The glory of God is a human being fully alive!
St. Irenaeus
As I wrote the title for today's message I instantly remembered a favorite hymn of the same name. It is sung with energy and passion. God wants us to be passionate about bringing glory to Himself. That is why He created us....to bring Him glory. We bring Him glory in countless ways when we put Him in His proper place in our lives....in the center of everything we say and everything we do. The smallest, most insignificant task brings Him glory when we do it with a happy heart and give Him the honor and recognition so deserving our Creator.
With Godly motivation, we find ourselves on a higher plane of potential. When we worship Him privately and publicly, He is pleased. When we love, not only our close family members and friends, but those who seem unlovable, God smiles upon us. As we grow in our own spiritual maturity, and all our lives, develop our Godly character, we honor Him. As God gives each one of us spiritual gifts, talents, abilities and specific skills, not for our own gain, but to serve others, God is pleased. It is our responsibility and we are accountable to Him to manage these gifts with all the strength we possess. When we think our strength is gone, God understands and supplies more strength, not before we need it, but exactly as much strength as we need when we need to be strengthened. It is no secret that God wants others to hear the Good News. When we share our own faith story with someone, we give glory to God. When we take a tragedy and give it a new meaning, God is well pleased. We all have experienced tragedies in life. It is understandably human to take on the worst possible outlook rather than to search for the Heavenly truth that is wrapped up inside the tragedy. In every tragedy, trial, problem, suffering in life, therein lies the Godly insight, the success, the solution and the healing that only comes from asking God to reveal the mystery to us. He reveals truths to us when we are open and ready to accept them.
We are all a masterpiece in progress. Though we know we all fall short of the glory of God, resist the temptation to look down on your own self. Accept the fact that we were made for God's purposes. Live. Do more than merely exist. Fully live. God made us to last forever. None of us is an accidental human. We were created on purpose and for a purpose. Accepting our failings and asking God for forgiveness is the way. Believe Jesus died on the cross and paid our sin debt. Receive forgiveness from the Lord. He offers it with open arms. Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior if you haven't done so. Nurture unbelievers and share the Good News. This all brings glory to God. To Him Be The Glory! Amen!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CeBoSQsBR0 Hopefully this youtube link will work for you to listen to the song I mentioned earlier. If not, search youtube to find it. I'm sure you will be motivated and activated! To God Be The Glory!
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
A Great Reunion
But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
Philippians 3:20-21
My family and I went to our family reunion on my husband's mother's side yesterday and had a wonderful time visiting relatives we hadn't seen in a long time. By the time we got on the road to go to the reunion our number had dwindled from eight people to three because of one reason or another. They all wanted to attend this special time of fellowship, but for them, it didn't happen this year. Due to stomach ailments and other health issues, it was necessary to make the last minute decisions to stay home. They hope and believe that they will be able to attend the reunion next year.
It was delightful to get together with relatives we hadn't seen in two or three years. Sure, we had been in contact by phone or email. Hugs are great! Nothing can take the place of a genuine hug from someone you love. It was especially wonderful reuniting with Jenny. She is a treasure. She had such a beautiful glow on her face. We could have talked for hours.
We can also talk ourselves out of many things. Some of the cousins may have talked themselves out of going to the reunion. We know this because their absence was obvious. We drove several hours to get there, and yes, it was a relatively short visit, but it was worth all the time and effort necessary to get there. Keeping family close through the years is very important.
Though we have come to know this earth as home, remember, it is a tempory home. Our citizenship is in heaven. It says so in the Bible and I believe it. When we truly understand this concept, it is easier to get through our difficult times. Let go of the burdens and hold onto the peace that only comes from God.
Remember, it's temporary. Imagine the great reunion we have to look forward to when we get to heaven. Friends, that gets me excited! Our family is still alive and kicking. We just don't get to be together very often. Our family and friends who have gone on to heaven are still alive and kicking. We just can't see them as they used to be in their earthly bodies.
Should you get the opportunity to attend a family reunion, by all means, go. You will be glad you did! I'm glad I went to our family reunion yesterday.
Take care and stay cool. God guides and God provides! Love, Nan
Philippians 3:20-21
My family and I went to our family reunion on my husband's mother's side yesterday and had a wonderful time visiting relatives we hadn't seen in a long time. By the time we got on the road to go to the reunion our number had dwindled from eight people to three because of one reason or another. They all wanted to attend this special time of fellowship, but for them, it didn't happen this year. Due to stomach ailments and other health issues, it was necessary to make the last minute decisions to stay home. They hope and believe that they will be able to attend the reunion next year.
It was delightful to get together with relatives we hadn't seen in two or three years. Sure, we had been in contact by phone or email. Hugs are great! Nothing can take the place of a genuine hug from someone you love. It was especially wonderful reuniting with Jenny. She is a treasure. She had such a beautiful glow on her face. We could have talked for hours.
We can also talk ourselves out of many things. Some of the cousins may have talked themselves out of going to the reunion. We know this because their absence was obvious. We drove several hours to get there, and yes, it was a relatively short visit, but it was worth all the time and effort necessary to get there. Keeping family close through the years is very important.
Though we have come to know this earth as home, remember, it is a tempory home. Our citizenship is in heaven. It says so in the Bible and I believe it. When we truly understand this concept, it is easier to get through our difficult times. Let go of the burdens and hold onto the peace that only comes from God.
Remember, it's temporary. Imagine the great reunion we have to look forward to when we get to heaven. Friends, that gets me excited! Our family is still alive and kicking. We just don't get to be together very often. Our family and friends who have gone on to heaven are still alive and kicking. We just can't see them as they used to be in their earthly bodies.
Should you get the opportunity to attend a family reunion, by all means, go. You will be glad you did! I'm glad I went to our family reunion yesterday.
Take care and stay cool. God guides and God provides! Love, Nan
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
A Faulty Metaphor Or Not
Have you been influenced by a faulty life metaphor or is your life metaphor biblically based?
What is your view of life? You may be basing your life on a faulty life metaphor. To fulfill the purposes God made you for, you will have to challenge conventional wisdom and replace it with the biblical metaphors of life. Rick Warren
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will. Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
Romans 12:1-8 NIV
What is your life metaphor? Whether you hold it consciously or otherwise, you hold it in your mind. The foundation of a life lived on purpose and for a purpose begins in the Bible. God's view of life is much different than our own. There will be countless times in life when we will be tested. Our character, our faith and also our faithfulness to our Creator will be tested.
God has entrusted to our care and management the gifts he has given us, such as our relationships, our energy and our resources. Everything on this earth belongs to God. We are stewards of all God has created. We have a responsibility toward God and he rewards our responsibility accordingly. How can God trust us with the riches of Heaven when we are not responsible or trustworthy regarding worldly wealth?
Our time here on earth is truly brief. Everything this side of Heaven is temporary. Everything. When we look at our lives as preparation for eternity, we take on a different perspective. Our view of life suddenly changes. We are not here for our pleasure. We are here for God's pleasure. We are not here to fulfill our purposes. We are here to fulfill God's purposes for our lives. In order to understand this, we need to spend a lot of quality time in fellowship with the Lord and truly submit our lives to his will. Rather than waste time, energy and concern for the temporary things of this earthly life, use this time you have been given wisely and in preparation for the things unseen by human eyes.
When our time on earth is done and we are held accountable, it will be grand to hear him say "well done, my good and faithful servant."
Take care and don't waste one minute of this precious gift of time God has given you today. We all are given 24 hours in a day. It is up to us how we use it. Love, Nan
What is your view of life? You may be basing your life on a faulty life metaphor. To fulfill the purposes God made you for, you will have to challenge conventional wisdom and replace it with the biblical metaphors of life. Rick Warren
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will. Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
Romans 12:1-8 NIV
What is your life metaphor? Whether you hold it consciously or otherwise, you hold it in your mind. The foundation of a life lived on purpose and for a purpose begins in the Bible. God's view of life is much different than our own. There will be countless times in life when we will be tested. Our character, our faith and also our faithfulness to our Creator will be tested.
God has entrusted to our care and management the gifts he has given us, such as our relationships, our energy and our resources. Everything on this earth belongs to God. We are stewards of all God has created. We have a responsibility toward God and he rewards our responsibility accordingly. How can God trust us with the riches of Heaven when we are not responsible or trustworthy regarding worldly wealth?
Our time here on earth is truly brief. Everything this side of Heaven is temporary. Everything. When we look at our lives as preparation for eternity, we take on a different perspective. Our view of life suddenly changes. We are not here for our pleasure. We are here for God's pleasure. We are not here to fulfill our purposes. We are here to fulfill God's purposes for our lives. In order to understand this, we need to spend a lot of quality time in fellowship with the Lord and truly submit our lives to his will. Rather than waste time, energy and concern for the temporary things of this earthly life, use this time you have been given wisely and in preparation for the things unseen by human eyes.
When our time on earth is done and we are held accountable, it will be grand to hear him say "well done, my good and faithful servant."
Take care and don't waste one minute of this precious gift of time God has given you today. We all are given 24 hours in a day. It is up to us how we use it. Love, Nan
Friday, June 18, 2010
Afterglow or Aftermath
Surely God would not have created such a being as man to exist for only a day! No, no, man was made for immortality.
Abraham Lincoln
He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil - this is the gift of God. I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him. Whatever is has already been, and what will be has been before; and God will call the past to account. Ecclesiastes 3:11-15
I know you have seen someone before as they shook their head and cradled it in their hands, saying, "I have no choice, but to .......", or perhaps you have uttered those same words yourself during a moment of dispair. I encounter adults every day in my office who believe they have no choice, who are helpless and hold no hope for their future. They feel they are doomed to a life of misery.
Our daughter is 22 years old and our son is 18 years old. They have been raised to understand that they always have a choice. The best choice may not be the easiest one to take, but rather than instant gratification, the best choice may be the one in which they will reap the rewards and/or benefits later, perhaps, much later. I can't make their decisions for them. Personal experience is the best teacher.
Everything this side of Heaven is temporary. Whatever we are contemplating today we will either face or ignore. We will either turn to God and allow Him to lead us, guide us and direct us as we journey through this life as we know it or we will ignore Him. We will either live for all eternity in the afterglow of a life lived for God or we will live in the aftermath of our empty life in which we excluded God.
I have not reached perfection.....far from it. I do make mistakes, but I want to spend eternity with my Creator in Heaven and I make a conscious effort to do what would be pleasing to Him. After the last breath has left my earthly body, I want my family and friends to rejoice. This body of mine is a temporary covering. My soul is not temporary. My soul is the very essence of me. God gave me/us a soul that will live for all eternity. I will be somewhere and I will have a purpose after I cross over. I want that somewhere to be with my Lord and Savior.
How about you? How about a friend or family member who needs to be reminded of this? Ask God to guide you as you gently, lovingly influence that person to turn back to Him. It's not too late. Never, never, never give up hope. Be the example. Set the standard. Plant the seed. Help prepare those you love for their unlimited forever.
Afterglow or aftermath.....live today as though it were the last day of your life. In other words "Spend Your Dash Wisely".
Spend Your Dash Wisely
By: Nan Forehand
September 18, 1959 -
my ending date is yet unnamed
to the world I am not famed
I'm spending something more important than cash
each day I live, I'm spending my dash
to you, my dash may be a thin, little line
I find it's a very important sign
when my dates are carved on stone
my dash will represent the love I've shown
it will consist of every thing I've ever done
yes, in the dark and under the sun
dust to dust and ash to ash
a word to the wise - be careful how you spend your dash
written Wednesday, October 4, 2006
Abraham Lincoln
He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil - this is the gift of God. I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him. Whatever is has already been, and what will be has been before; and God will call the past to account. Ecclesiastes 3:11-15
I know you have seen someone before as they shook their head and cradled it in their hands, saying, "I have no choice, but to .......", or perhaps you have uttered those same words yourself during a moment of dispair. I encounter adults every day in my office who believe they have no choice, who are helpless and hold no hope for their future. They feel they are doomed to a life of misery.
Our daughter is 22 years old and our son is 18 years old. They have been raised to understand that they always have a choice. The best choice may not be the easiest one to take, but rather than instant gratification, the best choice may be the one in which they will reap the rewards and/or benefits later, perhaps, much later. I can't make their decisions for them. Personal experience is the best teacher.
Everything this side of Heaven is temporary. Whatever we are contemplating today we will either face or ignore. We will either turn to God and allow Him to lead us, guide us and direct us as we journey through this life as we know it or we will ignore Him. We will either live for all eternity in the afterglow of a life lived for God or we will live in the aftermath of our empty life in which we excluded God.
I have not reached perfection.....far from it. I do make mistakes, but I want to spend eternity with my Creator in Heaven and I make a conscious effort to do what would be pleasing to Him. After the last breath has left my earthly body, I want my family and friends to rejoice. This body of mine is a temporary covering. My soul is not temporary. My soul is the very essence of me. God gave me/us a soul that will live for all eternity. I will be somewhere and I will have a purpose after I cross over. I want that somewhere to be with my Lord and Savior.
How about you? How about a friend or family member who needs to be reminded of this? Ask God to guide you as you gently, lovingly influence that person to turn back to Him. It's not too late. Never, never, never give up hope. Be the example. Set the standard. Plant the seed. Help prepare those you love for their unlimited forever.
Afterglow or aftermath.....live today as though it were the last day of your life. In other words "Spend Your Dash Wisely".
Spend Your Dash Wisely
By: Nan Forehand
September 18, 1959 -
my ending date is yet unnamed
to the world I am not famed
I'm spending something more important than cash
each day I live, I'm spending my dash
to you, my dash may be a thin, little line
I find it's a very important sign
when my dates are carved on stone
my dash will represent the love I've shown
it will consist of every thing I've ever done
yes, in the dark and under the sun
dust to dust and ash to ash
a word to the wise - be careful how you spend your dash
written Wednesday, October 4, 2006
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Stay Away From Negative Drivers
The man without a purpose is like a ship without a rudder - a waif, a nothing, a no man.
Thomas Carlyle
By the title of today's message, I think you believe the subject is about being out on the highway with drivers who exhibit road rage. That's not the case today. I'm talking about the negative drivers that influence your direction in life. Such drivers are guilt, resentment, anger, fear and the need for approval.
People ridden with guilt bring about self-inflicted pain and suffering. The past need not control the future. Don't let guilt be the driving force that manipulates your life. There is little success to be had in life when guilt is the driver.
You will blow up eventually when resentment and anger become the drivers. You were already on the stage and completed the original performance, good or bad. Why go through life rehearsing the play again and again? You can't change the past. It's over and done. Learn from it and release it as dust blown from your hands.
I think you get the picture. Stay away from negative drivers. Keeping close to them won't bring success, happiness or prosperity. Turn, rather, to positive drivers and learn from them. The greatest driver of all is the love of God. God has a purpose for your life. Turn to Him and release all the negative influences to Him and He will reveal to you His purpose for your life. Be alert and be prepared. You may find yourself bucking and snorting when He reveals it to you. Suck it up and take a deep breath and move forward in God's purpose for your life! Remember, I speak with a soft voice and love in my heart each and every time I speak to you. I'm not here to scold or preach. I may not be your mother and I'm certainly not your preacher. I'm here to be a positive influence. Take care and be safe out there! Love, Nan
Thomas Carlyle
By the title of today's message, I think you believe the subject is about being out on the highway with drivers who exhibit road rage. That's not the case today. I'm talking about the negative drivers that influence your direction in life. Such drivers are guilt, resentment, anger, fear and the need for approval.
People ridden with guilt bring about self-inflicted pain and suffering. The past need not control the future. Don't let guilt be the driving force that manipulates your life. There is little success to be had in life when guilt is the driver.
You will blow up eventually when resentment and anger become the drivers. You were already on the stage and completed the original performance, good or bad. Why go through life rehearsing the play again and again? You can't change the past. It's over and done. Learn from it and release it as dust blown from your hands.
I think you get the picture. Stay away from negative drivers. Keeping close to them won't bring success, happiness or prosperity. Turn, rather, to positive drivers and learn from them. The greatest driver of all is the love of God. God has a purpose for your life. Turn to Him and release all the negative influences to Him and He will reveal to you His purpose for your life. Be alert and be prepared. You may find yourself bucking and snorting when He reveals it to you. Suck it up and take a deep breath and move forward in God's purpose for your life! Remember, I speak with a soft voice and love in my heart each and every time I speak to you. I'm not here to scold or preach. I may not be your mother and I'm certainly not your preacher. I'm here to be a positive influence. Take care and be safe out there! Love, Nan
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Conceived In The Mind Of God
I am your Creator. You were in my care even before you were born.
Isaiah 44:2a
Our human minds simply aren't equipped to totally comprehend the depth of God's love for each of us. He knew us even before we took our first breath of air. Though we all have had troubles and surely may be going through troubles today, we can still have joy in our hearts today! God prepares us when we don't know we are being prepared. Yes, it's easy to say "don't worry", but I'm telling you "don't worry". To worry about something that may or may not happen robs us of the joy we can experience in life right now. Our reality is never as bad as our imagination will make it out to be. Let go and let God do his work in you. Think about the poem I share with you today. ...... Yesterday's Tomorrow...... Today....it's yours to do with what you will. It's a gift. Tomorrow isn't guaranteed. We can't change what happened yesterday. Twenty four hours ago you may have said "maybe things will be better tomorrow". Today is the tomorrow of which you spoke yesterday. It's that simple. Believe. Take care. Love, Nan
Yesterday's Tomorrow
by: Nan Forehand
yesterday's tomorrow
isn't ours to borrow
yesterday's tomorrow
need not be filled with sorrow
yesterday's tomorrow will take care of itself
don't put your faith in God on a shelf
always give credit to the Heavenly Host
for yesterday's tomorrow we should not boast
to say "don't worry about tomorrow" is an invitation
for yesterday's tomorrow one can experience jubilation
give God the credit He's due
and yesterday's tomorrow will come shining through
if yesterday's tomorrow is to be God's will
the sun will rise and we'll hear mockingbird's trill
enjoy yesterday's tomorrow in a special way
for yesterday's tomorrow is today!!
Proverbs 27:1
Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.
Isaiah 44:2a
Our human minds simply aren't equipped to totally comprehend the depth of God's love for each of us. He knew us even before we took our first breath of air. Though we all have had troubles and surely may be going through troubles today, we can still have joy in our hearts today! God prepares us when we don't know we are being prepared. Yes, it's easy to say "don't worry", but I'm telling you "don't worry". To worry about something that may or may not happen robs us of the joy we can experience in life right now. Our reality is never as bad as our imagination will make it out to be. Let go and let God do his work in you. Think about the poem I share with you today. ...... Yesterday's Tomorrow...... Today....it's yours to do with what you will. It's a gift. Tomorrow isn't guaranteed. We can't change what happened yesterday. Twenty four hours ago you may have said "maybe things will be better tomorrow". Today is the tomorrow of which you spoke yesterday. It's that simple. Believe. Take care. Love, Nan
Yesterday's Tomorrow
by: Nan Forehand
yesterday's tomorrow
isn't ours to borrow
yesterday's tomorrow
need not be filled with sorrow
yesterday's tomorrow will take care of itself
don't put your faith in God on a shelf
always give credit to the Heavenly Host
for yesterday's tomorrow we should not boast
to say "don't worry about tomorrow" is an invitation
for yesterday's tomorrow one can experience jubilation
give God the credit He's due
and yesterday's tomorrow will come shining through
if yesterday's tomorrow is to be God's will
the sun will rise and we'll hear mockingbird's trill
enjoy yesterday's tomorrow in a special way
for yesterday's tomorrow is today!!
Proverbs 27:1
Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.
Monday, June 14, 2010
It All Starts With God
It all starts with God. We were all created for a purpose even though it may take years to understand what God has in mind for each of us. Rather than "me, I, my, mine," being in the center of everything, we will sooner understand God's purpose for our existence when we take our proper place. That being, God first, others and then ourselves. We long to find balance in all aspects of life. There surely is a time for us, but first and foremost, we live a higher quality of life in whatever shape we are in when we give God the honor and glory He deserves and when we live by His will rather than our own will. Apart from Him, we are nothing and we can do nothing without Him. I'm glad I'm not an athiest. I know who to thank for all I am and for all I have and for all I will become. Praise God!
For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible....everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him. Colossians 1:16
For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible....everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him. Colossians 1:16
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