I was reading an online devotion this morning that I receive via email, and it was very timely for me. The author spoke about our different spiritual giftings. She had a hard time accepting the spiritual gift God had given her. She felt it wasn't important enough. There was a time I felt the same way. Then I read 1 Corinthians 12 because it is God explaining how each gift He gives is important, even if we don't think it is.
I wanted to be a person who revealed God's truths to people. I wanted them to be able to feel God's love through my words. I wanted...do you see the problem here? It's me. God didn't call me to do those things. He called me to love kids. He called me to get so excited when a child made the connection of God's love for them and their need for a savior. He called me to hurt when they hurt and rejoice when they rejoice. What greater gift for me could there be?
What did He gift you with? Do you know your spiritual gifts? We all have them. If you don't know yours, I want to encourage you to find out what it is. Once you find it out, thank God for your gift & chase it with reckless abandon. God will fill you with more joy when you're doing His work with the gifts He has given you.
Dear Jesus, thank you for your gifts. I love the way you have made us all different, and given us a desire to work for your kingdom. I thank you that even in things we may not see as important, You say they are and find value in everything done for Your church. Help us discover our purpose and embrace it. Jesus, you are a wonderful savior, and we want to serve you and be difference makers for our generation and the ones to come. Thank You for everything You are! In your name I pray, Amen
In Him,
~ashley
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Thursday, June 2, 2011
The Great I AM
I love to listen to worship music. When I can sing to the Lord I feel a peace flow through my spirit. Last night at church we sang a great song. It's called 'Great I Am' by New Life Worship. I started thinking about what it means when we say God is the great I Am. Where in the world did they get I Am?
The name I AM is first seen in Exodus 3:14. The bush is burning, God has informed Moses of his mission to set the Israelites free from the bondage of slavery, but Moses has a few questions. Questions about himself, the mission, and what to say when the all important question is asked: "...Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' and they ask me, 'What is his name?' Then what shall I tell them?" (Exodus 3:13) God tells him to say to the Israelites: "...I AM has sent me to you."
Why I AM? I AM is the Hebrew word that we get Yahweh from. (You will also see it written as YHWH.) Another name of Yahweh is Jehovah. These names were, to the Jewish people, to sacred to be said out loud, so they called the Lord the I AM.
OK, so I AM what? I think they call the Lord the I AM because He is everything. Do you need a friend? Jehovah-Shammah. Do you need peace in your life? Jehovah-Shalom. Healing? Jahovah-Rapha. Protection? Jehovah-Rohi. Someone to fight for you? Jehovah-Saboath. An encounter? Immanuel. Righteousness? Jehovah-Tsidkenu. These are just a few of the names of God. He has so many names because He is everything we need. I am thankful God is bigger than what I alone imagine Him to be. I'm thankful He reveals Himself in these different ways, because we all have different needs. He is I AM!
Lord, thank you for not leaving us alone to fend for ourselves. Thank you for being I AM. Thank you for Immanuel, God with us, Jesus. Lord you are our everything, and I praise your name! Lord, when I call on You, I have confidence that You hear me. You know what I need before I ask. Lord I rest in You, and want You with me always to guide me in this life. I love you Lord, my I AM. In Jesus name, ~Amen.
In Him,
~ashley
The name I AM is first seen in Exodus 3:14. The bush is burning, God has informed Moses of his mission to set the Israelites free from the bondage of slavery, but Moses has a few questions. Questions about himself, the mission, and what to say when the all important question is asked: "...Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' and they ask me, 'What is his name?' Then what shall I tell them?" (Exodus 3:13) God tells him to say to the Israelites: "...I AM has sent me to you."
Why I AM? I AM is the Hebrew word that we get Yahweh from. (You will also see it written as YHWH.) Another name of Yahweh is Jehovah. These names were, to the Jewish people, to sacred to be said out loud, so they called the Lord the I AM.
OK, so I AM what? I think they call the Lord the I AM because He is everything. Do you need a friend? Jehovah-Shammah. Do you need peace in your life? Jehovah-Shalom. Healing? Jahovah-Rapha. Protection? Jehovah-Rohi. Someone to fight for you? Jehovah-Saboath. An encounter? Immanuel. Righteousness? Jehovah-Tsidkenu. These are just a few of the names of God. He has so many names because He is everything we need. I am thankful God is bigger than what I alone imagine Him to be. I'm thankful He reveals Himself in these different ways, because we all have different needs. He is I AM!
Lord, thank you for not leaving us alone to fend for ourselves. Thank you for being I AM. Thank you for Immanuel, God with us, Jesus. Lord you are our everything, and I praise your name! Lord, when I call on You, I have confidence that You hear me. You know what I need before I ask. Lord I rest in You, and want You with me always to guide me in this life. I love you Lord, my I AM. In Jesus name, ~Amen.
In Him,
~ashley
Friday, May 20, 2011
Follow Through
Have you ever been a situation that you needed someone to pull their weight with a project, or they promised you something & then didn't follow through? One of the things that drives me crazy is people who say they will do something and then don't do it. Something has happened to me recently to see what God says about it, because both sides of this coin are very important.
If you are the person who has said you will do something, do it. It doesn't matter what it is. Be trustworthy. I went to one of my favorite websites, biblegateway.com, and looked up trustworthy. The first time that word is used is in the book of Exodus. God had saved the Israelites from Egypt, and Moses' father-in-law, Jethro came out to meet him at the base of God's mountain. Moses was do everything himself and not letting anyone help him. Read what Jethro tells Moses in Exodus 18:20-22, about finding people to help him:
"Teach them his decrees and instructions, and show them the way they are to live and how they are to behave. But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves. That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you."
We were not meant to do life on our own. When we choose to do it by ourselves, we are robbing others of God's blessings. This is a very hard concept for me. I have been left holding the bag when others don't do what they said they would do. But, like Jethro tells Moses I need to pray for wisdom in choosing those who will be sharing my burden, because the load will be made lighter.
On the flip-side, if I am the person who says I will do something, I need to make sure I understand what is required of me, and do it. When I decide not to follow through several things happen: 1. People know I can not be trusted to do what I say; 2. I will not be asked to handle bigger responsibilities, and grow my relationships with my fellow man and God; 3. I can ruin my testimony of Christ. Of all the consequences, ruining my testimony for Jesus is the worst. If someone can't trust me in the little things, how can I be trusted with something bigger? It doesn't matter how small that responsibility is to you, because it matters to someone who is counting on you.
Lord Jesus, You had the ultimate follow through. You could have decided not to die for me on the cross, but You finished the job so thoroughly and have allowed me to approach your throne. Thank you for Your example. Help me to be willing to trust my fellow man and when it's my turn to be trustworthy, let me follow Your lead and do it for Your glory. Thank you Jesus for all You have done for me. You are my precious Lord. Guide me in all I do. In Your name, Amen
In Him,
~ashley
If you are the person who has said you will do something, do it. It doesn't matter what it is. Be trustworthy. I went to one of my favorite websites, biblegateway.com, and looked up trustworthy. The first time that word is used is in the book of Exodus. God had saved the Israelites from Egypt, and Moses' father-in-law, Jethro came out to meet him at the base of God's mountain. Moses was do everything himself and not letting anyone help him. Read what Jethro tells Moses in Exodus 18:20-22, about finding people to help him:
"Teach them his decrees and instructions, and show them the way they are to live and how they are to behave. But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves. That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you."
We were not meant to do life on our own. When we choose to do it by ourselves, we are robbing others of God's blessings. This is a very hard concept for me. I have been left holding the bag when others don't do what they said they would do. But, like Jethro tells Moses I need to pray for wisdom in choosing those who will be sharing my burden, because the load will be made lighter.
On the flip-side, if I am the person who says I will do something, I need to make sure I understand what is required of me, and do it. When I decide not to follow through several things happen: 1. People know I can not be trusted to do what I say; 2. I will not be asked to handle bigger responsibilities, and grow my relationships with my fellow man and God; 3. I can ruin my testimony of Christ. Of all the consequences, ruining my testimony for Jesus is the worst. If someone can't trust me in the little things, how can I be trusted with something bigger? It doesn't matter how small that responsibility is to you, because it matters to someone who is counting on you.
Lord Jesus, You had the ultimate follow through. You could have decided not to die for me on the cross, but You finished the job so thoroughly and have allowed me to approach your throne. Thank you for Your example. Help me to be willing to trust my fellow man and when it's my turn to be trustworthy, let me follow Your lead and do it for Your glory. Thank you Jesus for all You have done for me. You are my precious Lord. Guide me in all I do. In Your name, Amen
In Him,
~ashley
Friday, May 13, 2011
A Light in the Darkness
I don't like walking around when it's dark. I hear creaks and bumps in my house & I'll rush to turn on the light. If I'm outside I feel like I'm being watched. It's creepy.
Have you ever wondered why we feel more comfortable during the daylight instead of the darkness?
In the light it is easier to see where you're going. In the light nothing is hidden. The light gives us security the darkness tries to take away.
The bible talks a lot about light and darkness. As Christians we are told to walk in the light. To not know Jesus is to be living in darkness. 1 Thessalonians 5:5 says: " You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness."
We were not supposed to be bothered by darkness. When satan decided to do his own thing when he was in heaven is when the trouble started. I think that's what boggles my mind more than anything. He was the most beautiful angel in heaven. He was put in charge of worship, and I would imagine he hung out with God a lot. His one major problem is that he wanted to be God.
In the book of Revelation it talks about the light coming from heaven as shadowless. Meaning this light shines in all directions, and permiates everything. The light is God's holiness shining. Can you imagine a shadowless light, it is hard for me to.
I want to be a child of light. I want the light of Christ to shine through me. I want people to not see me, but see Christ in me, and I want to help show other the miracle of Easter.
Lord Jesus, I love you and want to follow you. I want to shine your light in the darkness of this world. Use me Father to be a difference maker for your kingdom. Draw me close to you and shine Your light in the dark places in my life. Help me be a child of the light. I am so thankful for all my many blessings! In Jesus name I pray, ~Amen
Have you ever wondered why we feel more comfortable during the daylight instead of the darkness?
In the light it is easier to see where you're going. In the light nothing is hidden. The light gives us security the darkness tries to take away.
The bible talks a lot about light and darkness. As Christians we are told to walk in the light. To not know Jesus is to be living in darkness. 1 Thessalonians 5:5 says: " You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness."
We were not supposed to be bothered by darkness. When satan decided to do his own thing when he was in heaven is when the trouble started. I think that's what boggles my mind more than anything. He was the most beautiful angel in heaven. He was put in charge of worship, and I would imagine he hung out with God a lot. His one major problem is that he wanted to be God.
In the book of Revelation it talks about the light coming from heaven as shadowless. Meaning this light shines in all directions, and permiates everything. The light is God's holiness shining. Can you imagine a shadowless light, it is hard for me to.
I want to be a child of light. I want the light of Christ to shine through me. I want people to not see me, but see Christ in me, and I want to help show other the miracle of Easter.
Lord Jesus, I love you and want to follow you. I want to shine your light in the darkness of this world. Use me Father to be a difference maker for your kingdom. Draw me close to you and shine Your light in the dark places in my life. Help me be a child of the light. I am so thankful for all my many blessings! In Jesus name I pray, ~Amen
Friday, April 29, 2011
Moved
There are two things I know: I serve a great God & today I was able to serve Him with a group of wonderful people.
It is two days after so many tornadoes ripped through our state. As of right now there are 318 who are dead, and countless others who are missing. It is going to take years for some areas to recover. What is amazing is seeing one of the things the body of Christ does best. Minutes after the storms hit the planning began, then the calls went out of how each of us could help, and then the body of Christ answered & it will keep on coming until there is no one left to help. The body is like that. Are you hungry, we'll feed you; homeless, we'll house you; injured, we'll get you help; we'll do all of this, but most important, we'll point you to Jesus. Hopefully, you'll see Him in us. We are His hands, feet, and heart.
There are times for me that a song will define a time or a feeling. There are several songs right now that do this. Music moves me. I always focus on the words, because lots of times when I'm singing, my words will become my prayer. The song 'No Matter What' is one of those songs. Through all that has happened this week I am reminded of Job 1:20b. When Job learned that all 10 of his children had died at almost the same time he said:
If you haven't had a chance to help the storm victims, call a local church and see what they are doing, and how you can help. We have lots of great churches in Birmingham who are coordinating workers to help in the hard hit areas. I promise that as you give your time to help others, you will be blessed.
Praying for our state!
In Him,
~ashley
It is two days after so many tornadoes ripped through our state. As of right now there are 318 who are dead, and countless others who are missing. It is going to take years for some areas to recover. What is amazing is seeing one of the things the body of Christ does best. Minutes after the storms hit the planning began, then the calls went out of how each of us could help, and then the body of Christ answered & it will keep on coming until there is no one left to help. The body is like that. Are you hungry, we'll feed you; homeless, we'll house you; injured, we'll get you help; we'll do all of this, but most important, we'll point you to Jesus. Hopefully, you'll see Him in us. We are His hands, feet, and heart.
There are times for me that a song will define a time or a feeling. There are several songs right now that do this. Music moves me. I always focus on the words, because lots of times when I'm singing, my words will become my prayer. The song 'No Matter What' is one of those songs. Through all that has happened this week I am reminded of Job 1:20b. When Job learned that all 10 of his children had died at almost the same time he said:
"The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.”
Before anything happens in our lives, the Lord knows about it, and He might allow it to happen. Why would a loving God allow bad things to happen His people? Because He cares about our holiness a lot more than our happiness. He knows that even through the hard times we will find peace when we turn to Him during the hard times.
Lord Jesus, we praise you for who you are. I praise you because of the love you showed us by taking on the sins of the world. No one else is worthy, only you. Lord we ask for mercy on our neighbors. Guide us to serve them as You would. Let our actions bring glory to you and may all that we do bring honor to your name. Help us to not be afraid to share you; the bread of life and living water as we see to their physical needs. Let us not grow weary Lord. Give us your love for our neighbors. We love you Father God, and want to be the hands and feet of Jesus. In His mighty name, ~Amen.
If you haven't had a chance to help the storm victims, call a local church and see what they are doing, and how you can help. We have lots of great churches in Birmingham who are coordinating workers to help in the hard hit areas. I promise that as you give your time to help others, you will be blessed.
Praying for our state!
In Him,
~ashley
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Tearing it Up
My daughter and I did something really cool Easter night. We watched 'The Passion of the Christ' together. It was her first time to watch it, and as we watched I would stop the movie and explain things to her. I wanted her to be able to see in her mind what it means when she says Jesus took on the sins of the world; and that when we talk about 'Jesus dying on the cross for my sins' that she sees an accurate description of it. It was brutal and ugly...just like sin.
As Jesus was being beaten Elizabeth & I talked about how He took that beating with our faces in mind. He would have endured the cross if only the thief to His right would have accepted the grace only He offers. Christ experienced God the Father removing His presence and leaving Christ to face the consequences of sin alone. What a relief it had to have been for Him to say 'it is finished'. Notice He said 'it' is finished, and not 'I' am finished. The 'it' is the payment of sin for the world. The 'it' is that there is no more barrier between us and God, and that is why the vail in the temple tore.
The vail was the barrier between God & man. With the barrier gone we don't need to go through anyone to get to God; we only have to go through Christ. The phrase 'it is finished' was changed to 'it has begun'. Begun is: our personal relationship with Christ; our serving to advance His kingdom; and our ability to approach God our Father ourselves and hanging out with Him.
I am thankful for so many things. Besides what Christ did for me, I am thankful for my bible that I can read whenever I want, and that I don't have to guess what God meant when he gave us His word. I have Christ as my example and living explanation. How blessed we are! Thank you Jesus for everything you have done!
Counting my blessings with a thankful heart,
~ashley
As Jesus was being beaten Elizabeth & I talked about how He took that beating with our faces in mind. He would have endured the cross if only the thief to His right would have accepted the grace only He offers. Christ experienced God the Father removing His presence and leaving Christ to face the consequences of sin alone. What a relief it had to have been for Him to say 'it is finished'. Notice He said 'it' is finished, and not 'I' am finished. The 'it' is the payment of sin for the world. The 'it' is that there is no more barrier between us and God, and that is why the vail in the temple tore.
The vail was the barrier between God & man. With the barrier gone we don't need to go through anyone to get to God; we only have to go through Christ. The phrase 'it is finished' was changed to 'it has begun'. Begun is: our personal relationship with Christ; our serving to advance His kingdom; and our ability to approach God our Father ourselves and hanging out with Him.
I am thankful for so many things. Besides what Christ did for me, I am thankful for my bible that I can read whenever I want, and that I don't have to guess what God meant when he gave us His word. I have Christ as my example and living explanation. How blessed we are! Thank you Jesus for everything you have done!
Counting my blessings with a thankful heart,
~ashley
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Finishing the Job
I had to share this video with you! It is called 'It is Finished' by Matt Papa. Through all my fears & failures Jesus still said it is finished. When I get in the way, Jesus still said it is finished.
May His name be lifted up in my life, and in everything I do! Thank you Lord for taking my place!
Happy Easter!
~ashley
May His name be lifted up in my life, and in everything I do! Thank you Lord for taking my place!
Happy Easter!
~ashley
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