Wednesday's Whisper

Psalm 63:1-4

1 O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;

² To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary.

³ Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.

⁴ Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.

Good morning, one and all!

We have awakened to another Wonderful Wednesday, all because of The Wonderful God we serve! This is the day HE has given, and may all we do bring glory to HIM!

Sometimes thoughts and themes come quickly and easily for me, while at other times, I can't seem to think of anything worthwhile to say. So, for today, I'd just like to let the four verses from Psalm 63 say what my heart feels, and also the words to this sweet song that we often sing in church:

You Are Great

by Juanita Bynum

You deserve the glory and the honor

I lift my hands in worship and I bless Your holy name

You deserve the glory and the honor

I lift my hands in worship and I bless Your holy name

You are great, You do miracles

So great, there is no one else like You

There is no one else like You

You are great, You do miracles

So great, there is no one else like You

There is no one else like You

The Lord deserves all our praise, worship, and glory each and every day. He is great, and He still performs miracles. He loves to WOW us with His wonders. There is no one else like Him!

Yesterday, the quote on my calendar read like this:

"A box-sized version of God simply would not work. So Jesus blew the sides out of their preconceptions. May he blow the sides out of ours."

Max Lucado, from the book Fearless

I hope right in the middle of the normal of this day that not only will God whisper to us, but He will also WOW us like never before!

God bless your Wednesday, making it wonderful, and I hope to see you again tomorrow!

Tuesday's Tidbit

Job 10:12

 Thou hast granted me life and favour, and thy visitation hath preserved my spirit.

Good morning, family and friends!

While I was pondering what to write this morning, I thought of all the company we have had since my husband's surgery on December 2nd. Quite a few visitors have stopped by (one couple spent two nights) to check on my "patient", and we've enjoyed all the fellowship. Which brings me to the fact that I must write quickly because I have more company who will arrive around 11:30 this morning! 

What comes to mind when I anticipate the arrival of guests? My family might have a few humorous things to say about all I try to do before people come!! I'm glad they are not writing this post today!! LOL!! Anyway, I do tend to worry about a lot of things as I tidy up the house, especially if I am going to cook for them. What foods do they like? Will the food taste good? Will they find our home comfortable? One of my main concerns, and I often offer a prayer to God for this.... Will I be a gracious hostess?

But, there is one "Visitor" who really doesn't stop by because He lives with me always, but HIS visit is one that makes all the difference in the world to me. Before a family member or longtime friend shows up at my door, I want a visit from the Lord. HIS visit preserves my spirit. He brings help that no amount of fellowship with friends and family can bring. I am different after each visit I have with the Lord. Today is definitely no exception.

I wrote a Bible study for ladies some years back, and I fully intend to work on it some more in the near future, but it was about our hearts being like a home with different rooms. As the Lord and I visit this morning before the busyness of life sets in, I pray that I make Him feel comfortable in every room in my house. I truly want to feel HIS presence and enjoy it. My worship will let Him know that I'm glad He stopped by.

I really can't think of a song today because I'm anxious to have some quiet time with the Lord. I need Him more today than I did yesterday. He meets my every need. He satisfies my every longing.

God bless your Tuesday, making it absolutely terrific! I pray that you have your own visitation from the Lord, and you are strengthened because of His visit! If He's willing, I'll see you tomorrow for another spoonful!

Monday's Moment

Matthew 16:18

And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Good morning, and a Marvelous Monday morning to you all!

Great was my Sunday, and I hope you can all say the same about yours! Wonderful church! Glorious worship, praise, singing, and music. But, even greater was the Word of God that was preached to us. 

Last night, the minister used the above verse as his text, then spoke just a little about carpenters. It is common in today's time for a carpenter/contractor to present his portfolio when he is soliciting new building jobs. Then, the minister gave just a few verses about the "portfolio" (or resume) of The Master Builder:

Genesis 1:1

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

Isaiah 44:24

Thus saith the Lord, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am theLord that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself;

These were just two verses he mentioned in his sermon but, would we question whether Jesus could build a church when He had created "heaven and the earth"? And, this Carpenter didn't even need an assistant - He built it all by Himself!!! Just thinking about this great Master Builder gives you goose bumps, and causes one to stand in complete awe of His majesty and might.

Jesus told Peter that He was going to build a church, and build a church He did. And, the promise holds true even after all these years, "...and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." Evil may try to dismantle and destroy God's church, but it cannot be done. This church was built to last by the Builder who will never pass away!

Here's a good Southern Gospel song from years back that mentions the Master Builder:

Master Builder

by Dianne Wilkinson

Verse One

Jesus was a carpenter a long time ago

Joseph taught Him all things he needed to know

He grew up straight and strong, working on the shores of Galilee

He learned to use a hammer, and He learned to drive a nail

And when He finished building, it served Him mighty well

Cause He started on a building that stretched from sky to sky

And sea to sea

Chorus

Jesus is the Master Builder

He built His church upon a rock

He built it upon a firm foundation

And the work is never gonna stop

Jesus is the Master Builder

He takes the old and makes it new

He can take a life of sin, make it clean and pure within

And He can make a brand new you

Verse Two

Now He's back in Heaven, and He's building once again

He's working on a city called the New Jerusalem

It sits on a firm foundation according to the Master Builder's plan

The streets are lined with mansions for the saints to move right in

And when He's finished building, He'll come back again

To take us to that city fashioned by the Master Builder's hand

May your Monday be marvelous! Rejoice today in knowing the Master Builder is in control of all that's going on in our lives.

Hoping to be back again tomorrow!

Sunday's Specialty

Hebrews 10:25

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Good morning, family and friends - 'Tis Sunday!

Every day is special because it is a gift from the Lord, but Sunday seems extra-special, don't you think? For some it may be just another day, but to those who love God, who are born-again Christians, this is the day of the week we set aside to attend church in order to worship Him. Going to God's house makes this day very special to me.

We entertained my husband's younger brother and his wife for the past two nights in our home. We sat up late each night, playing games, laughing. Yesterday, we shopped a little, and just had a tremendously good time. It was great to have family in our home. But, this morning, my body was not in a game-playing, let's laugh type mood. After going to bed late, and not fully resting until the wee hours of the morning, I was not ready to get up.

Then, I remembered how much fun I'd had over the past few days; how I gave all I had to enjoying company and having a good time. My heart began to ponder.... Was I going to give more energy to carnal things than to spiritual? Did having a good time in pleasure (and it was clean fun) mean more to me than going to God's house? Thank God for talking to me early this morning. (His talk plus the before-6-AM text from my daughter, telling me about the roast she had in the crock pot for her visiting minister and wife, moved me to arise.  Love you, Heidi! *smile*)

Just a few words from a beautiful song have been on my mind for the past few days, and they seem so fitting for today's blog post:

He Is Here

by Karen Clark Sheard

There's a sweet anointing in the sanctuary

There's a stillness in the atmosphere

O come and lay down the burdens you have carried

For in the sanctuary, God is here

He is here, He is here

To break the yoke and lift the heavy burden

He is here, He is here

To heal the hopeless heart and bless the broken

O come and lay down the burdens you have carried

For in the sanctuary, God is here

Family and fun are great, but nothing compares to being in the presence of the Lord in HIS house, offering praise and worship to HIM. After all, without Him, we have no family, no good times, nothing!

May YOUR Sunday be the most special day you've lived yet! May great things happen in YOUR church and in mine. 

Looking forward to today, and hoping to see you tomorrow, if it is His will!

Saturday's Snippet

Hebrews 4:15

For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

Good morning, and a Sweet Saturday to all of you!

When I awake each morning, some of my first thoughts are... What will I write about today?  This morning was no exception. A subject came to mind, followed by the scripture I chose to head up this blog post. We serve an approachable God. 

God is not cold and indifferent to what ails us. The scripture says basically that He CAN be touched "with the feeling of our infirmities". It's comforting to know that if something bothers me, I can take it to God in prayer and He will be moved (or touched) by my infirmity. God - the Creator, Almighty in power, Majestic....  He will be moved by the feelings of a mere mortal. It's overwhelming yet comforting. 

Here's another verse that I love:

Hebrews 4:16

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

I am in awe of a God who is touchable, and with whom I can have an audience whenever and wherever I want! This is profound to me - the King of all kings; Lord of all lords bids ME come to HIM, and I can come boldly. I do not need to come timidly or fearful (with reverence but not scared). He longs for time with me just as I long for time with him. 

This precious song just came to mind, and I must include it today for me and you:

Standing in the Presence of The King

as sung by Vestal Goodman

Verse One

Today I found myself 

In a most unusual place

All at once I was standing face to face

With Someone that I knew so well

Yet I had never seen

I was standing in the presence of The King

Chorus

Standing in the presence of The King

The world just slips away beneath my feet

No mortal man could ever write 

The song that my heart sings

While I'm standing in the presence of The King

Verse Two

Through His gates with thanksgiving

Into His courts with praise

With a joyous heart I begin to sing

For at last I am standing

Where He said I could be

I am standing in the presence of The King

I would not know how to act in the presence of an earthly queen or king, but I do know that I am always at ease and welcomed whenever I am in the presence of Jesus Christ, my Lord! He is near. He can be touched. I have access into His presence all day long... 365 days a year (366 during leap years). I am a blessed woman.

May your Saturday be sweet. Take time to enjoy the presence of the Lord. Take your burdens to Him and leave them there.

Until tomorrow when, Lord willing, I'll see you again!

Friday's Footnote

John 1:14

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

Good morning, O happy day, it's Friday!!

Think of all the women (and even yourself) and the birth(s) of your children. Think about the nursery and the baby shower; all the planning and preparation. Most nurseries today are all color-coordinated, some with themes, and the baby shower decorations even match the nursery. It's a lovely time; so very sweet and precious.

But, think about that day so very long ago when the Savior of the world entered our world. There was no elaborate nursery set up for Him; no baby shower that we read about. His surroundings were so humble - a stable. His cradle was a manger. Imagine laying a newborn on a bed of straw. Perhaps there was even the lingering smells of animals that day. Yet, a King was born there. He came so humbly.

I stand in awe at the Oneness of God. The great God of creation put on a robe of skin and came to dwell among men. 

I love this song by The Martins for it depicts the beauty of the birth of Jesus Christ. When Mary held her newborn son, she was holding God! How awesome is that? Imagine her singing a lullaby to the newborn King - -

I Am You Are

by The Martins

Verse One

In a lowly stable on that Bethlehem morn

The Savior of the world was born

Finally, the One behind heaven's veil

Came to be earth's Emmanuel

Verse Two

Tenderly a mother rocks her baby boy

She is holding heaven's joy

Angels lend an ear as she begins to sing

A lullaby fit for a king

Chorus

You are Wonderful, little Prince of Peace

Tiny Counsellor, Almighty God

You are Ancient of Days

Precious newborn King

I AM, You are

Verse Three

Lowly shepherds came this blessed babe to see

Mary marveled at the mystery

Only simple faith could help them understand

He would be the crucified Lamb

And she sang to her sweet, little Lamb

May your Friday be filled with the finest the Father has to offer. Hope to see you again tomorrow!