Hi Friends.
Once a Month I post a verse from the book of James. I was not even planning on doing a Flames from James post but after watching this short film, I could not help myself but share James 1:13-15:
Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.
Watching this made me pause and reflect on my own life. Is there a black hole in my life?
Hi Everyone! So glad to be back.
My laptop was with the Geek Squad this week and it is so nice to have it back. It's increadible how much time can be consumed on a computer. I devoted more time to praying, reading, writing, cleaning, cooking and baking. I read so much. It was wonderful.
Two very awesome scriptures that I read this week are found in Isaiah 35:
Stregthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees.
Say to those who are fearful-hearted, "Be strong, do not fear! Behold your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God; He will come and save you!" (verses 3-4)
These two verses speak boldly to me what we as Christians ought to be doing: strengthening, making firm and encouraging those who are discouraged, anxious and fearful with the hope that is within us- the hope of Jesus Christ. May we never be silent Christians, who are found living a mundane, quiet and fruitless life. Be salt & be light!
Today is Lyrical Friday and there is one song that has been playing over and over in my head for the past week. Reign In Us by Starfield is this week's lyrical song. For my birthday this year I desired one thing, to celebrate in the presence of the Lord honoring Him. A group of ladies came to my house and we spent a beautiful time in worship and prayer. When the time for communion came around Aimee played this song. As you read the lyrics, allow the words to saturate your heart and surely these words in no time will be flowing from your lips as a sweet smelling aroma unto the Lord as you cry out to Him.
Be blessed and may you find all your satisfaction in God alone!
-Raquel
(please pause the music player on the sidebar) Reign In Us, Starfield
You thought of us before the world began to breathe
You knew our names before we came to be
You saw the very day we fall away from you
And how desperately we need to be redeemed
Lord Jesus, come lead us
We're desperate for your touch
Oh great and mighty one
With one desire we come
That you would reign
That you would reign in us
We're offering up our lives
A living sacrifice
That you would reign
That you would reign in us
Spirit of the living God fall fresh again
Come search our hearts and puify our lives
We need your perfect love
We need your discipline
We're lost unless you guide us with your light
Lord Jesus, come lead us
We're desperate for your touch
Chorus
Oh great and mighty one
With one desire we come
That you would reign
That you would reign in us
We're offering up our lives
A living sacrifice
That you would reign
That you would reign in us
We cry out for your life to revive us, cry out
For your love to define us cry out
For your mercy to keep us
Blameless until you return
So reign please reign in us
Come purify our hearts
We need your touch
Come cleanse us like a flood
And set us out
So the world may know you reign you reign in us
It's Sunday morning and I am getting ready for Church.
My face covered with with a layer of possibly the most amazing detoxifying mask.
As I wait for the mask to do its magic I paint my nails.
Next, I wash my hair.
As I blow dry my hair I can't help but notice how clean my face looks... it's glowing.
It's time for make up, let's cover those imperfections and outline my eyes.
Pulling off the price tag to that new shirt I bought.
Accesorize! It's all about the right jewelry.
Shoes and Purse.
Looking fabulous... not feeling it though.
Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. 1 Peter 3:3-4
Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. Proverbs 31:30
I am reminded that beauty, (true, lasting, incorruptible beauty) can only be found in the God who created us to be forever. These bodies are a temporary vessel, but our soul, it was created for eternity. Are we investing in the here and now or for the then and there? If you desire to be beautiful, read this list of Tips For Timeless Beauty:
Laugh out loud
Dance with joy
Dress yourself in a true understanding of your value and worth as my child
Pray to me
Drink my living water
Do not worry
Wrap yourself in my arms of mercy
Walk upon the aisle of my grace
Be slow to speak and quick to listen
Love me the Lord your God with all your heart
Open your arms to the poor and extend your hands to the needy
Love your enemies
Remain in my love
Let your spirit sing my praises
Forgive as you have been forgiven and accept others as you have been accepted
Feed the hungry
Clothe the naked
Have compassion for those in need
Proclaim my mighty name throughout all the earth
And I have added one more, Encourage those around you with a kind word. My prayer is that we would grow in the beauty of our Lord. I pray that you may see yourself as dearly loved, made perfect and complete in Him.
But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 3:18
Hola Amigos! Happy Friday.
Today's Lyrical Friday song is one that has helped me get through many rough times. Jeremy Camp's song, I Still Believe,is a declaration of faith in the midst of uncertainties and trials. I pray that as you read these lyrics and play the video, that your heart would believe in God's faithfulness, in His truth and in the wonders and promises of His Word. Even when you can not see, choose to believe in the God of our salvation.
And he believed in the LORD, and He accounted it to him for righteousness. Genesis 15:16
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11
(please pause music player on sidebar) I Still Believe, Jeremy Camp
Scattered words and empty thoughts
Seem to pour from my heart
I've never felt so torn before
Seems I don't know where to start
But its now that I feel your grace fall like rain
From every fingertip washing away my pain
I still believe in your faithfulness
I still believe in your truth
I still believe in your holy word
Even when I don't see, I still believe
Though the questions still fog up my mind
With promises I still seem to bear
Even when answers slowly unwind
It's my heart I see you prepare
But its now, that I feel, your grace fall like rain
From every fingertip washing away my pain
I still believe in your faithfulness
I still believe in your truth
I still believe in your holy word
Even when I don't see, I still believe
Well the only place I can go is into your arms
Where I throw to you my feeble prayers well in brokenness
I can see that this was your will for me
Help me to know that you are near
I still believe in your faithfulness
I still believe in your truth
I still believe in your holy word
Even when I don't see, I still believe
Above all, my brothers, do not swear— not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your "Yes" be yes, and your "No," no, or you will be condemned. ~James 5:12
Trials, tribulations and heartaches can be oppressive, burdensome, exhausting and more often than not you feel alone in the battle. In the Bible we find truth and promises that will uphold us and strengthen us through those dark valleys. And though the valley can be sinister, frightening, threatening and unbearable it can also produce in us perseverance, character and hope. Looking back, God has worked out the good, the bad and the ugly in my own life for my good. Though some trials seemed to be the end of me, they were not and at the end I was victorious in Christ and made whole by Him.
I find it comical how past experiences that impaired us spiritually, emotionally and/or physically can be used greatly in the future to save someone. Yesterday I met up with a friend who wanted to talk and vent. She found herself in a valley; a well-known valley that I was familiar with. It was heart breaking to hear her speak because I know how tough walking through that valley is. But God, who is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow, carried me through it. And in sharing my story with her I was able to paint a picture of God’s faithfulness to her. It was also a WARNING sign for her of what not do, so that she would not go in the course of the same heartache that I went through because of my mistakes, disobedience and rebellion. Looking back to that season of my life, that I so often wish to erase, and looking forward today to the other girls that are walking through that common valley, I can say that it was worth it if it can comfort, guide or save one person from the misery that it caused me.
If you find yourself in a dark valley today, know that God is for you not against you. One day you too will look back at this very trial and will be able to comfort someone with the same comfort that God has comforted you with. Your trial can serve a great purpose if you allow patience to have its perfect work in you. Will it be easy, not gonna lie it can be rough but His grace is sufficient for you, for his strength is made perfect in your weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Be still and allow God to be the Almighty, all powerful, all sufficient and loving God that He is.
He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23
A friend loves at all times and a [sister] is born to help in time of need. Proverbs 17:17
As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. Proverbs 27:27
Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective with enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation. 2 Corinthians 1:6-7
One generation shall praise Your works to another, and shall declare Your mighty acts. Psalm 145:4
As a dog returns to his own vomit, so a fool repeats his folly. Proverbs 26:11
Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Happy Friday!
I absolutely love Fridays: Uth Nation & Lyrical Friday.
This week's song is a catchy one. These lyrics are so encouraging to me and I pray that they do the same for you. I won't say much more, I'll let the lyrics speak for themselves .
There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. Romans 8:1
(please pause the music player on the sidebar) Forgiven and Loved, Jimmy Needham
Tell me I'm forgiven and loved
'Cause I hear it from the street corner priests
On our God has b
But my joy has been a holiday and my pieces almost passed away
Tell me I'm forgiven and freed
Oh I've tried and tried to rectifiy my hopeless situation
But the bottom line, I still have work to do
And now I'm workin' nine to five like I can earn my own salvation
But there is no condemnation in You
No
Oh whisper to me now that it's for real (oh)
'Cause in this silence of these walls
Righteousness lost its appeal
Dirty deeds have done me in
Oh but that can't stop the faithful friend
Giving mercy once again as you heal
Here it is I'm feelin'
Oh I've tried and tried to rectify my hopeless situation
But the bottom line, I still have work to do
And now I'm workin' nine to five like I can earn my own salvation
But there is no condemnation in You
Oh He died, He died to rectify my hopeless situation
And His blood commands my guilt to leave
Now on Calvary I stand, empty pockets, open hands
Oh there is no condemnation for me
Oh I've tried
"Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance," Matthew 3:8
Read this verse this morning.
This is exactly what the Lord wants to see, fruit that demonstrates that the sin has been not only renounced, but forsaken. Another fruit is a broken and a contrite heart. The sacrifice and offering without a true repentance is worthless. -Chuck Smith
Real repentance will show itself in life. It has to be a matter of living repentance, not just talking repentance. -David Guzik
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart- These, O God, You will not despise. Psalm 51:17
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23
This past Saturday I met with the Youth Discipleship group and we covered lesson 3 from the Heal Journey. I have to say, that as we go deeper into the study I am enjoying more and more the group time as each girl, myself included, shares not only their struggles but their spiritual insight as well. It is awesome to witness God doing an amazing work in each of these lovely lilies.
Here are a few quotes from Lesson 3:
"For some of us, our heart hunger has been awakened by abuse, hurtful words, painful experiences, tradegy, absent parents, or... I'll let you fill in the blank. Often we are hurt by people we love or by intruders who have trespassed into our lives. No matter how big or small we percieve these heartaches to be, they are no small matter to God. For us to become free of our brokenness, we must be able to acknowledge our heartaches and give them to God."
"We cannot experience permanent authentic healing apart from God. And we cannot get past these hurts by relying on something other than God."
"As God brings to light the things that are not pleasing to Him, we are presented with the opportunity to become the women he wants us to be. We bring our utter brokenness and humanity while God provides us with his redemptive power, his redeeming love, and his healing grace. It is in the quiet place of surrender, when we lay our brokennes before him, that God mysteriously works in our lives and changes our hearts."
We learned about the three types of hunger and how to recognize each one:
1. Head Hunger: is associated with a compulsion to eat or indulge in a certain food that looks appealing when your body isn't hungry; desire eating.
2. Heart Hunger: is a compulsion to mismanage our feelings and emotional moods with food.
3. Stomach Hunger: is usually recognized by a growling sensation (aka real hunger) or a slight burning sensation in your stomach; stop eating when you feel satisfied.
I loved this chapter... well, I love all of them. This book/study is so timely for me and the girls have expressed the same feeling. It is truly wonderful to be free, and that is what the Heal Journey is all about.
The Goodie Bags this week included 1 item: seeds! Each girl received a bag of seeds to plant a variety of flowers. I am excited to see their gardens grow and flourish just as they are being transformed from glory to glory into God's perfect image. Read the verses attached to their seeds here (Isaiah 5:1-5, Isaiah 17:10-11, Jeremiah 17:5-10, Psalm 1:1-3, Psalm 107:35-37 & 1 Corinthians 6:3).
I have to confess though, that in knowledge I understand and am determined (based on the facts) to not regress and relapse but my thoughts, such as skipping a meal here and there, are what entangle me. But praise be to God who always provides a word of encouragement and a way of escape. Continue to pray for the girls and myself. Thank You for joining me on this HEAL Journey. Without even knowing it, you keep me accountable.
God Bless YOU.
Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. John 8:36
Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behindandreaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12-14
