I Am Your Shepherd
Jehovah–Raah is my shepherd.
His sheep am I.
He feeds me the bread of life.
He gives me rest in Him.
He leads me to quiet water so I may drink of Him until I thirst no more.
He restores my soul.
He guides me in righteousness.
I follow His safe paths.
His sheep am I.
When I walk through shadow places and dark times,
I fear not for He is with me.
I have no defense but Him.
He destroys my enemies.
He draws me back to the Way.
He speaks and I know His voice.
His sheep am I.
He supplies all my needs.
I have abundant life in Him.
He anoints me with His Holy Spirit.
He pours out His blessing on me.
His sheep am I.
His goodness & mercy follow me all my days.
I will dwell with Him forever.
He is Jehovah–Raah, the Good Shepherd.
His sheep am I.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Merry Christmas!
The Holiday Season is in full swing with special traditions, family gatherings, food and fun. During this time let us remember the true reason we celebrate: Jesus our Christ.
M essiah
E verlasting Love
R edeemer
R andom acts of Kindness
Y ou are His treasured possession
C hrist Child
H oly God
R adiant Joy
I srael's King
S acrificed for Sin
T rust in God
M agi with gifts follow the Star
A ngels’ Announcement
S hepherds hear the News
May our Great God bless you with Peace & Joy.
M essiah
E verlasting Love
R edeemer
R andom acts of Kindness
Y ou are His treasured possession
C hrist Child
H oly God
R adiant Joy
I srael's King
S acrificed for Sin
T rust in God
M agi with gifts follow the Star
A ngels’ Announcement
S hepherds hear the News
May our Great God bless you with Peace & Joy.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Jehovah Sabaoth
I Am the Lord of Hosts
When I come to the end of my self,
When I am at the end of my strength,
When I need power for deliverance,
Then I rest in You.
When no other way seems clear,
When I see no other help,
When I am at the end of my resources,
Then I rest in You.
You are the One who Delivers.
You are the Lord of Hosts.
I come to worship and offer the sacrifice of myself as I plead with You.
I know no one else who can help me.
I face impossible odds and no one believes I can do what you called me to do.
I know you are my power and my strength.
I cannot rely on religion.
I cannot depend on icons or symbols.
I cannot trust my own strength if I want victory.
I must come to you in righteousness.
You are the One who Delivers.
You are the Lord of Hosts.
You are my righteousness.
You are my deliverer.
You are the judge of my enemies.
You see my heart and save my soul.
You, Jehovah Sabaoth, are the One who Judges.
You, Jehovah Sabaoth, are the One who Delivers.
You, Jehovah Sabaoth, are the Lord of Hosts.
When I come to the end of my self,
When I am at the end of my strength,
When I need power for deliverance,
Then I rest in You.
When no other way seems clear,
When I see no other help,
When I am at the end of my resources,
Then I rest in You.
You are the One who Delivers.
You are the Lord of Hosts.
I come to worship and offer the sacrifice of myself as I plead with You.
I know no one else who can help me.
I face impossible odds and no one believes I can do what you called me to do.
I know you are my power and my strength.
I cannot rely on religion.
I cannot depend on icons or symbols.
I cannot trust my own strength if I want victory.
I must come to you in righteousness.
You are the One who Delivers.
You are the Lord of Hosts.
You are my righteousness.
You are my deliverer.
You are the judge of my enemies.
You see my heart and save my soul.
You, Jehovah Sabaoth, are the One who Judges.
You, Jehovah Sabaoth, are the One who Delivers.
You, Jehovah Sabaoth, are the Lord of Hosts.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Fall Retreat
Our church Women’s Ministry recently held our Fall Retreat. We met in the Keeter Center at College of the Ozarks near Branson, MO. Beautiful surroundings and sweet fellowship gave us a time to refresh & renew as we gathered together away from family & responsibilities.
My room, shared with 3 others, was a Suite. We had a living room, bedroom (2 queen sized beds), bath with 2nd sink & huge mirror separate from the shower, and a kitchenette. A small balcony overlooked the campus and most of Branson. We returned to our room after dinner & the evening meeting to find our beds turned down, scrumptious cookies and fresh milk from the school's own dairy.
Outside our door, the balcony hallway overlooked the three story tree covered in thousands of twinkling white lights. Comfortable seating made it possible to watch the lobby activity from above. The Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony occurred Friday night and a wonderful buffet with the most delightful snacks, hot chocolate or hot apple cider was available to all. Music flowed everywhere, even a live chorus for carols, and created a very soothing and welcoming atmosphere.
Classes were a study entitled "Loving Well" presented by Beth Moore via DVD with application activities afterward. The basic truth I left knowing is : Loving well comes from being well loved. All love comes from our Father God as He is Love.
After a delicious catered lunch, we left for shopping. The outlet mall was packed! Our group stayed about 2 hours then headed home. I enjoyed a lovely weekend of pampering and food – both spiritual and physical.
I'm already marking the days and looking forward to the next Fall Retreat.
My room, shared with 3 others, was a Suite. We had a living room, bedroom (2 queen sized beds), bath with 2nd sink & huge mirror separate from the shower, and a kitchenette. A small balcony overlooked the campus and most of Branson. We returned to our room after dinner & the evening meeting to find our beds turned down, scrumptious cookies and fresh milk from the school's own dairy.
Outside our door, the balcony hallway overlooked the three story tree covered in thousands of twinkling white lights. Comfortable seating made it possible to watch the lobby activity from above. The Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony occurred Friday night and a wonderful buffet with the most delightful snacks, hot chocolate or hot apple cider was available to all. Music flowed everywhere, even a live chorus for carols, and created a very soothing and welcoming atmosphere.
Classes were a study entitled "Loving Well" presented by Beth Moore via DVD with application activities afterward. The basic truth I left knowing is : Loving well comes from being well loved. All love comes from our Father God as He is Love.
After a delicious catered lunch, we left for shopping. The outlet mall was packed! Our group stayed about 2 hours then headed home. I enjoyed a lovely weekend of pampering and food – both spiritual and physical.
I'm already marking the days and looking forward to the next Fall Retreat.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Jehovah Shalom
I Am Peace
True Peace cannot be found apart from You. My peace depends on my relationship with You. When I obey You, I have peace for peace comes as a blessing from You. I rest in You. You hold my future and my hope is in You. Peace comes when I focus on You, when I let go of worry & trust in You.
Your Word – the good, right & perfect way – brings peace. My thankful heart rejoices in You. You hear me & give me peace through Jesus. When I think on the true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, good, excellent, praise worthy, when I dwell (which is to live or abide) on these things, peace comes from You.
You promised me the Prince of Peace who is Lord of Lords & King of Kings. Through Him I have peace with You. I have peace, no matter what my circumstances, because of You. It is of your very essence.
You have given me Your Peace, not what this world offers as peace, but peace to my soul when I rest in You.
You keep me in perfect peace when I focus on You. As I am filled with Your Spirit, You give me peace for you are my Jehovah Shalom. You are the Lord is Peace.
True Peace cannot be found apart from You. My peace depends on my relationship with You. When I obey You, I have peace for peace comes as a blessing from You. I rest in You. You hold my future and my hope is in You. Peace comes when I focus on You, when I let go of worry & trust in You.
Your Word – the good, right & perfect way – brings peace. My thankful heart rejoices in You. You hear me & give me peace through Jesus. When I think on the true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, good, excellent, praise worthy, when I dwell (which is to live or abide) on these things, peace comes from You.
You promised me the Prince of Peace who is Lord of Lords & King of Kings. Through Him I have peace with You. I have peace, no matter what my circumstances, because of You. It is of your very essence.
You have given me Your Peace, not what this world offers as peace, but peace to my soul when I rest in You.
You keep me in perfect peace when I focus on You. As I am filled with Your Spirit, You give me peace for you are my Jehovah Shalom. You are the Lord is Peace.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Jehovah-Mekoddishkem
I Am the One Who Sanctifies
You are a Holy God. There is only goodness in You. Sin cannot be in your presence. So, you made a way for me, sinful as I am, to come before you. You set me apart from the world when you saved me. You made me different from the inside out. Now I come to you through grace; the grace of the cross.
Before the cross, the priests were continually offering sacrifices to atone for the people. So many laws, rules & regulations no one could live up to all of them. The Law shows me my failure, my sin. Jesus cleanses me & makes me holy. Jesus is the final sacrifice, the final atonement. Because He is at your right hand, I am able to approach you freely. I can worship you. I can ask of you. You freely give.
You gave the Israelites the Sabbath as a reminder that they are your chosen possession & are to be set apart from the world. The Sabbath is the reminder that it is You who make us holy. You created the Sabbath for our good. You instructed the Israelites to keep it. Do no work; reflect on the greatness & goodness of God. It is a holy day to be used as rest for the body & refreshment for the soul.
How do I “keep Sabbath”? How do I make it a holy time & not just a day to do nothing? How do I make it a day spent focused on God? How do I focus on His love for me & for the world? I am not under the Law, but still need redemption. Is this law still valid for today? Didn’t Jesus fulfill the Law & do away with legalism? We worship in Spirit, but the Bible calls this an everlasting covenant. If we are “children of Abraham” are we required to keep our part of the covenant even though not physically a Jew?
How do I live a holy life? How do I live set apart? How do I remain a peculiar people? What do I do that shows who You are? I can do nothing on my own, in my own power or strength. All I can do is have faith in You, ask for forgiveness & plead the blood of Christ. You accept my plea & forgive. Through the blood I am sanctified for you are Jehovah – Mekoddishkem, the One Who Sanctifies.
You are a Holy God. There is only goodness in You. Sin cannot be in your presence. So, you made a way for me, sinful as I am, to come before you. You set me apart from the world when you saved me. You made me different from the inside out. Now I come to you through grace; the grace of the cross.
Before the cross, the priests were continually offering sacrifices to atone for the people. So many laws, rules & regulations no one could live up to all of them. The Law shows me my failure, my sin. Jesus cleanses me & makes me holy. Jesus is the final sacrifice, the final atonement. Because He is at your right hand, I am able to approach you freely. I can worship you. I can ask of you. You freely give.
You gave the Israelites the Sabbath as a reminder that they are your chosen possession & are to be set apart from the world. The Sabbath is the reminder that it is You who make us holy. You created the Sabbath for our good. You instructed the Israelites to keep it. Do no work; reflect on the greatness & goodness of God. It is a holy day to be used as rest for the body & refreshment for the soul.
How do I “keep Sabbath”? How do I make it a holy time & not just a day to do nothing? How do I make it a day spent focused on God? How do I focus on His love for me & for the world? I am not under the Law, but still need redemption. Is this law still valid for today? Didn’t Jesus fulfill the Law & do away with legalism? We worship in Spirit, but the Bible calls this an everlasting covenant. If we are “children of Abraham” are we required to keep our part of the covenant even though not physically a Jew?
How do I live a holy life? How do I live set apart? How do I remain a peculiar people? What do I do that shows who You are? I can do nothing on my own, in my own power or strength. All I can do is have faith in You, ask for forgiveness & plead the blood of Christ. You accept my plea & forgive. Through the blood I am sanctified for you are Jehovah – Mekoddishkem, the One Who Sanctifies.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Hanging of the Green
It's that season again and time to prepare for the celebration of the birth of our Savior. Tonight the women of our church will gather to decorate for Advent and Christmas. This story is from our gathering last year. I know this year will be as joyful
Tables arranged with soft white cloths and burgundy silk, topped with candles shining through the prism of crystal holders offer welcome. Across the room stands a long table draped in gold. Burgundy poinsettias and pewter candelabras rest amid the deep wine of the artfully scrunched runner; it invites us to taste the tempting morsels we bring.
In one corner, a group of several women sort the sections of a giant Christmas tree. They fluff branches and place them firmly on the "trunk". Miniature white lights are strung and lit; the angel placed securely on top. Perfection!
At the front of the sanctuary, a small group of friends wind strings of lights among the branches of huge wreaths and greenery. The tiny lights cause large bows of burgundy and gold to shine in contrast to the deep green. They hang these around the baptistery. More friends hang wreaths along the side walls, between the windows.
At the altar, a table arrives. Carefully, the ladies place a gold lame' runner on the polished wood. One cleans the Advent Ring reverently then arranges it on one corner. Another places a Bible, open to the Nativity Story, on the opposite corner.
The lights of the sanctuary dim until we see only by the illumination of the candles and the Christmas lights. We sisters in Christ gather. Hands and hearts joined in prayer, we give thanks and ask for blessing. We fill plates and sit to rest. Time is spent chatting over food and catching up with friends.
Soon, we clear our tables and move as a group to the altar. We listen to memories and gift ideas and ways to enhance the anticipation of Advent. We move closer and sing Christmas Hymns. I sense the Lord's presence in voices lifted in song, and also in the laughter when we falter at the words.
It's getting late. Husbands and families expect us at home. We unite in prayer again and go our separate ways. I know, as we go out into the cold dark night, when we met together for the hanging o' the green, we had a taste of heaven here on earth.
November 25, 2007
Rain drizzles. I park the truck and pull my coat closer to block out the cold. I open the church door and soft voices mixed with laughter float to me, more warming than the heat of the building. Favorite melodies drift around us and proved soothing background. I smile to myself in expectation of the evening ahead.Tables arranged with soft white cloths and burgundy silk, topped with candles shining through the prism of crystal holders offer welcome. Across the room stands a long table draped in gold. Burgundy poinsettias and pewter candelabras rest amid the deep wine of the artfully scrunched runner; it invites us to taste the tempting morsels we bring.
In one corner, a group of several women sort the sections of a giant Christmas tree. They fluff branches and place them firmly on the "trunk". Miniature white lights are strung and lit; the angel placed securely on top. Perfection!
At the front of the sanctuary, a small group of friends wind strings of lights among the branches of huge wreaths and greenery. The tiny lights cause large bows of burgundy and gold to shine in contrast to the deep green. They hang these around the baptistery. More friends hang wreaths along the side walls, between the windows.
At the altar, a table arrives. Carefully, the ladies place a gold lame' runner on the polished wood. One cleans the Advent Ring reverently then arranges it on one corner. Another places a Bible, open to the Nativity Story, on the opposite corner.
The lights of the sanctuary dim until we see only by the illumination of the candles and the Christmas lights. We sisters in Christ gather. Hands and hearts joined in prayer, we give thanks and ask for blessing. We fill plates and sit to rest. Time is spent chatting over food and catching up with friends.
Soon, we clear our tables and move as a group to the altar. We listen to memories and gift ideas and ways to enhance the anticipation of Advent. We move closer and sing Christmas Hymns. I sense the Lord's presence in voices lifted in song, and also in the laughter when we falter at the words.
It's getting late. Husbands and families expect us at home. We unite in prayer again and go our separate ways. I know, as we go out into the cold dark night, when we met together for the hanging o' the green, we had a taste of heaven here on earth.
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