integrity at any price

below are the lyrics to one of my favorite songs.  I find it all too often in these days we are too busy to stop and enjoy a simple game of catch, or swimming with your children, or loved one.  If you or I were gone tomorrow, what legacy would we leave?  I for one want my children to know that i loved them with all i am.  Our heavenly father loves us in the same way.  I want to leave behind a godly legacy that is so overwhelming and so obvious that they cant help but follow it. The way might be narrow and rocky, but it's the only path worth taking.


Phillips, Craig, and Dean - Nothing to Prove

You taught me how to ride a bike
Tie my shoes and fly a plane
How to swim and how to fish
To see a star and make a wish

Said it’s ok to make mistakes
Just don’t get stuck in yesterday
Forgive, forget and move ahead
‘Cause life is what you’re livin’ in

Now you’re gone and all I have
Are memories I hold dear
But if I’m quiet I hear your voice
Still ringin’ in my ears

[Chorus:]
Sayin’ live with no excuses
Love with no regrets
Laugh a lot and leave this life
With nothing left unsaid
Make this world a better place
Don’t be afraid to cry
When it’s finally time to say goodbye
There’s nothin’ to prove, nothin’ to lose, nothin’ to hide

You said life cannot be measured by
The place you live, the car you drive
The thing that counts the day you die
Is who you are and what’s inside

So tell the truth, don’t ever lie
Integrity at any price
Your words, you’re bought, you’re highest prized
So guard it close and live your life

So many things I learned from you
‘Bout life and love and play
I learned more by how you lived
Than what I heard you say

[Repeat Chorus:]

I only wanna live my life
Half as well as you
To leave behind what I receive
Is all I wanna do

[Repeat Chorus:]

Boston

I have no words to describe the events of today in boston. My heart is hurting for all those affected. My the grace and peace of our heavenly father be with those affected by todays events. I pray blessing over not only those affected, but those who rushed in to help.


Like a shepherd he takes care of his flock. He gathers the lambs in his arms. He carries them in his arms. He gently helps the sheep and their lambs.

Isaiah 40:11


I am in prayer for all affected.

Are you satisfied where you are?

Are you satisfied where you are or do you want More of his presence?

¹⁵  “How much will you pay me to betray Jesus to you?” And they gave him thirty pieces of silver.

matthew 26:15

Thirty pieces of silver, according to the commentary i use, was the price of a slave.  A slave is defined as one bound in servitude as the property of a person or household.  Jesus came to this world as a baby, grew into a man who was betrayed, beaten, crucified died, buried, and rose again.  

some might find this strange.  why would god send his only son into the world for him to be treated worse than a slave in the end?  There is onlt one word to explain this...love!  as a parent i would do anything for my children.  i love them to no end.  I know as much as i love them god loves them more.  This is the reason Jesus was sent.  We all fall short...but Jesus stood in the gap on calvalry.  now we have a bridge to god!

that being said, i often wonder why people would choose the silver, rather than the savior?!  

Matthew 26:69-75

New Living Translation (NLT)

Peter Denies Jesus

⁶⁹ Meanwhile, Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. A servant girl came over and said to him, “You were one of those with Jesus the Galilean.”

⁷⁰ But Peter denied it in front of everyone. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said.

⁷¹ Later, out by the gate, another servant girl noticed him and said to those standing around, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.^[a]”

⁷² Again Peter denied it, this time with an oath. “I don’t even know the man,” he said.

⁷³ A little later some of the other bystanders came over to Peter and said, “You must be one of them; we can tell by your Galilean accent.”

⁷⁴ Peter swore, “A curse on me if I’m lying—I don’t know the man!” And immediately the rooster crowed.

⁷⁵ Suddenly, Jesus’ words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me.” And he went away, weeping bitterly.

I wonder why people would deny him.  Peter did it...we are still doing it today.  That person in the grocery line in front of you may need someone to be Jesus to them.  That person walking down the street may need someone to be Jesus to them.  How we treat others is a direct reflection of Jesus in us.  How we love others says a lot about if he is alive in us.  Seems like most would rather choose this world over serving him.  some would rather drink the sand, than living water!  Question is what are you drinking, water or sand?

John 4:9-14

New Living Translation (NLT)

⁹ The woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans.^[a] She said to Jesus, “You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?”

¹⁰ Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.”

¹¹ “But sir, you don’t have a rope or a bucket,” she said, “and this well is very deep. Where would you get this living water?¹² And besides, do you think you’re greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us this well? How can you offer better water than he and his sons and his animals enjoyed?”

¹³ Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. ¹⁴ But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.”

I implore  you to not drink the sand...you'll only stay dry and thirsty.  The devil comes with all his tricks...Rob the devil of his prize and drink from the living water and never thirst again!!  




Jesus culture - show me your glory

pursuit

In this life there are many things we pursue.  Some of them are of god...most are not.  Search me oh god.  If there are things i am in pursuit of that aren't of you, guide me away from them.  i will pursue you, and only you father.  i want only your presence.  I don't want to be where you are not.

Psalm 88

A song; a psalm by Korah’s descendants; for the choir director; according to mahalath leannoth;^[a] a maskil by Heman the Ezrahite.

¹ O Lord God, my savior,
    I cry out to you during the day and at night.
        
            Turn your ear to hear my cries.
³ My soul is filled with troubles,
    and my life comes closer to the grave.
        
        I am like a man without any strength—
            
            like those who have been killed and lie in graves,
            like those whom you no longer remember,
                who are cut off from your power.
⁶ You have put me in the bottom of the pit—in deep, dark places.
⁷ Your rage lies heavily on me.
    You make all your waves pound on me. Selah
⁸ You have taken my friends far away from me.
    You made me disgusting to them.
    I’m shut in, and I can’t get out.
        
            All day long I call out to you, O Lord.
                I stretch out my hands to you in prayer.

¹⁰ Will you perform miracles for those who are dead?
    Will the spirits of the dead rise and give thanks to you?Selah
¹¹ Will anyone tell about your mercy in Sheol
    or about your faithfulness in Abaddon?
¹² Will anyone know about your miracles in that dark place
    or about your righteousness in the place where forgotten people live?

¹³ I cry out to you for help, O Lord,
    and in the morning my prayer will come into your presence.

¹⁴ Why do you reject my soul, O Lord?
    Why do you hide your face from me?
¹⁵ Ever since I was young, I have been suffering and near death.
    I have endured your terrors, and now I am in despair.^[b]
16 Your burning anger has swept over me.
    Your terrors have destroyed me.
¹⁷ They swirl around me all day long like water.
    They surround me on all sides.
¹⁸ You have taken my loved ones and friends far away from me.
    Darkness is my only friend!^[c]

Father you gave it all on calvalry...all to you i owe!

Psalm 91

GOD’S WORD Translation (GW)

Psalm 91

¹ Whoever lives under the shelter of the Most High
    will remain in the shadow of the Almighty.
² I will say to the Lord,
    “You are my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.”

³ He is the one who will rescue you from hunters’ traps
    and from deadly plagues.
⁴ He will cover you with his feathers,
    and under his wings you will find refuge.
        His truth is your shield and armor.

⁵ You do not need to fear
    terrors of the night,
    arrows that fly during the day,
⁶ plagues that roam the dark,
    epidemics that strike at noon.
        
            even though a thousand may fall dead beside you
                or ten thousand at your right side.

⁸ You only have to look with your eyes
    to see the punishment of wicked people.

⁹ You, O Lord, are my refuge!

You have made the Most High your home.
¹⁰ No harm will come to you.
    No sickness will come near your house.
¹¹ He will put his angels in charge of you
    to protect you in all your ways.
¹² They will carry you in their hands
    so that you never hit your foot against a rock.
¹³ You will step on lions and cobras.
    You will trample young lions and snakes.

¹⁴ Because you love me, I will rescue you.
    I will protect you because you know my name.
¹⁵ When you call to me, I will answer you.
    I will be with you when you are in trouble.
    I will save you and honor you.
¹⁶ I will satisfy you with a long life.
    I will show you how I will save you.

The following song has been on my heart for the past few days. I often wonder if all i pursue is of god.  i pray that if there are things that aren't of god...that he would help me see!  If there are things in people who read this post i pray that you would help them see where their pursuits lie.  

kim walker smith - pursuit

what are you pursuing?

calm in the storm

Often our lives seem to mirror the stormy seas in the movie the perfect storm.  The harbor seems calm, but the further out to sea we get the stormier the sea becomes.  There are times where it may appear that our boat may capsize.  There are some that go out to sea...and never find their way back to safe harbor.  How is the sea in your life?  Are you in safe harbor or are you lost at sea?  

The following lyrics are my prayer.  I invite you to click on the link and close your eyes and listen.  The image  i opened this entry with is chaos.  Without christ in our lives the sea of our life often seems like it did in the perfect storm.  the waves won't always be calm with christ in your life...but you will have someone to hold onto when life seems to be out of control.  

  My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest. (Exodus 33:14)
It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed. (Deuteronomy 31:8)
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. (Psalm 46:1-3)


Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior
[x6]

I will call upon Your Name
Keep my eyes above the waves
My soul will rest in Your embrace
I am Yours and You are mine

Have you ever asked him to be your savior?   some will say...i am far beyond gods help.  some will say if he knew the sins i have commited he wouldn't forgive me.  It's never too late, and there is never a sin he can't and won't forgive.  If you are tired of running in circles, tired of fighting the roaring waves alone...I invite you to pray the following prayer:

Dear God in heaven, I come to you in the name of Jesus. I acknowledge to You that I am a sinner, and I am sorry for my sins and the life that I have lived; I need your forgiveness.

I believe that your only begotten Son Jesus Christ shed His precious blood on the cross at Calvary and died for my sins, and I am now willing to turn from my sin.

You said in Your Holy Word, Romans 10:9 that if we confess the Lord our God and believe in our hearts that God raised Jesus from the dead, we shall be saved.

Right now I confess Jesus as the Lord of my soul. With my heart, I believe that God raised Jesus from the dead. This very moment I accept Jesus Christ as my own personal Savior and according to His Word, right now I am saved.

Thank you Jesus for your unlimited grace which has saved me from my sins. I thank you Jesus that your grace never leads to license, but rather it always leads to repentance. Therefore Lord Jesus transform my life so that I may bring glory and honor to you alone and not to myself.

Thank you Jesus for dying for me and giving me eternal life.
Amen.   



hillsong - oceans

where are you headed for?

This past Saturday night i was channel surfing and came upon Schindlers list on TV   I had seen it before.  I almost always get emotional when i see the scene with the little girl in the red jacket playing in the street.  even though there is ciaos going on all around her, still she seems unafraid of her surroundings.  It breaks my heart to later see her dead in a mass grave.  Many times I wonder are we that little girl?  do we simply play through the streets of life unaware of our surroundings.  Do we wander through our own turmoil leaving god out of it, to simply figure our own way out?  Do we simply end up in a mass grave with so many others just because we wouldn't cast our burdens on Jesus?

Matthew 11:28-30

GOD’S WORD Translation (GW)

²⁸ “Come to me, all who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Place my yoke^[a] over your shoulders, and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble. Then you will find rest for yourselves ³⁰ because my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Don't go around carrying something you were never meant to carry.  Jesus is there just waiting, wanting you to give it to him.  Dont end up in the mass grave.

Matthew 7:7-14

New Living Translation (NLT)

Effective Prayer

⁷ “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. ⁸ For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.

⁹ “You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? ¹⁰ Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! ¹¹ So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.

The Golden Rule

¹² “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.

The Narrow Gate

¹³ “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell^[a] is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. ¹⁴ But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.

father i pray for all those i know that are carrying burdens they were never ment to carry.  I pray for all those entering their own mass grave.  I pray that they would cast their burdens on you.  I simply pray for all that might read this, that your will be done it their lives.

amen

if you haven't watched Schindlers list you need to....just make sure to have a box of tissues.

lost

The word lost can often mean several different things depending of your perspective.  The following is the definition of lost

lost  

/lôst/

Adjective Unable to find one's way; not knowing one's whereabouts: "they got lost in the fog". Unable to be found: "he turned up with my lost golf clubs".

Synonyms missing - stray - gone   1 Peter 5:8 ESV Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.   How often are we lost in the fog?  All too often.  The evil one often tends to make fog appear to proposely wander away from the love and guidance that the holy spirit has layed out in front of us.  He is there beside us no matter what wanting to guide us, even carry us when the way gets a little rough.  If we are lost what are we to do?  Do we wander around in  the fog trying to find our way?  do we stumble around in the Darkness that surrounds us?  all too often yes.  Never be afraid to hold out your hands and ask Jesus to guide you.  He will guide you or even carry you if the situation you are in is too much for you to walk through.    Matthew 6:25-34 ESV “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. ... Father i pray that no matter what the situation i pray that i would always seek your guidance and help first above all.  I want to depend on you not myself.  I stumble and fall when i try to handle things on my own.  All i am, all i have is yours.  for when i was lost you found me, when i was stumbling around in the dark, you were there to shine a lite and help me find the way to daylight.  amen hillsong - from the inside out

Good and evil

A man can easily get caught up these days in all the evil in the world. The best example I have yet found of this is the trilogy lord of the rings. Frodo, and Sam are trying to rid the world of unspeakable evil. The evil fights back with all its might. If we bow to all that is evil we will end up nothing....but if we allow god to lead....then we will destroy this evil once and for all. There is still a lot of good in this world...we just need to be still and know he is god.