Say It Again

I don't usually go willy-nilly through my Bible, though today as I opened the Good Book, the pages flipped open to Ezekiel 28. Before I continued to my intended daily reading, my eyes caught these words:

In the pride of your heart...but you are a man and not a god...

Well, I just couldn't stop there! I had to keep reading. Although this particular prophecy was intended for the King of Tyre, and the  I know I can see myself described in those words. 

Pride...man, that will get me every single time. It's so easy to get puffed up, especially on social media. All those thumbs-up, hearts, retweets, and 'likes' can make a heart swell, can't they? Those moments of pride, or self-centeredness, are when we rely on ourselves instead of relying on God. We put 'me' in front of 'He,' and then life gets muddled. 

As I kept reading, I noticed God is repeating these words:

Then they will know...

that I AM the LORD

that I AM the SOVEREIGN LORD

that I AM the LORD THEIR GOD

He says it over and over, again and again. When He repeats words and phrases, that's our signal to really pay attention. All His words are important, though His repeated words are meant to make us take notice. 

It occurred to me, there are so many...a world of people who choose not to know Him now. They won't know Him until prophecy is fulfilled. They won't know Him until it is too late. How sad that day will be for them. 

To wait to know the I AM...the LORD...the SOVEREIGN LORD...the LORD THEIR GOD...

                  oh, please don't wait to know Him.

Even if you say you don't believe in God, or you believe in another deity, and especially if you are unsure of a higher being; open a Bible and find out Who He is. Prove to yourself your convictions of no God are true. Affirm your beliefs in your deity. Be assured in truly knowing there is or isn't a higher being. 

What is the harm in finding out for yourself? There is nothing to lose in reading a Bible. In fact, if you open your heart to the idea, I venture you will gain indescribable peace in knowing Him. 

What are you reading today?

Check out the sidebar for a few links to help you easily discover I AM.

Then You Will Know

I read the book of Joel this morning. 

Have you ever read it?

I've read it before; however, the prophetic words have never resonated with me as they did today. The world is in such turmoil right now, and a big change feels...palpable is the best I can describe it. For me, Joel's words confirm what my spirit feels. As I read, here's what stood out to me...

Chapter 1

"...listen, all you who live in the land..."

"Tell it to your children..."

"A nation has invaded my land, powerful and without number..."

"Despair...you vine growers...because the harvest of the field is destroyed."

"Surely the joy of mankind is withered away."

"...cry out to the LORD."

Chapter 2

"Blow the trumpet in Zion; sound the alarm..."

"...the day of the LORD is coming. It is close at hand..."

"The LORD thunders at the head of His army..."

"...and mighty are those who obey His command."

"...RETURN TO ME with ALL YOUR HEART..."

"Be not afraid, O land; be glad and rejoice..."

"...you will praise the name of the LORD your God..."

"...never again will my people be shamed..."

"And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved..."

Chapter 3

"For the day of the LORD is near..."

"The sun and moon will be darkened, and the stars no longer shine..."

"But the LORD will be a refuge for His people..."

"Then you will know that I, the LORD your God, dwell in Zion..."

I don't really have anything to add. 

Some will read this, and think, "What a nutter she is!" 

Others will read it and might search for answers. You might read this and wonder for yourself what I'm writing about. If you don't believe in Him, I encourage you to pick up a Bible and read it cover to cover.

Ask the hard questions while you read it.

Prove my belief misguided, and your thinking is what is true.

I look forward to hearing about your discovery, no matter what you find.

As for me, today I choose Him.

What will your choice be?

Me Instead of He?

"Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other.

Love each other as brothers and sisters. 

Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude."

1 Peter 3:8

It's been a rough week around here. 

Life is more than busy, and at every turn, plans haven't worked out the way I thought they should go. I haven't been as tenderhearted or sympathetic as I could have been, should have been, truly wanted to be. 

I let 'Me' get in the way of 'He' this week. 

I didn't turn to Him when I was tired of the minutia of life. I let the enemy's whisper take hold, telling me to rely on myself. 

Yeah, it was a rough week.

Today, this verse resonates with me. 

It was directed to ALL CHRISTIANS...and that includes me. I realize in order to sympathize, love, be tenderhearted, and humble, I have to put others first. Isn't this what Jesus showed us while He walked this earth? When I move myself out of the way, I allow Him to work through me. His plans are better than mine.

His Light shines so much brighter than mine ever could.

It's a daily dying, isn't it? This world offers nothing more than "Me first!" in its fast pace. It glorifies self. It's the exact opposite of what He has taught us to do. So for today, I am pondering this...

Wouldn't it be amazing to walk into church this morning, 

set aside our differences, 

and simply love on each other

while we worship our Creator?

When we put Him first, above all else, and come together in corporate worship, the color of paint on the walls, the type of flowers at the front of the altar, what everyone is wearing...these things just don't matter. 

Praying we, who are blessed to praise God freely, 

move ourselves out of the way 

and make it all about Him today.

We Are Still Standing

My patriot heart squeezes tight today as I remember.

Men & women became instant heroes before my eyes on the screen of my tiny television...watching in a back room so my babies could not view terror unfolding. I know I will shed a few tears today as we honor the souls of 9/11.

I didn't want to send my kids to school today. There have been local threats posted on social media. Officials say the threats are innocuous. I know I have no control over their days on this earth; however, my Momma-heart stirs. Little palpitations of worry. I refuse to live in fear. That would make the terrorists the winners, wouldn't it? I sent them on their way, giving them an extra hug & kiss today. 

I believe in God's plan for us. I believe He uses all things...even the bad experiences...for the good of His glory. I don't understand it, but I faithfully cling to this truth. I rise up against the evil one, who would love nothing more than for me shrink back and give in to the frightening whispers of terror. 

I choose to stand firm, armed with Truth, as I remember that day with my family, my friends, my nation.

Fourteen years may have passed, but WE WILL NEVER FORGET.

Our flags may be lowered, but they are still waving.

(¯`·..· WE ARE STILL STANDING ·..·´¯)