's sad. It's a shame. Many things in life are temporary. Your house, your car, your golf clubs, your job, your money, your time here on earth... all temporary! What's not temporary? Your soul and the souls of your family, friends, co-workers, class mates, neighbors, the guy waiting on you at your favorite resturant, the checkout girl at the grocery store. While none of the temporary items I've mentioned are pointless, it is pointless to gain the whole world and lose your soul. Take this test to see if your priorities are way out of line. Remember, taking time to do things enjoyable is NOT wrong, but if they take more of your time then those things that matter most, your priorities are out of wack.

1. How much TV do you watch per week? Is it more than the time you spend with God?

2. Can you give more details about your favorite sport, fashion, etc. then you can about God and His Word?

3. Have you shared more gossip then Gospel this week?

4. Does your family get leftovers while your job gets quality?

5. Does God get quality or leftovers?

6. Does your favorite sports team get more praise at the game then God does at church?

7. Are you loud for you child's sports team but a quiet worshipper at church?

8. When's the last time you fed the hungry, took care of the orphan and widow?

9. Have you shared the Gospel with the person beside you today?

10. Who are you most devoted to, will sacrifice everything for, will lose yourself for?

We're all crazy busy these days, but let's not lose ourselves to the things of this world... they're only temporary. Instead, let's remember to lay up treasurers in Heaven where moths and rust do not destroy, where theives can't break in and steal. Let's remember the Great Commission and be reminded that we are called to death not till we're old. Let's be reminded to care for one another and prefer our brothers and sisters before ourselves. Let's be reminded that GOD comes first in all things. Let's lay aside every sin and weight that so easily distracts us and pulls us aside and let's run this race, before us, with patience, diligence... with joy! We're each gifted to work in one or many areas. Let's be the hands and feet of Jesus and stop gripping about stuff that simply doesn't matter. My heart cries out to you today. I'm so burdened for the lost. I'm so burdened for our churches across America today. We've got to wake up and be about our Father's business. Time is running out! Souls are dying lost! Forget about pleasing self or the person next to you and let's start pleasing God!

Take the challenge.

Shine His Light Today!

Hearing God (Sermon Outline)

1 Samuel 3.1-10

Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the LORD before Eli. And word from the LORD was rare in those days, visions were infrequent. It happened at that time as Eli was lying down in his place (now his eyesight had begun to grow dim and he could not see well), and the lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD where the ark of God was, that the LORD called Samuel; and he said, “Here I am.” Then he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call, lie down again.” So he went and lay down. The LORD called yet again, “Samuel!” So Samuel arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he answered, “I did not call, my son, lie down again.” Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, nor had the word of the LORD yet been revealed to him. So the LORD called Samuel again for the third time. And he arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli discerned that the LORD was calling the boy. And Eli said to Samuel, “Go lie down, and it shall be if He calls you, that you shall say, ‘Speak, LORD, for Your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. Then the LORD came and stood and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for Your servant is listening.”

1. He ministered but he did not recognize the voice of the Lord

  • There are people that are working for the Lord but do not recognize His voice
  • Eli was the priest, but there was no open vision
  • Some prophets in the OT prophesied what was popular and what the king wanted to hear & were unable to hear the voice of God. They were worthless watchmen.


2. He really knew the Lord

  • Not everyone that says Lord, Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven
  • Jesus will say to many “I never knew you”
  • You cannot substitute religion for relationship
  • The Pharisees said “We are Abraham’s seed” Jesus said “You are of your father the devil”


3. God called to Samuel three times without Samuel hearing God

  • God is continually speaking to men
  • To the unsaved through nature
  • To His people “I continually held out my hand”


4. Samuel finally said “Speak Lord, for your servant is listening”

  • When we listen, God will speak
  • Jesus said “My sheep will hear my voice” “I stand at the door and knock, if any man hears my voice”
  • Isaiah 3“Incline your ear and come to Me. Listen, that you may live;


We hear God…

  • Through His Ministers
  • Through His Word
  • Hebrews 4 12For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
  • Through our prayers


The Deaf & Dumb man brought to Jesus
Mark 7 32They brought* to Him one who was deaf and spoke with difficulty, and they implored* Him to lay His hand on him. 33Jesus took him aside from the crowd, by himself, and put His fingers into his ears, and after spitting, He touched his tongue with the saliva; 34and looking up to heaven with a deep sigh, He said* to him, “Ephphatha!” that is, “Be opened!” 35And his ears were opened, and the impediment of his tongue was removed, and he began speaking plainly.

1. He took Him aside by himself

  • Some things need to be just between you and Jesus
  • Some our hearing problem can be fixed when we get alone

2. He put His fingers in his ears

  • Sometimes you got to shut off all the other voices to be able to hear God’s voice
  • Since Jesus was unable to communicate to him by talking, He touched the hearing organ in order to show him what He was about to do
3. He touched his mouth - your hearing affects your speech

Numbers 23:19 NIV

19 God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?

It's amazing how often we forget the awesomeness of who God is. I think we often fail to remember He is God and not man. We put our trust and hope in man and as soon as he/she falls short we're disappointed and distraught. At least this is true for me... so I won't speak for anyone else.

God forgive me today for letting the things of this life distract me and pull be back. Forgive me for looking around instead of looking up. Forgive me for my faults, failures and unbelief. Forgive me when I try to walk in my own ability for I have NO ability without You. Thank you for your love and grace. Your mercies are brand new every morning. You're amazing... simply amazing! You captivate my heart and set me free to dance in liberty. You fill me with breath to sing your praise and empty out all the grief and pain that can easily slow me down. Thank you for reminding me just who You are. Thank you for revealing Yourself in ways only You can. I am Yours! I am not my own and my life is surrendered at your feet. Take me and use me as You see fit. Encamp your angels around my family and my home and release us to perform Your Will. Anoint us with Your anointing! Break the yokes! Tear down the walls, the strongholds, and let Your freedom be known. Your promises are true! What You say, You will do! I believe! I believe! I believe! I'm leaning on You! I'm following You! I'm trusting You!

Yes You Have!

This morning while I was praying, I was sharing with God all that was on my heart, as if He didn't already know. I held nothing back. I expressed my thanks and my praise, my concerns and my fears. I want so much to be all He desires me to be. I don't want anything and I mean ANYTHING to hold me back from His perfect Will for my life. Anyway, I expressed my feelings the only way I knew how, by just letting them out and you know what??? He answered me with these words, "I've already made the way for you." What a calming, relaxing, reassuring thing to hear! In that split second my fears were relieved, my worried countenance appeared brighter and more confident. These were the words He's been telling me for months and years. This reminder gave me the strength to continue on, to perservere, to press through, to lift my hands and begin to praise and rejoice in the storm. I told the Lord, "Yes you have!"

What are you facing? What do you have need of? Caste your cares upon the Lord for He cares for you! He's already made the way for you!

-originally posted on www.mychurch.org/kdtw, April 7, 2009

Walk in the Rain

Early this morning, I was disappointed to see that it was still raining. I mean, don't get me wrong, I know we need the rain, but I really wanted the sun. There's just something about waking up to a beautiful sun shiny day, hearing the birds sing and the feel of the cool morning breeze gently blowing through the window. There's just something refreshing about it. It's like natures wake up call. It's better than coffee and I love coffee! But no, not today, today I woke up to a dark, gloomy, gray morning. Instead of birds singing their praise, I heard rain beating the window and though there would have been a cool breeze, had I opened the window, the rain would have saturated my floors. Nope, it wasn't going to be a beautiful day at all. I wanted to stay in bed, but I couldn't, I just had too much to do.

I tried really hard to make the most of the day, but no matter how hard I tried, the gloomy day kept sucking the energy right out of me. So, when it came time to pick up my daughter from school, I decided to get out my umbrella and just walk in the rain. What could it hurt? It's better then waiting 30 minutes in a line of cars. So I'd get a little wet. Maybe it'll help wake me up. But when we began walking back, the rain kicked up to be more than just a drizzle. I began questioning whether I had made the right decision after all. I had only brought one umbrella and one of us was going to get soaked. So, I handed Faith the umbrella, assured her that I wouldn't melt and we started back.

As the rain ran down my face, I began to think about our Spiritual walk. How we bask in the sunshine and dance in the cool breeze of the days when it's easy to rejoice and life is good. We love to relax and listen to birds sing as we smell the sweet fragrance of God's love, joy and peace. But in the garden of life, sometimes the clouds hang low and we're forced to run for shelter or walk in the rain. We weep as it rains on our parade. Our smiles turn to frowns and our laughter turns to wailing and travailing in tears. We run for shelter but can't find relief. We ask why and wonder why the rain has to come. We feel disappointed and question when will the sun shine again. But then I thought about that seed that's planted deep within the dark, moist, soil; away from the sun's rays, fighting for life. I think if it weren't for the rain, the seed would dry up as the sun dehydrates the soil. And as the seed brings for life and begins to make it's journey through the soil to reach the surface, if it weren't for the rain, it would scorch, burn and die before becoming that beautiful flower it was intended to be. That seed was never meant to stay hidden, but was intended to walk in the rain.

Like the flower, God knows how much rain it takes to sustain us and how much is too much and would drown us. He'll never put more on us than we can bear. He believes in us, loves us and sees more in us than just the simple seed in which we began. He's cultivating us into something far more beautiful than we can fathom. So trust Him and enjoy a walk in the rain.

-first blogged on www.mychurch.org/kdtw, April 2, 2009


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