“From the depths of my soul I cry out to you my God, my healer, my fortress. Only you O Lord can heal me and mend me. It is by your hand that I have and find peace. A calming peace that can only come from you. In the times of opposition and weakness you hold me up and stabilize my feet, helping me stand firm on your solid rock. Your love and faithfulness surround me as the enemy draws closer to destroy me.

I fall to my knees out of full desperation for you my God. Rescue me out of the enemies plans to destroy my life and your plan for me. I scream out to you at the top of my lungs. I know I can’t do this without you. Stand with me Lord for I have not enough strength without you. Wrap me in your arms, your strong arms of safety, love, and power. Be with me God. I put everything in your hands because I trust you. You will not harm me. I know you will protect me.

I picture you standing away from me, seeing the enemy getting closer. You're waiting for me to realize the danger I'm in. I see it and desperately look for you because I can feel you close by. I see you and knew you were waiting for me. I start to desperately run to you because only in your arms I am safe from the enemy and by your name they flee away from me. Your name, your powerful, sovereign name. I praise your name for only your name is holy and worthy of such praise. Let everyone praise your name my Lord!”

My heart's cry and plea right now. God please hear my cry.

This past week I started my online classes through my school to do over the summer. I chose two classes History of Christianity and Romans/Galatians. I knew I was excited about my History of Christianity class because I’ve always loved history in school, and especially now because it’s about where my “religion” started and thrived to be what it is today. But I honestly wasn’t sure what my Romans/Galatians class would be like. I’ve found just through the first week that I have been hooked on the commentary book we’re supposed to read. I have highlighted so much and have been engaged and drawn in by the real message behind Paul writing the book of Romans. I don’t know how many times I’ve read out of Romans but never really grasped the true message he was trying to give and share. There is one point that he makes clear that has really stuck with me and kinda convicted me. Paul talks about it in Romans Ch. 2 but continues it in Romans 3 (which I saw when I did my devotions today).

I know some Christians are quick to judge others which is really sad. I think we’ve all done it at least once and sometimes much more. I know I am not exempt from that. But in Romans Paul hits on this very subject. In Ch. 2 verse 3 Paul says “So when you, a mere human, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment?” I think sometimes because we are forgiven and saved that we can get away with things and just not think about it. Again, I am not exempt from it. I know I am not aware that I may think that but it happens. We can act like the Gentiles (unsaved) and yet we know God will just forgive us so we may do it anyway. Which is sadly the case sometimes. We are not exempt from God’s judgment, we all will be judged one day and we will be judged accordingly like the unsaved. God doesn’t show favoritism. —God “will repay everyone according to what they have done” (vs. 6)…there will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For God does not show favoritism.”

(v (9-11) As you can see here, even though we are saved doesn’t mean the ungodly things we do will just disappear. God knows all and he will judge us all accordingly. So in knowing that don’t you think we might as well live a life that will honor God and worship Him? I would think and hope so. I know I feel that way. Yes, we will mess up and yes we are human and God knows we sin. But, we need to live our lives to honor God and we can only do that if we live according to our faith in Him and his Word. Now for my devotions today I read out of Romans 3 which is the next chapter in my homework so I kinda got an early start on it. But in v 22-24 it ties into the previous scriptures.

“This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for ALL have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” The righteous will live by faith. It is our FAITH in Him that keep us on the straight and narrow path and why we live by his Word and uphold the truths of ‘the law’ (The Bible). Hebrews 11:6 states “And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.” It is our faith and faith in Him and in the salvation He has given us that we need to mindful of. We all sin, it’s a fact none of us are exempt from even that. But our faith is what keeps us thriving and going. So with that in mind, is your faith thriving? Do you live by faith and not by sight? (2 Corinthians 5:7)

I encourage you to examine your life and your heart. Are you living in faith, knowing and believing in Jesus Christ? Do you believe in his promises? Do you live your life holy and pleasing to God? Remember that we all sin and fall short so don’t beat yourself up about it, but really examine your life and allow God to speak to you and minister to you. I know when I open myself up to Him, he speaks and I feel so much better about my circumstances. Be encouraged today and find joy in your life and hearts!

In Honor of Mother's Day

Sunday May 8^th, 2011

Today is Mother’s Day. It’s easy to pinpoint the things that you love about your Mom. You can look at her and see the ways you’re alike or not. My Mom and I have a real special relationship. Her and I are so close that she’s pretty much my best friend. We are alike in so many ways that we are mistaken for each other all the time. Even on the phone I have to make sure to say that it’s me on the phone because we sound so much alike. My Mom is pretty much amazing. There aren’t really words to describe my Mom fully because there are so many to count. She’s really indescribable. I just love her so much.

So in lieu of Mother’s Day I’m reminded of the amazing Mother’s in the Bible. The two that stick out to me the most is Mary mother of Jesus and Hannah the mother of Samuel. Both women tremendously amazing in their own ways. Mary was chosen by God to bear His son Jesus. She went through many trials during that time as she was a virgin who became pregnant before her marriage to Joseph. In those days you were shamed and even stoned to death for such an act. But she was God’s chosen one and he protected her from all that could have come. She gave birth to Jesus and took care of him. Nurtured him, watched him grow, nursed his wounds when he fell down. She was his Mother and she did her job well. But she also had to endure one of the biggest trials a Mother could ever imagine to go through. She had to watch her son Jesus be crucified on a cross and die. She watched him suffer, be beaten, and scarred for the sins of mankind. But she never left. She could have but she didn’t. She loved him enough to watch this all unfold. Why do you think she did that? Well, I think it’s because she wanted him to know that she was there, as a comfort to him maybe. Then, when Jesus was on the cross he looked at Mary and told her to behold her son who was James, and for James to behold his Mother.

“When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, “Dear woman, here is your son.” And he said to this disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from then on this disciple took her into his home.” John 19:26-27

I think Jesus wanted Mary to know that he hadn’t forgotten her faithfulness and love so he made sure that she knew she’d be taken care of. Mothers are so amazing and they never get the gratitude they deserve. We all have moments where we disrespect them and cop and attitude, but it’s days like these where we can reflect on how great they are. Hannah to me was also a mother who sacrificed q lot for her son Samuel. Hannah desired to have children but she was barren. She wanted a child so bad that she went to the Tabernacle to pray to God. She was in such anguish that the priest Eli thought she was drunk because she was praying and he couldn’t hear her. She prayed to God and told Him that if He gave her a son or a child that she would dedicate their life to Him and she’d give Him to God for his whole life. God honored her prayer and gave her a son whom she named Samuel. When Samuel came of age she brought him to the priest Eli and told him her promise to God that she would give her son to Him for his entire life. So Eli took Samuel in as his own.

Can you imagine what Hannah must have felt? She prayed in deep anguish and desire to have a child, but when she finally got one she gave him up to the Lord and sacrificed in a way. She let go of having the joys of raising this child and nurturing him, having him all to herself. But she didn't get that. She could have told God “No, I just can’t! I finally have a son and I can’t give him up!” But she didn’t! She kept her promise to God like He did to her and gave Samuel to the Lord for him to serve him with His life. Samuel became the man who anointed King David to become King! I bet Hannah never thought her cherished son would have such a future. He probably wouldn’t have if she didn’t give him to the Lord like she promised.

Mother’s get overlooked often, and I know I too overlook how much my Mom gives to me and how much she means to me. She really is an amazing woman of God that I am so lucky to have as my own Mom. I’m proud to call her my Mom. All the people who come in contact with her are blessed beyond measure because of the way she loves people. She loves people like Jesus does, unconditionally, sacrificially and with all that she has in her. Don’t forget to honor your Mother not just today, but every day you can because she deserves it on more than one occasion.