Carry On

I purposed to awaken early this morning for some quiet bible reading and  prayer time but I awakened a full hour earlier than planned.  I awakened with a song in my mind and on my heart.  It was a Rich Mullins song from the 1990's.  It reminded me of my mom and many others from my childhood and young adult life who greatly impacted my life and are now no longer with me in this world.

I haven't thought of that song in many years, but it used to be one of my favorites.  I'm thanking God this morning for reminding me of it.

This song is a letter Rich wrote to his mom.   Oh how it makes me miss my own mother.  And it's a similar  message I would have written to her if she were with me today. 



 Rich writes and sings about following his 'dream'.  For those of you unfamiliar with Rich, He was a Contemporary Christian Musician and his 'dream' was to live for Jesus Christ and to tell everyone he met about the love Jesus has for mankind and that if we believe in the Love of Jesus and that Jesus gave His life for the atonement of our sins, then we will inherit life everlasting.

Rich was not perfect by any means.  He did not claim to be perfect. But he actively pursued Jesus and was very transparent with his struggles. Rich loved the Lord.  He loved his family.  He loved life.  He knew his dream would take him away from his home and family.  He wondered if he would ever make it home again.  He wanted his mom to know that he loved her.  He wanted her to know that he would carry the life lessons (songs) he learned as a child.  He would carry the good memories and the sad ones (scars).  He would carry on (in Christ).

He promised he would pray for her always.  And so we should pray for those we love always, too.


Rich promised he would 'carry on'.  And he did carry on right up to his tragic death in 1997.

Now I carry the scars of the passing of those whom I have known and loved.  And I promise you this:  I will carry those scars and I will carry on.

Now I am not trying to 'Glorify' Rich Mullins.  He was just a man.  But I believe it is notable that he was a man who was actively pursuing Christ.

On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.  All other ground is sinking sand.

Friends, we must learn from generations gone by.  We must stand on the solid rock of Jesus.   Jesus said he was the way, the truth, and the life.  No one can get to heaven except through HIM.

Jesus was and is LOVE.  He loved us so much that he gave His life for us.    He loved us while we were sinners.  He didn't shun us or disassociate himself from us because we did not live or 'think' perfectly.   He didn't turn his back on us and say you are on your own, fix yourself then come back and see me.

He even prayed for the very people who condemned him and nailed him to the cross asking His Father in heaven to forgive them.   That is Love.

And while we live and breathe and until he comes again there is time to accept his love and be saved.  He is not willing that any should perish.  

I hope and pray that my life is an arrow pointing to heaven.   I am thanking my creator for loving me so much that He sent His Only Begotten Son to die for me.  I accept God's free gift of Love.   I also praise God for giving me the capacity to love him and to love others.    I assure you it's through nothing I have done, but Christ that lives within me.  All praise and glory and honor must go to my Lord and Savior: Jesus Christ.

 And I forgive because Christ forgave.  And I will not stop loving others and giving of myself to others even if they reject me and mock me and persecute me for believing the bible and believing in Jesus.

God has presented me with a unique set of challenges and struggles but I am not fearful or anxious because my Lord and Savior has promised never to leave me or forsake me.  I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  My deliverer is coming. I will stand in Christ.  I will carry on.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the struggles and challenges that draw me closer to you.  I thank you Lord for my precious family and for everything good in my life.  Every good and perfect gift comes from you, my King.  Thank you for the lives of believers who have gone before me.  Thank you for my brothers and sisters who stand with me now and pray for and encourage me.   I love you Lord and thank you for the greatest gift of all:  your son, Jesus.

Lord help me to grow in You.  Give me a greater hunger and thirst for your Holy Word.  Help me to make wise decisions and to stand tall for you, my king.  Help me to be an arrow pointing straight to you.  Lord please bless and protect my dear family.  I lift them up to you.  

Father God, I pray all these things in the name of your precious son, my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  

AMEN.

If I Stand

The title of my post today is inspired by the lyrics from an old Rich Mullins song, 'If I Stand'.  This is one of my favorite song from one of my favorite Christian musicians.  I awakened with this song on my heart this morning.   Rich Mullins tragically died in September 1997.  Here is a you tube clip of Rich performing t'If I Stand' in one of his final concerts before he died.  The clip is only 3.20 minutes.  Please take a few moments to listen and you will be blessed.


'If I stand, let me stand on the promise, that YOU will pull me through.  And if I can't let me fall on the grace that first brought me to YOU. "   ~ Amen and Amen, Rich.

Lord, I am lifting up America.  I stand in the gap for her.   I stand in the gap for my family and friends.  We are weary, Lord.  But we stand.  Lord help us to continue to stand.  Help us to be a city shining on a hill.  

Father God, my house will serve You.  We will stand for the TRUTH.  Help me to be a humble servant leader.  Lord I do stand on Your promise that You will pull me through.   Praying blessings on my precious family today. Lifting up Monica, Connor, and Elijah to you, Lord.  Thank You for the blessing of them in my life.  Father I lift up my church family and my pastor friends.  Guard them and protect them Lord.  

Father I pray for repentance and revival for this land.  Lord let it start with me, let it filter to my family, friends, town, state, country, and this old world..  I love you Lord.  I praise You and thank You for Your Son, Jesus.   And I pray all these things in this precious, holy name: JESUS.

Amen.

Where Are My Priorities..?

It concerns me that sometimes in the morning when I get out of bed I'll feel compelled to check my email or face book BEFORE I dive into a devotional.

I see that as a HUGE problem. Blogging used to be my big addiction and now face book is definitely an issue for me, too. Oh, I do spend a lot of time ministering encouragement and mentoring through those venues but I should NEVER put them before time spent with God, Himself.

Here are some Lyrics from Rich Mullins song: One Thing

...Save me from those things that might distract me, please take them away and purify my heart. I don't want to lose the eternal for the things that are passing 'cause what will I have when the world is gone if it isn't for the love that goes on and on...

YOU'RE MY ONE THING....! -and the pure in heart shall see God... Matt 5:8

This is a good message. We are in the world but not of it. Got to focus on God and not be distracted by what's going on. Must keep my mission clear: Represent my Lord and Savior and let everyone see the Joy that is in me because I am saved.

Praying for a pure heart today. How can I get a pure heart...? Pray for it. And spend time in the WORD.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Help me focus in a world of distractions. Let me see things through Your eyes. Help my heart, Lord. I love You, Father . I give today to You and ask You to bless and order my steps. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.

Shout a Joyful Noise... Psalm 100:1

Praise God Today.... I hope You enjoy these Michael W Smith Concert Videos, they are some of my favorites and completely sum up how grateful I am for my precious Lord and Savior Jesus Christ...!

Happy Thanksgiving...!