Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Total Surrender

God's really been doing a lot in my life...I've been through some high's and some low's. I wrote this poem tonight kind of just for myself but I wanted to share it on here.

Total Surrender:

I'm making a promise to You, my God

I know at times that it will be hard,

Your grace and Your love will guide me through

so that I might live my life totally surrendered to You!


All my life I lived for myself;

Doing it all, not asking for help.

How can I come to You and ask Your forgiveness?

I do not deserve it, yet You offer it with promise.

Promise to forgive, to love and to comfort

If I just ask and give You my all.


I'm making a promise to You, my God

I know at times that it will be hard,

Your grace and Your love will guide me through

so that I might live my life totally surrendered to You!


How can I express my thankfulness to You?

You've given to me abundantly and then even more.

So many times I forget to show you gratitude,

I complain and I can sometimes show some attitude.

I praise You now for all You've given and done for me;

I cannot imagine what my life would be like without Your grace.


I'm making a promise to You, my God

I know at times that it will be hard,

Your grace and Your love will guide me through

so that I might live my life totally surrendered to You!

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Philippians 4:19~God's Provisional Promise

Wow, I'm psyched right now! God really shows His great and awesome provision in my life all the time! A few weeks back I found out I have to pay $350 just to finish off this semester (which I did not have the money for) and using my money I make at work would mean I would not be able to buy any Christmas presents this year which really upset me. My first reaction was worry and doubt that I would stay the rest of the semester, with a bit of anger as well. Shalom, a lady at our church, encouraged me to trust God and to withdraw my resources from God who promises to supply all our needs.
Philippians 4:19, "And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus."
I could not believe that doubted the great power of God to provide for His child. I started praying and my church was praying along with most of my friends. Yesterday, November 10, 2010, me and my roommate, Liz went to Shalom's house for a Bible study in the afternoon and once again she encouraged me to trust God and know that He was going to provide that money for me somehow. I had no idea that at our Wednesday night prayer meeting that same day God laid it on the hearts of the deacons to generously grant me the entire $350 for my bill! They told me I would have it by Sunday (That's the day before it would've been due--granted they gave me an extension until December to get it but it is really due November 15th)!! What an amazing and awesome and loving God I serve! I cannot believe I doubted His provisions at the start! I praise God for friends who can remind me of the sufficiency of God's grace and provision. I cannot do anything in my own power and what a relief and encouragement that we serve a God that CAN!

Today's devotional was by Mary Southerland and spoke about praising God no matter what. Paul faced many trials and hardships that could have given him reason to not want to praise God. But he chose to praise God--no matter what the circumstance! Why aren't we doing that each and every day? God is so worthy of our praise yet we do not give Him the praise that He is due.
Psalm 138:2 "I will give thanks to your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness, because your promises are backed by all the honor of your name."

"Praise invites God to take up residence in the middle of whatever mess we are facing.

Psalm 22:3 "But You are holy, Enthroned in the praises of Israel."

Praise produces trust in God and strengthens our faith.

Psalm 42:11 "But, O my soul, don't be discouraged. Don't be upset. Expect God to act! For I know that I shall again have plenty of reason to praise him for all that he will do. He is my help! He is my God!"


My favorite thing that Mary Southerland said in the devotional was : "When we are discouraged, praise reminds us that there is hope in God. When we are afraid, praise reminds us that no matter what happens, God is with us. When we are lost, praise reminds us that God has already been where He is leading us. When we are confused, praise reminds us that heaven is not in a panic."

There is great importance in praise...why don't we all just take time to praise Him for all that He has, is, and will do in our lives!