Pursuing the Presence, Purpose and Power of a closer walk with Christ

Yielded Vessel


isaiah_64-8.jpg (324×324)

I yield my heart, soul, ambitions and dreams

To align with your perfect will

I wait for your spirit to purify

And Thy Presence within me be filled

I surrender all the plans I have made

Even absent plans thereof

All the wanderings in the wasted years

And exchange them for your great love

Whatever the circumstances of my life

In the present or from my past

Gracious Lord, I ask to be molded now

Fit for your service that will last

Yes, the Potter knows the clay in His hand

How a new vessel must be shaped

Though the trials, heartache, and pain does break

In Your Image I must be made

 


Art Heart

I’m forgiven, all sin is gone

I’m forgiven, held the past too long

This day is new, I live in you

I’m forgiven, give glory to God

 

At times my past came to haunt me with shame

For trespasses done though Jesus did save

The secret’s surrendered-under His blood

It flowed to the sea forgotten by God

 

I’m forgiven, all sin is gone

I’m forgiven, no burden I don

In love and peace I stay all day

I’m forgiven, give glory to God

 

Does someone have a sorrowful soul?

Of sin you committed a long time ago

Believe in His word, it’s true what it says

Just forgive yourself and go on in His stead

 

You’re forgiven, all sin is gone

You’re forgiven, held the burden too long

This day is new, now live in His Truth

You’re forgiven, give glory to God

 

Perhaps there’s a soul who needs to be free

The wrong in your life, it binds and deceives

Confess and repent, make a one-eighty

Jesus died for you, won the victory

 

We’re forgiven, all sin is gone

We’re forgiven, a new heart of song

This day is new, we live in His truth

We’re forgiven, to praise and serve God!

 

Dear Readers,

I hope this poem-song blesses you. It is a testimony of God’s work  in my life and of how much He loves you and me.

 

 

 

 

 


I have an obsession with hearts. People have watched me stop in my tracks to capture a photo on my cell phone and sometimes, when I have it with me, on my camera. I’ve all but grabbed my daughter’s tablet while she’s in the midst of an intense game. “Please, Rachel, I need to take a picture, right now!” (She loves me, though.)

Have you done that with your cell phone?  No doubt, there has been more than one time that a subject matter, whether it is your pet, child, hubby, grand kids or a glorious sunset, compelled you to grab the smart phone out of your pocket or purse for a masterpiece shot of photo art.

 

My hearts of Wonder gallery speak volumes of how Great God is and how much He loves each one of us uniquely.

Oh How He Loves You and Me.


half apple twin seed shape heart pic (2)

Apples are one of my favorite fresh fruit that I try to eat daily. We know the famous cliché  associated with this important staple of our diets. Some of the other reasons I choose to eat them are convenience and flavor. Recently, I began to cut an apple in half  for my daughter’s lunch and discovered two seeds so close together  they appeared as twins, but in the shape of a heart.

Heart Shape Twin Apple seeds (2)

Whenever I find hearts occurring in nature, I am reminded of God’s love for us all. He loves us so much He sent his only son, not to condemn us, but to save us through Him. (John 3:17 paraphrased)

Wonders like this displayed in my everyday life continue to amaze me. We serve an awesome God!

How about you? Please share one of the special moments in your life that He has blessed.

Forever


I-Am-the-Resurrection-and-the-Life

For yesterday’s Resurrection Celebration at the church I attend I was in the sanctuary for the first part of the service and later went with my eight year old nephew into Children’s Church. It brought me great joy to help him with a  Jelly Bean Cross craft. No, it wasn’t because there were jelly beans to eat and I felt the rush of a sugar high; they were  sticky back foam forms.

We took turns reading the information, then he would place each colored jelly-foam bean carefully on the cross.

Red- refers to the color red and for the blood Jesus shed on the Cross.

Black- stood for our sin that He died for.

Green- for the grass He created.

Yellow- symbolized Resurrection Sunday and for the risen Son of God, Jesus.

Purple- that Jesus is the King of Kings.

White- is symbolic of the new life we live and that one day we will be with Jesus, Forever.

FOREVER, was the title of song written by Kari Jobe and sung by a member of my church. As I listened to the words, I felt chills up and down my arms when she came to the part, “Now Death where is your sting? Our resurrected King has rendered you defeated. Forever.

“Forever”

The moon and stars they wept
The morning sun was dead
The Saviour of the world was fallen
His body on the cross
His blood poured out for us
The weight of every curse upon him

One final breath he gave
As heaven looked away
The son of God was laid in darkness
A battle in the grave
The war on death was waged
The power of hell forever broken

The ground began to shake
The stone was rolled away
His perfect love could not be overcome
Now death where is your sting?
Our resurrected King
Has rendered you defeated

Forever he is glorified
Forever he is lifted high
Forever he is risen
He is alive, He is alive!

The ground began to shake
The stone was rolled away
His perfect love could not be overcome
Now death where is your sting?
Our resurrected King
Has rendered you defeated

Forever he is glorified
Forever he is lifted high
Forever he is risen
He is alive, He is alive!

We sing hallelujah
We sing hallelujah
We sing hallelujah
The Lamb has overcome

We sing hallelujah
We sing hallelujah
We sing hallelujah
The Lamb has overcome

Forever he is glorified
Forever he is lifted high
Forever he is risen
He is alive, He is alive!

You have overcome
You have overcome
You have overcome
You have overcome

 

 

I encourage you to listen to the song sung by the artist that wrote it. May you be blessed, Forever.

 

 

Proclamation


Proclamations in history include, but are not limited to: the French and Indian War, the dominions the French, British and Colonists fought, bought and outlined as their possession from the 1760’s through the 1800’s. The Map shown in this post by Jon Platek outlines the territories claimed by these entities.

I admit I was either asleep in History class or AWOP-Away With Out Permission. I didn’t learn about the Proclamation of 1763 until today. Yes, I’m still trying to reclaim a part of my life lost to the rebellious years of my youth and many times have to learn what others already know.

North America 1762-83 by Jon Platek-C

North America
1762-83
by Jon Platek-C

 

Proclamation, according to the on-line Webster’s Dictionary, is the act of saying something in a public, official, or definite way : the act of proclaiming something,

I read and hear a vast array of public announcements that are important to people most everyday through the media of television, radio, Newspaper, magazine, e-mail, Facebook or by word of mouth.

Sometimes, the broadcast is of the State of the Union Address or the News report of death, devastation and destruction brought about by terrorists in various parts of the world.

I’ve been apprised of announcements through the forum of Facebook concerning an anniversary, birthday, prayer request, a loved one’s passing, expecting a child or grandchild followed by the exciting news when the baby is born.

There are many more important proclamations in the categories of political, health and wellness, medical breakthroughs or outbreaks of disease, environmental discoveries or concerns.

One of the most known proclamations is the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863. It was issued through executive order by President Abraham Lincoln.

“On September 22, 1862, Lincoln had issued a preliminary proclamation warning that he would order the emancipation of all slaves in any state that did not end its rebellion against the Union by January 1, 1863.  None of the Confederate states restored themselves to the Union, and Lincoln’s order, signed and issued January 1, 1863, took effect. It led many slaves to escape from their masters and get to Union lines to obtain their freedom. It wasn’t until 1865 that slavery and indentured servitude became illegal throughout the United States once ratified by the Thirteenth Amendment.” (Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

Today is the National Holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In his Declaration of Independence article written in 1962, Dr. King referred to the Emancipation Proclamation several times. As a Baptist Minister, he also, as did Abraham Lincoln and many others, believed that certain unalienable rights were granted by our Creator.

martin_luther_king_jr_quote_4

By using non-violence and civil disobedience, he led the  Civil Rights movement to abolish inequality for the Afro-Americans. No longer would there be segregation for those having skin of a different color.

History pages and the Holy Scriptures are filled with proclamations.

The meaning of Proclamation is relevant to me, not only from the various examples of the past, but also in my present day to day adventures.

The Apostle Paul proclaimed in Galatians 3:28(NIV);

There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

Today, on Martin Luther King Day, another proclamation is given. I reiterate the proclamation Jesus made in Matthew 22:37. And that is to love the your Lord God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself.

Then, you will find true freedom and equality.

The day after I wrote Proclamation, I discovered another vital verse and hymn I have included in this post of Proclamation.

Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism, but accepts men from every nation who fear Him and do what is right.” Acts 10:34-35 (NIV)

It coordinates with the hymn, “In Christ There Is No East or West”.

  1.  In Christ there is no East or west, In Him no South or North;

But one great fellowship of love Thro’-out the whole wide earth.

2.  In Him shall true hearts eve’y-where Their high communion find;

  His service is the golden cord close binding all mankind.

3. Join hands then, brothers of the faith, what-e’re your race may be;

Who serves my Father as a son Is surely kin to me.

4. In Christ now meet both East and West; In Him meet South and North

all Christ-ly souls are one in Him Thro’-out the whole wide earth.

Written by John Oxenham, 1908

God provides true freedom and equality through the gift of His Son, Jesus. He sees us as equal and desires that we be free from the slavery of sin and death. Each has the opportunity to be forgiven and set free to follow Jesus.

John 3:16 is one of the Greatest Proclamations a of all time.”For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him, shall not perish, but have Eternal Life.”(NIV)

The proclamations of  President Lincoln, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the Apostles and the King of Kings, Jesus Christ, resound equality, freedom, brotherly love and most importantly, loving God first and foremost.

I conclude the aforementioned list would be a Living Proclamation.

What is your Proclamation?

Please leave a comment and share.

 

 

 

 


January is a good time for me to re-organize my house. More time is available if there isn’t too much snow to deal with. The Winter of 2016 so far, snow has been scant. Amongst the clutter of too many magazines, notes from sermons, journals and books, I found an inspiring poem written by the evangelist, Norman Moore.

 

FACE IT, FORGIVE IT AND FORGE AHEAD

For some of us in our past there’s pain and much abuse.

The hurt is great and the scars are deep, and we wonder, “what’s the use?”

As anger boils down deep inside from suffering in our past, sometimes we react in harmful ways, needing victory that will last.

We read and pray and seek advice, trying hard to cope.

How do we handle our abusive past? Is there any hope?

Face it, forgive it and forge ahead His Spirit comes to say.

We can recover from old hurts and enter a brand new day!

To face the hurts and forgive the wrongs is not an easy task.

But only then can we forge ahead to real victory that will last!

 

Be inspired to forge ahead to lasting victory! Can you hear the Victory song?

“Victory in Jesus” by Eugene M. Bartlett, 1939

“He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1Corithians 15:57) NIV

 


The Heart Of Hope

The Heart Of Hope

 

When searching for an illustration depicting hope, I clicked on Google Images and viewed a large number of various pictures and a few quotes. From an unknown author, a profound expression of vision; “Hope sees the Invisible, Feels the Intangible, and achieves the Impossible.”

One image in the group representing the category of hope showed soil so parched it cracked leaving deep furrows. It reminded me of  the desert in the Death Valley Days western series, yet in this visual, the life of a tiny seeding grew in the midst of an impossible environment.

My quest to provide a picture of Hope brought to mind a few of the Bible verses I’ve committed to memory over the years. “Hope deferred makes the heart sick…”. When confirming the reference of verse in my Bible,  I realized there was more from Proverbs 13:12  I didn’t include, “ but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.”

In this post, I chose to include  the image of an open book illustrating Hope, the inner pages folded toward the center to form the shape of a heart. I would venture to say the book shown here is the Holy Bible.

I can see much more that the graphics of the photo. I see God’s love perfectly binding the pages together with Promise, Wisdom, Truth, Light,  Mercy, Grace, Forgiveness, Salvation through His Son, Jesus, Deliverance, Restoration, Life, Liberty, Peace, Joy, Direction, Purpose and Hope.  I have come to experience a deep wealth of this abundance after accepting Christ as my Savior and as I continue to grow in a daily walk with Him.

Another encouraging verse of hope I memorized was from the Davonne Lee Hide and Keep Ministries. It’s catchy tune plays a melody of blessing in my thoughts and heart from time to time. “The Lord delights in those who fear Him, Who put their Hope in His unfailing love.” (Psalms 147:11 NIV)

Hope in His UNFAILING LOVE! The heart of hope is putting our trust in His Son, Jesus! He is the Heart of Hope and His Word is filled with the Heart of Hope. And He never Fails!

“For God so loved the World He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have ETERNAL LIFE.”  John 3:16 (NIV)

While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. The Heart of Hope is there for us before we are aware of our sin, but, we are not condemned by Jesus!

For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. John 3:17(NIV)

Once we realize we are in need of a remedy for the sickness caused by sin in our life, God’s Grace and Mercy leads us to the Cross on which Jesus died for our sins. The forgiveness He lavishes on us also cleanses us from sin.

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and purify (cleanse) us from all unrighteousness. I John 1:9 (NIV)

Our Creator has placed a longing in our hearts to know Him, love Him completely,  serve and follow Him. More simply put, a relationship with the HEART OF HOPE.

We can be one with our Savior, the Lamb of God, the Creator of everything, who is All-knowing, All -powerful, Omnipresent, Wonderful Counselor, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, best friend ever. Forever!

 

 

“…But a longing fulfilled is a tree of Life.”    

Dear Reader,

Welcome me back to the writing of my blog.

I hope you know and trust the Heart of Hope, Jesus. What better way to begin a New Year than rejoicing together, helping each other and sharing in the Family of God!

I encourage you to grow into His Grace like the tiny seedling mentioned earlier in this post and mature into a tree of Life, where the Heart of Hope lives within.

Blessed to be a Blessing,

 

Greenginger

                       

Love is Sublime


Love is Sublime copy


 

Who can describe in twenty words or less a major event in one’s life that resulted in a life changing outcome?  What specific words can you use to describe what Jesus has done in your life that will have a lasting impact on another person’s life?

This is the challenge of specificity given by Michael Benson on a DVD we watched while at evening service this past Sunday.

I was hopelessly enslaved by addiction. Jesus delivered and set me free. I now have peace, joy, hope and purpose.

I started to write a paragraph, but rewrite after rewrite, I have accomplished the challenge…in text.

Will I tell specifically how God has changed my life and share the Gospel with others?

It is the Great Commission to do so. “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father,  and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28: 19-20) NIV

It is not a job for the weak, half-hearted or timid.

It is a command from the Commander of the Armies of the Lord.

And we, who profess to be a Christian,  who are full of the power of the Holy Spirit are able to accomplish His will.

With joy!

And specificity!

Are you up for the Challenge of Specificity?

Heavenly Father, help us tell others what you have done in our lives and thus fulfill the Great Commission with love.

 

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