Tuesday, May 01, 2007

God's Word is not confusing!
It may seem like it though. Did you ever think that God could speak to you through His Word? He wants to do just that.

Here is a way to visualize what is perhaps the most quoted scripture of all - Psalm 23. Let Him speak to your heart.





The Lord is my shepherd - that means RELATIONSHIP!










I shall not want - that is umlimited SUPPLY!









He makes me lie down in green pastures - that is REST!







He leads me by still waters - that is REFRESHMENT!








He restores my soul - that is HEALING











He leads me in the path of righteousness - that's GUIDANCE










For His name's sake - that is PURPOSE









Though I walk through the valley of death - that is TESTING








I will fear no evil - that is PROTECTION!







You are with me - that is FAITHFULNESS!











Your rod and your staff comfort me - that is DISCIPLINE!








You prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies - that is HOPE!






You anoint my head with oil - that is BEING SET APART










My cup runs over - that is ABUNDANCE!










Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life - that is BLESSING!












And I will dwell in the house of the Lord - that is SECURITY!









Forever - that is ETERNITY!




There is a place, referred to as paradise. He has reserved a spot just for you. But while you are still a part of this earth, He has something for you too. Relationship, unlimited supply, rest, refreshment, healing, guidance, purpose, (and yes) testing, protection, faithfulness, discipline (to make us strong), hope, being set apart, abundance, blessing, security and eternity in paradise. Oh, and did I mention that the price for all of this has already been paid?

Today you may know WHO you are. I pray that you explore now WHOSE you are. If you don't know Him, get to know Him through His Word.

If you have gotten frustrated trying to read the Bible, try a new translation. The Message is written in everyday language. And you can even read it online! Or have it read to you!

Look at the Bible online

Joshua 24:15

15 But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.

Chicke Fitzgerald

Lord I'm Amazed

This past weekend I served on a women's retreat known as Tres Dias. It is an encounter with the living God. There were nearly 40 attendees on the weekend and over 100 of us serving them. We had many jobs, but the most important was demonstrating to them that they are loved.

What struck meis how consistently God shows up at these weekends, which are held twice a year. He changes lives, again and again. He frees these women from fear, from being ashamed about things that they had no control over. He helps them to give up anger and unforgiveness of those who have hurt them. He changes their self-image. It is truly amazing.

Isaiah 61:3 says that he gives a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. I saw it with my own eyes. The gift is free.

God is ready and willing and just waiting. Ask him for beauty, for gladness, for the lightness that comes with a garment of praise. Leave behind the ashes, the mourning and the spirit of despair.

Today choose freedom, mercy and grace and be amazed.

You dance over me
While I am unaware
You sing all around
But I never hear the sound

Lord I’m amazed by You
Lord I’m amazed by You
Lord I’m amazed by You
How You love me

How wide
How deep
How great
Is Your love for me

Music and lyrics by Jared Anderson
© 2004 Vertical Worship Songs





Chicke Fitzgerald