Enlisted in Christ' Army

I am in my Lord's army
He is faithful to the end.
There is no greater Commander
Than One who'd die for His friend.

What a steep price to pay
For Him to take my hand in His
And bid me "Come" on a journey with Him.

A life of total darkness was my foggy way before 
A soldier in His Army
in a battle that is unseen.
See there are demons all around me fighting against this royal King
They want to take as many souls as they can blindly lead.

My Jesus gently whispers, worry here no more.
The battle is already won and soon ALL WILL CALL ME LORD.

He's given every weapon
and faithful defense too.

He's given His clothes of righteousness
 by His willing sacrifice.

The day He died upon the cross satan thought he had victory.
But to his surprise
 my King from death did arise!

After three days of total darkness 
this Commander, He did win
Permanently erasing all of sins stain
See, HE conquered death & the grave.

The enemy was ticked 
and this battle did grow worse
This was just the beginning 
Of many of our storms

So many just don't get it;
They just don't understand...
This battle is raging
and mere humans can't comprehend.

We soldiers do get wounded
you can see this from our scars.
See, this wicked one we fight
and his evil demons too;
They use those close to us 
and say God's Word isn't true.

I've seen both sides in action
and though this soldier falls.
I know in the end is victory
 as I believe my Lord.

Anyone can enlist if you like the winning team.
We drink from water spouts that bring life with them.

You don't have to fear no more.
Christ is looking for good soldiers,
the ones despised in shame.
He will take you through His training
And He will take away your pain.

Come let us reason,
why take a mental beatin'?
This is life's true meaning

The days are growing dark & dim
And soon evil will befall 
in the most wicked way of all.

But all in the King's army will delightfully feast with Him.
Will you trade your garments 
and fight with Him? 

He will not leave you weary 
But precious life restore
All in His Army will taste death no more! 

True vs False "Service & Missions"

Thinking about today's emphasis on "missions & service"... how many go to another country to be changed!

I heard a "testimony" of an undevoted man who went with his church. He said, "ya know, I don't pray everyday, but I tell ya, if you go on a missions trip, it will change you."

OK, aren't we to take the Gospel (unedited true Gospel) making true disciples as Jesus commanded? Can we truly be dedicated to Christ and His call yet not commune with Him regularly? Doesn't the Gospel itself by the Holy Spirit's power change and transform us? My heart is still grieved over this testimony and the countless others that are just like it. We follow Christ at a high cost, the cost of denying ourselves and carrying our cross daily. Where is the "self gain" Jesus promised? THERE IS NONE! We can't honestly serve Christ and fulfill His great commission without His leading, guiding and Holy Spirit.  If we aren't His disciple, can we make true disciples apart from Him?

Jesus said, "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." John 15:5

How dare we "serve" Him with self interest at heart! Is not this life and its purpose all for His glory and gain? True missions is a beautiful and glorious thing. Though I haven't been to a 3rd world country, I have been placed here and now, "for such a time as this" in a mission field of my family, friends, neighbors, my community.

Let us 1st be transformed and understand the cost of that high calling in Christ Jesus that we too may be used for His Kingdom and glory according to His Will and purpose!

More than a symbol

More than a symbol, a necklace to place there.
So much more than a picture in a pretty frame for one to admire and stare.
A real face that took my place
And all the sin and weight of my shame
So much more than a scratch or a simple skin tare.
A beating badly taken in the most courageous way.
Yet so many carelessly walk by
And give little thought to His pierced side.
A crown of thorns, not from a prim rose but twisted and turned that He be mocked more.
Each cut, disgusting spit, a 7-ended whipping digs, all this to be my friend.
There is no other love.
No love so real and true;
As the day my Jesus gave His life for both me and you.
So much more than just a rugged tree.
More than just His pain galore.
A portrait of Heaven's open door.
His blood did flow
Under ground it did go.
It fell upon the mercy seat
And made a way for us to see,
His love upon a rugged tree.
Dare we wear a necklace without care for the sacrifice & joy that was not fair.
To see a pretty face with a blood drip or two
To think He endured more than we can comprehend
See, He was beaten unrecognizable my friend.
There is no portrait, no movie to see that can capture His grace that hearts can barely see.
If you have captured a mere glimpse now just think,
He was made to carry that tree on His back
So how arrogant are we to think life is simple and free?
After all, He said for us to do the same.
"Deny yourself, carry your cross and follow Me."
See, His life is real, much more than a symbol!
Beatings, bruises and pains that cut deep
Are you willing for a journey that the cost is quite steep?
Look at that portrait, that cross necklace too and quietly think
He did this for me!

The beauty of Feet

 Greetings to all in Christ! I want to share a life lesson with you all that I've experienced. I pray you are blessed and encouraged and take a look at feet in a whole new light! In Jesus name!

~

Here is a link to the song "At Your Feet" by Casting Crowns. I encourage you to listen ...

Casting Crowns "At Your Feet"

~

"And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!" Romans 10:15

~

 QUESTION: How can we preach if we are not willing to submit to the call?

~

Learning about service, humility and Love...

A while ago, my husband was joking about washing his feet as he was taking his work boots off one night. At first I was reluctant and kidding him about how stinky his feet were, but I knew there would be something to it, so I prayerfully did it. I ran a little bath water and had him sit on the edge of the tub and began washing his feet. He had been talking with a preacher friend, so since they both know I believe the Word of God, Jimmy wanted to test me and see if I would do as I say. During this time, I felt close to him. I had his undivided attention and he had mine. Even though he towered over me sitting on the edge; this was a true picture of humility, love & service. This was one on one time! I looked him in the eyes as I was finished and I said, "see how much I love you, this is a humbling experience, I'm on my knees washing your stinky feet!" He smiled and we laughed. I was praying through it that God would open his eyes and show him true humbleness and His Love. While drying Jimmy's feet he said, "too bad that didn't count." I said, how do you figure, that is being submissive, you are my husband and you asked me to do this... well, his preacher friend told him that women do this to women and men do this to men in their church... I told him, it did count because he was my husband and I love him enough to do it. I'm not sure what point his friend was trying to make, but this opened the door for me to share the story of Mary and Martha, and Jimmy was quite attentive!

~

"There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him.

 Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment."  John 12:2-3 I explained to him that Mary was at Jesus feet, giving Him her all, completely undivided attention, she was showing her love for Him, while Martha was busy in the kitchen preparing the meal... she missed out on the face time!!!

~

While trying to figure out what his friend was trying to tell him, I began prayerfully  searching the Word, and I was reminded of this...
~

"Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all. For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean. So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them." John 13:3-17

~

There is a lot to learn from this ... Jesus is our example of LOVE, Humility & Service... These cannot be done with a pure heart apart from HIM. Jesus said, "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing."John 15:4-5 If we are in Christ, His attributes will be clearly seen. (This is His fruit) We will WANT to please Him, reach out to others and serve Him with all our being. If you don't have this desire, it's time for self examination...

What does your attitude reveal about you?

~

"Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud. He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he." Proverbs 16:19-20

Letting Go

What's one to do when the weight of this life makes one weary and weak? Oh Lord, I need Your comfort and peace! Please give me words to speak!

Lord, help me let go- help me let go! I lay them down at the foot of Your Throne.

When I'm weary and worn from the strength of this storm. Your arms embrace me so gentle and sweet. You say, "Come unto Me, rest my child, for here is the reprieve you need."

Lord let it be Your Love that refreshes me. There's no other place I'd rather be than safely tucked beneath Your wing. Oh Lord embrace me- embrace me.

All these burdens and strife that bring tears; they expose my weakness and add to my fears. Father God You're the only One who hears.

Lord, help me let go- help me let go! I lay them down at the foot of Your Throne.

Your love is all that I need to let go, grant strength and Your peace to fulfill every need. No more burdens to bear, nor am I alone, I've laid these troubles down in the midst of this storm.

Lord, help me let go- help me let go! I lay them down at the foot of Your Throne.

You've calmed the wind and the rain that nearly wiped this child away. No more weight nor dreadful fears, You've touch my face and wipes my tears. Nothing compares to the peace found in You, I've let go of all pain at the foot of Your Throne.

King of the saints

I once was surrounded by death and despair, but Your love came down and rescued me there. Oh bright Light and sweet taste of Heaven's delight. The moment You opened my eyes to see, that precious day I did fall upon my knees.

To think I will sing with saints gone before, to worship & praise the magnificent Lord!

"Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest." Rev 15:3-4

I will bow down and worship with the saints, oh how the thought makes my heart faint. To behold Your power and glory divine. A trade once made with Your hand in mine. Far to majestic for my mind to comprehend, to think You now call me friend.

Now no more gloom nor pain I tried to hide, the darkness is gone and Christ at my side. No worries nor fear, but true joy that brings tears. A lover, a friend that none can compare. How worthy He is when this great day appears that I sing with the saints who dared to believe, it was His Love that rescued me!

Will you join this heavenly host? Will you declare His glorious works? "Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest." Rev 15:3-4

This life is but a mere test to see if you will join the rest. No more darkness nor death, but eternal life and rest. The battle is tough and the road is long but what a prize for my eyes to behold, the King of glory upon Heaven's throne!

Are you Trusting The "Foolishness" of God?

"And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more. And he said unto them, Hear, I pray you, this dream which I have dreamed: For, behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and, lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood upright; and, behold, your sheaves stood round about, and made obeisance to my sheaf. And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words." Genesis 35:5-8

The Lord God gave Joseph a forewarning of what was to come here. This dream would eventually be a blessing, but the trials & rebuke he would endure & receive would require much trust & patience in the Almighty Living God. Though Joseph's brothers didn't understand the dream completely, it drove them more into hatred and inevitably played right into God's plan for His beloved!

Noah was also warned of what was to come and though he too shared of impending doom, the people listened not and death became of them.
"By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith." Hebrews 11:7

What the Lord gives us, in whatever form it may be, must not be taken lightly! Though not often understood by those around us, and sometimes even ourselves, we must be diligent in obedience regardless of the opposition that arises toward us!

"For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe." 1 Corinthians 1:18-21

The Lord loves us enough to speak...  are we listening, heeding and sharing???