MUSINGS

 "When you spend time with God in prayer, the Word and worship, understand that it isn't for Him.  Although He loves to see His children abiding in His presence,  we do not do these things to impress God, or earn God's favor.  We should not do it with the false hope of religion that promotes it as being more righteous, holy and more loved by God.  We cannot be loved more or less by God if we do these things.  No.  We do these things for US.  We do these things to glean wisdom and understanding from Him.  To be closer to Him with our walk. To enjoy His fellowship.   Don't allow anyone to convince you that you must do these things in order to be more loved by God.  If so, then you are doing them out of legalism.  But, do it out of your heart and your desire for Him.  Then, it is out of relationship.   There is such freedom in that! "

"My friend, are you waiting for your "garden to grow"?  Waiting for fruits to develop in your life?  God's Word promises that those with a "good ground" with an honest and good heart, (hearing and keeping the Word) WILL bring forth fruit with patience.  Don't get discouraged when you don't see things happening as fast as you'd like.  God is developing something deep within you that will produce LASTING fruit.  Hang in there, your time and your crop is coming!

Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
Luke 8:11‭-‬15 KJV. "

"One of the most challenging things as a Christian is to praise Him when you don't "feel like it".  Maybe you are very sick, or exhausted.   Or just going through a difficult time.  My friend, THIS is when you need to praise Him the most.  Your praise may look different during this time, but DON'T STOP PRAISING HIM.  Don't you dare stop.  He is moving.   We may not see it, but He is.  I believe this with every fiber of my being.  I PRAISE YOU, OH LORD!  

Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16‭-‬18 KJV

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.  Acts 16:25-26"

 "I may not have everything I WANT, but I have everything I need.  God is so good to me.  He is faithful to me, even when I am not faithful to Him.  His love for me is loving, beautiful and kind....even when I am not.  When I make the same, stupid mistakes, He brushes me off and continues to teach me, in the error of my ways.  I often stretch His patience and, to be shamefully honest, I have at times,  taken advantage of His mercy and grace.  Yet, in all these things, He loves me still.  With an unshakeable, unwavering,  undeserving love.....He chased me down, in relentless pursuit of a life in Him.  I've never regretted serving Him.  And He's never regretted dying for me.  That, my friend...  is LOVE."

" One of my favorite things to do is worship the Lord. Whether it's in the shower, in my car or in the choir.  I truly love, LOVE to worship Him.  Sometimes I cry. Sometimes I just can't stop smiling because I feel such joy.  Most times I can't keep my hands still because I just get so excited and I am very animated.  But, I just can't help it. I love to worship Him, because He is worthy of it all.  All my worship.  All my tears. All my smiles.  All my awkward facial expressions while I'm singing His praises.   I've come to the place where I don't care how silly or foolish I look when I worship.   Because it is for Him and Him alone. And there is such freedom in that! "

"A really great team does not consist of everyone doing the exact same job, even if it is done expertly.  One is not any better than the other.  But, a really great team shares a common purpose and goal of working SYNERGISTICALLY together for the success of the team.  The Kingdom of God is likewise.  There are many different gifts and talents. Many people.   Yet not one is greater!  We work synergistically together for the glory of God.  Your role, whether seen or unseen, is VITAL to the "team" of God! "

"When there is internal strife, it robs us of peace and joy and causes much "unrest" in our lives. But, Jesus can speak to that strife and bring calm and peace to your soul.  When we "rest" in Him, and not give yield to our own thoughts and stress, He can move mountains."

 

" To be real and to be honest....there are a lot of "things" that I would love to have (material possessions).  But, when I'm still and quiet, I realize the greatest things I desire are not materialistic at all.  I long to see friends and family saved.  I want to see the sick healed.  I want to see people happy and full of life and love.  I want to be a better person.  A kinder and more compassionate person.  I want to treasure every moment of every day...and I fail to do that all too often.  I need to settle the chaos of my "busy" life to enjoy the small blessings of everyday living.  That is all. "

"To the broken and hurting today, I pray you find peace and comfort that only God can bring.  To those celebrating your successes today, I pray you relish this moment. To the ones struggling to make it through another day, my prayer is that you will look back on the good days, and remember the sun WILL shine again and may God give you strength to face what lies ahead.  We are all at different phases in life, but one thing remains unchanged.   God sees you.  He sees you and He loves you and He is for you.  Life is not always easy.  It is not always fun.  As we navigate through this life, we must remember He is our constant.  Through the good, the bad and the ugly.  I'm so thankful for the joy of The Lord.  I feel His overwhelming and sweet presence, and I can honestly say, as much as I've faced (privately) in the past few years, His joy has been sustaining and I wish so badly I could transfer that feeling of peace, hope and joy to others who may be struggling. So, cherish this day, whether you are on the mountain rejoicing, or in the valley of grief.  Because, either way, this too shall pass.  May you find Him in your midst today." GSC