Rags-Music Video by Mia Koehne

Just super excited for what the Lord will do with this......Enjoy and share with those who need to hear that our Lord, Jesus Christ, died for them.

Thank you Myers Video Production for and amazing project. I love your vision.

www.mvpwebsite.com

Breathing

I feel like I have had to do a lot of breathing the past few weeks. Sometimes it's conscious breathing simply to stay alive (yes it has been that kind of week), sometimes it's a breath to keep me sane, other times it a breath of prayer, the breath of praise, a breath to worship.

I have been thinking a lot about breathing especially as I have had the joy of sitting beside my Father's bedside as He nears what may possibly be one of his last breaths on this side of heaven. Sometimes they are heavy, sometimes they are so light that it makes me wonder if the breath is still even there.

I have been breath praying my heart to the Lord who is my breath, the very air that I breathe. I think about Him as the breath sustain-er, the breath giver and the breath taker.

There is a peace that is about me as I think of my Dad going to spend eternity with our Lord sooner than later, as the Lord wills, that really does go beyond my understanding. There is a joy that is un-explainable that fills me, comforts me and makes me smile as I think about My Daddy and My Father. There is also an overwhelming sadness that penetrates into the deeper part of my heart. It is at such a deep level that I can't even touch it. It is unreachable except by the comforter of my soul. Only the one who says He is close to the brokenhearted can truly understand this explosive mix of Joy, peace and sorrow that I feel all at the same time within my soul.

I am looking forward to flying back, Lord willing, to see my Dad again next week. My Dad who professed this day to my brother "The Lord will come and take care of me", the man who said to me a few days ago "Stay near to the Lord", the man who taught me what it means to forgive, to love, and to be called a redeemed child of God. I can't wait to crawl back up on his lap and kiss him all over.

I can't wait to breathe, to inhale and to exhale.

The Unrivalled Power Of Prayer

"Romans 8:26-27 "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God."

I am convinced that until I stand in glory, I will have no comprehension of the unrivaled power of the Spirit of God that dwells within this temple, my body. I cannot even come close to imagining all that the Spirit prays for me, for the saints and all that is deep within my heart and soul in words that cannot be uttered.

But this I know, I find matchless peace in the little bit that I do comprehend of how the Spirit that dwells within this temple, my body, prays without ceasing the perfect will of God on my behalf...Matchless peace.

"Lord, Daily remind me of this Holy temple that I might be prepared each day 'to be a sanctuary, pure and holy, tried and true, with thanksgiving, a living sanctuary for you.' Amen"

My Utmost For His Highest~Oswald Chambers
The Unrivalled Power Of Prayer ~Nov08

We realize that we are energized by the Holy Spirit for prayer; we know what it is to pray in the Spirit; but we do not so often realize that the Holy Spirit Himself prays in us prayers which we cannot utter. When we are born again of God and are indwelt by the Spirit of God, He expresses for us the unutterable.

“He,” the Spirit in you, “maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God,” and God searches your heart not to know what your conscious prayers are, but to find out what is the prayer of the Holy Spirit.

The Spirit of God needs the nature of the believer as a shrine in which to offer His intercession. “Your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost.” When Jesus Christ cleansed the temple, He “would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple.” The Spirit of God will not allow you to use your body for your own convenience. Jesus ruthlessly cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and said – “My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.”

Have we recognized that our body is the temple of the Holy Ghost? If so, we must be careful to keep it undefiled for Him. We have to remember that our conscious life, though it is only a tiny bit of our personality, is to be regarded by us as a shrine of the Holy Ghost. He will look after the unconscious part that we know nothing of; but we must see that we guard the conscious part for which we are responsible.

Koehne's Corner-Thoughts from my husband

This is from the weekly e-note letter that my husband, Bob Koehne, writes. I am blessed by it and thought you might be too. Blessings!

Koehne’s Corner

So many things in life are easier said than done. When I looked at my schedule for the week, I felt a little overwhelmed with everything I have to do. Then I was thinking about all imaginary obstacles that could get in the way of accomplishing my tasks for the week.

It made me think back to something a pastor once told me. He advised me to work with the things that I know and not worry about the things I don't know. He told me if there is something I don't know God will reveal it to me when He feels the time is right. I have often thought about this, but I have to tell you, it is easier said than done.

The section of scripture that I always need to go back to is Matthew 6:25-34. It addresses the issue of worrying. Verse 27 tells us "Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?" Then I start to realize this is a matter of faith and trust. Can I trust God enough with the details of my life? Of course the answer is yes, but I need to be continually reminded in my life.

How about you? Is this easier said than done?

No Shrinking Required

I have been seeking God this last week on several specific situations. Now that it is Monday, I feel like my list of things that I am seeking His will and answers to are stacked so high that He couldn't possibly answer me specifically on all of them. I would pray, I would open the bible, I would sit and listen..... And then it happened, He spoke!! He simply said "Do not shrink back!"

I headed to my computer to google where in the Bible it says this and discern how this might be the answer to all I am going through.. I quickly found it in Hebrews 10:32-39

"Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you endured in a great conflict full of suffering. Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. You suffered along with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.

You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For, “In just a little while, he who is coming will come and will not delay.”

And, “But my righteous one will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back.” But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved."

Is there anything in your life today that God can answer to you through this verse? 

Is there a verse that will answer your needs this day? Do you believe that He can do it, are you willing to seek Him and stop to listen?

Be comforted and know that God will do what He says. Call on Him and He WILL answer you and show you great and unsearchable things that you do not know. Choose today to seek Him face to face, to follow His will and watch Him be glorified in your life.

Amen!

Radio Interview~ September 24, 2011

This Wednesday at 11am Pacific Time I will be doing a radio interview by Mark maverick based out of LA, California.

Hope you can tune in www.indie104.com

Magazine Review~Variance Magazine

Mia Koehne
...Already in Progress

"If you don't know what to say / say God is good / if you don't know what to say / say He is faithful"

If ever a voice, lyrics, and music came together more perfectly to praise God than Mia Koehne in her new album ...Already in Progress, we certainly can't think of it while listening to her gorgeous music.

Mia's life story is a compelling story of sin, surrender, sanctification, and song, and all of this is evident in her lyrics. Each line gives praise to God. Her soulful voice pays wonderful homage to her Savior and beautifully illustrates the pain and beauty of life.

Mia was wise to keep her music simple but deep. It perfectly complements the worship she gives God and moves the heart with every single listen. Where many Christian contemporary albums today are over-produced, leaving you wondering if the singer can really sing at all, Mia's voice shines through in every song, especially "Rags." This song is positively heartrending and beautiful.

For a fantastic musical journey, pick up Mia Koehne's new album ...Already in Progress. You won't regret it! ~Variance magazine

I am a Liar-But God is a Forgiver

Let me just state for the record, that I don't "feel" like writing this blog. I like writing blogs that make me look good and display how obedient I am to God, but I'm going to write it because, well I don't know, just because, so here it goes...

I am a liar. And in Celebrate Recovery fashion..."Hi, my name is Mia and it's been 4 hours since my last really BIG lie."

I am a liar and what I find so ironic about this statement is this.....a few weeks ago I stood at a Celebrate Recovery meeting and gave my testimony and said "I used to be a liar, thief and a cheater." Now hear I am today with the reality and truth that I am still a liar thrown right in my face. It's really ugly and I don't like it and I don't like to admit it. I don't like how the lie in hand just rolled off my tongue and justified itself on the way out. It kinda of nauseates me how I have the ability to rationalize it and make it an "ok" kind of lie.

Now the story. This morning, my day started out great. I had a wonderful meeting at Starbucks with a local Pastor as we discussed worship and the excitement of the upcoming Sunday. We talked, prayed and went on our way. It was great.

I then moved myself to an outdoor table to continue on my own in Bible study and personal prayer time. I opened my Bible and read a devotion from "My Utmost for His Highest" and was moved beyond words. I had to stop mid devotion and pray. This was my prayer "God, will you please use me right here, right now to be a light to someone. Will you bring someone that will come to my table so that I can sit and pray with them." That was my prayer and I waited in expectation for the person he would bring.

I sat there continuing on in my time with the Lord, peeking my eyes up to the people that went through the doors throwing them a warm smile, wondering.."Is this the one Lord?" Then a man on a bike came up to the lady next to me asking for money and then opened His invitation to me as well. THAT'S when it happened I opened my mouth as he came over and I said "I don't carry cash, but I would be happy to go in a buy you a coffee or something to eat."

Arrrgggggg! That was my lie and here is how my mind justified it. Truth is this "Normally" I don't carry cash, but today I did and I knew I did. "Normally" I am very happy to give to people, but today, I wanted to control HOW I gave and give the way I wanted to. FACT: Once you open your mouth and lie, it is very difficult to back pedal without making yourself look bad and I didn't want to make myself look bad and fess up.

So I asked him what else I could do. He asked me to pray for Him. (whammy, right in my face) He was the one God sent and I blew it. Now, with a bit excited and looking for a little redemption, we sat there, prayed together and I marveled at how the Lord worked. This humble man was not bitter, not angry because I "supposedly" didn't have anything to give, He just trusted and prayed. Now don't tune off cause this is not the end of the story.

After we prayed he came back to me and said "The Lord is laying on my heart for us to read, before you make a final decision, Deutoronomy 15: 9-10, (but I am going to list verses 7-11. They are powerful) 7 If anyone is poor among your fellow Israelites in any of the towns of the land the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward them. 8 Rather, be openhanded and freely lend them whatever they need. 9 Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought: “The seventh year, the year for canceling debts, is near,” so that you do not show ill will toward the needy among your fellow Israelites and give them nothing. They may then appeal to the LORD against you, and you will be found guilty of sin. 10 Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. 11 There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your fellow Israelites who are poor and needy in your land.

Talk about a smack in the face. This was no accident. God DID want me to read this. God knew the condition of my heart and the lies that I used to justify this condition. Then to top it all off, He, the man on the bike, prayed for me.

I needed a moment. I asked him to give me time and He did. That's when I went before God, asked for forgiveness and crawled my way back to my purse. The walk of shame, BUT also the walk of forgiveness in grace. One of my regrets now as I sit in my home is this...that I didn't give him more. Even after all that, I held on to something that wasn't even mine to begin with. The money, the cash, it doesn't even belong to me. Why do I think I can hold it back.

So I guess what I have re-learned in a shameful, grace-filled way is what 1 John 1:5-10 says
"... that God is light and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not live according to the truth; but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin." "AND MOST IMPORTANTLY "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us."

I am thankful that God forgives, I am thankful that he reminds me how much I need him to battle my flesh every moment. I am thankful that He is not done with me yet and that His grace and mercy cover me everyday. I need him. I can't even open my mouth, which is like a grave, without him. (Romans 3:13 Their throats are open graves;their tongues practice deceit.) I need him to guard my every thought, every action, my heart and mind in Christ. I NEED YOU GOD!

So the bit of irony is that as I reflect on my Starbuck's prayer to God, for Him to bring me someone to pray for, I believe the true prayer that went up was, bring me someone to pray for me. And God answered and He answered quickly. Praise be to God!

And today I laugh! Hahahahah!!!

I have heard this before, but today it made me laugh again. My husband shared with me how one of his co-workers complimented me on my unique fashion style. First of all, we must ask the question, what does unique mean? If by unique we mean "she doesn't match and must be color blind" I concur and totally agree and I take that as a full compliment. Although there have been times where my children have warned me not to go out looking the way I do and looking at one picture from a few years ago, I would have to agree, but never-mind that.

What I found even more sweet was my husband's response....."It's called Savers" and by this one should translate it as "We are too broke for my wife to go out and buy clothes from the 1st hand store that actually match, hence the eclectic look is created out of pure necessity."

But seriously doesn't everybody wear cut offs jeans under their Sunday dress:)

I'm thinking of becoming a Thrift store model ......any one got any hookups out there..... or maybe I should stick with Music Ministry:)

God is Good

There is something I have realized in the past week. I'm just gonna say it and you might think, "Well, Duh", but what has hit home to me this week is this...It Is Not About Me.

Sometimes I feel like I learn the same lessons over and over, but in new ways. Recently I have dealt with selfishness in not wanting to sing certain songs because emotionally they are too difficult and they stir up some tough memories. I just want to keep them for myself. Ironic thing here is that this was the first hurdle I had to get over when I used to play my songs at the piano for my personal devotion time. My husband kept telling me to share them and I said no, these are for my quiet time. Then I heard the call from God. So I find it funny that I would go through this again.

So this week I am talking about "Julies Song" aka "God is Good". What I realized is that it is not about me, it's not about how I sing the song, it's really not even about the song. It's not about my ability to write or lack of ability to compose. It is about the Power of God, the Power of His truth and the Power in His name. That's it. It's not about me.

God humbles me...constantly. I have so much to learn, yet I have so much to give. I just pray that He continues to allow me opportunities to do what He has called me to do. This I have no doubt He will do for His names sake.

May each of us go out knowing that God's truth is bigger than our realities, our pain and our hurts, even bigger than our temporary joy. May we make His name famous and declare to the world that He is good.

Now if I'm correct, to the right of this post is a music player and you can hit the forward button and hear the Song "God is Good" and listen to the wonderful names of our Lord. There is Power in His name. Be blessed to be a blessing.

God Is Good

by,

Mia Koehne ©2009

Chorus:

If you don’t know what to say,

Say “God is Good”

If you don’t know what to say,

Say “He is Faithful”

Verse:

Or say His name Jehovah Jireh (my provider)

Or say his name Jehova Nissi (My victorious banner)

Or say his name Jehovah Rophe (my healer)

Just say His name Jehovah Prince of Peace (my Shalom)

Verse:

Say His name Jehovah Kanna (my jealous Lord)

Say His name Jehovah Sel’i (my Rock)

Say His Name Jehovah Tsori (my strength)

Just say His name Jehovah Hoshe'ah (my lord saves)

Bridge:

God Is Good

God Is Faithful

New Songs

Last night was a fantastic night for me for several reasons. It was my first concert in Phoenix, it was my first concert with my new band and it was the first time I got to give my testimony here in my new home state. It was an amazing night. It was kind of like the worship leader said during the concert, "We're churchin it." It was a great night of worship of an Amazing God.

After I gave my testimony I sang a new song that I wrote the other day. It has a very personal meaning to me, not only because I once was that person, but because I also now pray for that person that I am singing about. I didn't really sing it perfectly, but I'm glad that I did. The great part about it is that even from the first time, Michael, the bass player heard it, he already has suggestions to make it better. I love that about my band! So, I'm excited to see where the song goes and what it becomes.

Just want to post the words as a prayer for all of us. Not sure of the title yet, but I had some great suggestions from the crowd last night, as of now it's simply called........

"A New Song Rather Than The Old"

You’re alone in the crowd on the corner

Chasing rainbows that go with no end

There’s no grand pot of gold in your story

You keep running with eyes to the wind

CHORUS: And your sad, sad story

Sings a song of desire and tears

You keep singing that sad tale of glory

You keep running behind all your fears

You've been running this race now for so long

Here’s a hand let me help you to stand

You are worth so much more than you know now

Sing a new song, the song of I AM

Sing

Sing

Sing, sing a song of redemption

Sing for the whole world to hear

Trust in the Lord

I needed to meditate on the words..."Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." I need to trust Him today for things that don't seem possible and things that don't even make sense to me. My own understanding just isn't cutting it. Yet, when I read Proverbs 3:5-6, I can hardly stop because what follows is just as great to chew on. Enjoy some chewing action.

PROVERBS 3

¹ My son, do not forget my teaching,

but keep my commands in your heart,

² for they will prolong your life many years
and bring you peace and prosperity.

³ Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.
⁴ Then you will win favor and a good name
in the sight of God and man.

⁵ Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
⁶ in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.^[a]

⁷ Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the LORD and shun evil.
⁸ This will bring health to your body
and nourishment to your bones.

⁹ Honor the LORD with your wealth,
with the firstfruits of all your crops;
¹⁰ then your barns will be filled to overflowing,
and your vats will brim over with new wine.

¹¹ My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline,
and do not resent his rebuke,
¹² because the LORD disciplines those he loves,
as a father the son he delights in.^[b]

¹³ Blessed are those who find wisdom,
those who gain understanding,
¹⁴ for she is more profitable than silver
and yields better returns than gold.
¹⁵ She is more precious than rubies;
nothing you desire can compare with her.
¹⁶ Long life is in her right hand;
in her left hand are riches and honor.
¹⁷ Her ways are pleasant ways,
and all her paths are peace.
¹⁸ She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her;
those who hold her fast will be blessed.

¹⁹ By wisdom the LORD laid the earth’s foundations,
by understanding he set the heavens in place;
²⁰ by his knowledge the watery depths were divided,
and the clouds let drop the dew.

²¹ My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight,
preserve sound judgment and discretion;
²² they will be life for you,
an ornament to grace your neck.
²³ Then you will go on your way in safety,
and your foot will not stumble.
²⁴ When you lie down, you will not be afraid;
when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
²⁵ Have no fear of sudden disaster
or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,
²⁶ for the LORD will be at your side
and will keep your foot from being snared.

"...already in progress" The Trailer

The Missionary

Sukhui with my daughter, Miriam

Today I had a date with my daughter. OK, actually she had a dental appointment, but we decided to go out for breakfast before and celebrate her birthday (again) as I will be out of town on her actual birthday. This would be month two of celebrating her birthday which isn't until mid May. Any excuse to celebrate!!

As we sat down we were greeted by a very kind and extremely happy waitress who introduced herself and said "I am going to serve you." I felt a stirring in my heart and felt that I should share Jesus with her. I didn't know if she was a believer, but with that kind of joy, I wanted her to know true joy and where it comes from.

I heard her talking to the couple in the booth next to us about the usual Phoenix conversation regarding the weather. She was telling the couple, who were originally from Indiana, how she missed snow at Christmas time when she loves to celebrate Jesus! My heart leaped, she was a sister in the Lord!

Right after that she must have witnessed my daughter and I praying together as we sat at the table, because she then came up to me and said "I am a Christian too." From there (actually before there) she continued to pour out a testimony of love for her Saviour. She testified to the source of all true joy and how there is no one else for her except Jesus.

Her name is Sukhui and she moved to the United States in 1985 when she was 26 years old. At that time she was a new believer and on fire for the Lord (she still is and even more). She came into this country not knowing a thing about American food and even though people doubted her, she testified to all the doors that the Lord opened. And let me tell you, she knows her American food. She knows more about eggs and bacon than anyone I know. She knows how to serve. She knows how to love.

She could not stop talking about Jesus. She began to sing a song about the wonderful name of Jesus, then she sang it to me in Korean. I told my daughter that she was an example of what it means to be UNASHAMED for Jesus. It is simply a matter of opening your mouth and allowing to come out all that you put in your heart. Jesus is what she fed on and Jesus being poured out on her lips is the only natural thing for her.

When she clears her plates she says a "Hallelujah!" When she hand the plates to the cooking staff she says a "Hallelujah!" and they in turn now reply with an "Amen!" That's contagious. Sukhui has been working as a waitress in this particular restaurant for 8 years and 6 years in this particular section. She told me that she is a Korean missionary in America and prays over the room and all that come to dine there. She has even lead a few to the Lord along the way. She has seen people come and go. She lost eight regulars (hopefully dancing now in heaven) in 2008, but she presses on with a missionary heart.

So my joy this day, besides being able to meet her, is the joy and honor of praying for her over a pain that she has in her side. She may have to go in for surgery, but is asking God for a miracle first. So won't you join me in praying to the Father in the name of Jesus Christ for a healing miracle for my new friend, Sukhui. Won't you join me in praying for each person that steps in that restaurant and has a chance to encounter Jesus!

May we all view the place where God has planted us as holy ground. May we see our places of work, our homes and our neighborhoods as a mission field. May we walk boldly, humbly, and unashamedly for our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ.

Father, I thank you this day for your miracles. I thank you for being God of all. I thank you for being Jehovah-Rapha, who heals! I asked you to be that God for Sukhui, this day. I ask you to be our Rapha-healer for each of us everyday. Amen!

Power and Authority

So I'm reading through the book of John and I am once again in a new and fresh way being blown away by the boldness and the power of Jesus Christ. Yes, I love all the miracles that testify to who He is, but more than that the the power and authority of His words.

Today I read John 8:12-30 and Jesus boldly says "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will NEVER walk in darkness, but have the light of life." Then He says to the people "You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am the one I claim to be, you will indeed die in your sins." I don't know if your feeling it, but I can only imagine how this infuriated the people, yet there were those who heard His words and put their faith in Him.

People wanted Him dead. He was claiming to be One with the Father, the Messiah. They wanted to kill him. YET, as it says in the scripture, no one seized him because His time had not yet come. To follow it all up, Jesus then speaks these words "...I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me. The one who sent me is with me; He has not left me alone, for I ALWAYS do what pleases Him." Oh, how I wish I could say that of myself. "That I always do what pleases Him." But Christ did..He died and became sin for me, so that the punishment would be upon His shoulders and the resurrection would be His glory.

Because of THAT, I am a new creation, always forgiven and through faith in Him I have been given the gift of salvation and eternal life and the daily opportunity to live in light for Him. Jesus was bold and passed on His spirit to us so that we too might be bold in His truth.

Jesus drew a line and said "Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." On the other side of the line are those who reject Him and to them He said "I am going away, and you will seek Me, and you will die in your sin." There is no two way street.

Jesus was bold and right to say you are either with me or your not. Thanks to Jesus, we can stand boldly on the side of Light and Life! Put your trust in Him!

Thank you Jesus for the Light of Life. I ask today that you would press me, push me, prod me and never leave me alone. Amen!

In View of God's Mercy....WORSHIP!

I love to worship God. That is the blessing for me, but the reality of it is that I am commanded to worship Him. Not because I feel like it, but because He is worthy of it. John 4:24 "God is spirit and His worshipers must worship Him in spirit and truth." Yes, the time has come. I ...we MUST worship Him.

This past weekend I got hit by a two ton depression truck. Although I don't get hit with depression like I used to and when I do it doesn't last for long periods, when it does come, I become immobile. I saw it coming, I knew that the trigger was there and so I prepared as best I could, but when Saturday came, my body shut down. The pain of depression was deep in my bones and I was out of commission. I kinda felt like David when he cried out to God and said "I am poured out like water and all my bones are out of joint." That would be the biblical response yet as I pressed through Saturday, some of the whining that got through the filter of my brain sounded a bit more garbled.

These are the instances where I again thank the Lord for my husband who has walked along side me through so much, who knows just the right things to say. So he said "honey just rest today because tomorrow, you are going to get up out of that bed and do the things that you are suppose to do." He allowed a day of rest for my body and at the same time would not allow me to rest in my self and self pity. I praise God for a man like him. Here is a shout out to my husband, Bob..."I Love you!"

When I woke up Sunday morning, I barely made it out of bed and to church where I was to sing on the worship team. There was nothing in my flesh that felt like singing, there was nothing in my flesh that felt like leading people in worship, YET there I was hearing God say, "you worship me, not just when you feel like it, You worship me because I am worthy." And so, although my flesh was weak, my spirit responded by taking myself out of it and looking solely at His face, the face of my Lord.

Worship is not the few hours I give on Sunday, Worship that pleases the Lord is this..."In view of God's mercy, ..offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-THIS is your spiritual act of worship" ~Romans 12:1. Did I want to go early to church on Sunday, did I want to stand in front of the congregation tired and weary, did I want to muster up every last bit of energy that I had just to open my mouth and sing? Did I? Either way, crucifying self, offering my body to him in as a sacrifice is what pleases him. There are those days where the sacrifice burns a little more than others. Sunday was one of those days for me. I worship Him because He is worthy.

I heard on the radio yesterday Alistair Begg talking about worship and he quoted a Puritan writer who wrote something like this.....when we do receive or benefit anything as we worship Him who is worthy, It's like flowers being picked by a soldier along the road of duty. The soldier didn't set out to pick the flowers, he just benefited because He was following the orders of his fathers. That's how I feel so many times. I worship God because He is worth every ounce of my being, yet what a blessing I receive along the way, not because I am setting out for the blessing, but because my father whose orders I strive to follow sings and rejoices over me and blesses my heart with joy and peace.

I just have to say again how thankful I am for God's grace and mercy in my life, for continual forgiveness as I stumble through life, for His righteousness, His love, His peace and the sacrifice that His son Jesus Christ made on the cross which has saved me from eternal punishment. Thank You God for faith in Jesus Christ to cover all my sins through His death and resurrection.

And here I am this day, back, out of the sadness with my body and mind fully restored. My husband said to me yesterday "Welcome back, honey!" Good to be out of the pit, good to know that God is good even while I was in the pit. God is just good all the time!!

Holding Nothing Back

Acts 20: 36-38

"I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me" Acts 20:23~



Yet, Paul still goes. I think that my natural inclination would be that if the Spirit was warning me of great hardship and prison, I might interpret that as "DON'T GO!" But here is Paul saying that "He considers his life worth nothing" and his only value is in the goal to "finish the task that the Lord Jesus gave him, the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace."

I think of how greatly I fall short. I think of how many times I go out of my way to avoid hardship because "the Lord doesn't want me to feel pain, right?" But the truth is that He calls me to suffer for the sake of the Gospel. Not suffer for the sake of my comfort, but suffer so that I might finish the task set be fore me which is to testify to the Gospel of God's grace.



2 Timothy 1:7-9 "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace."

I pray for myself and for you who read this that we might, that I might, take the call, the command so seriously and like Paul, hold nothing back for the sake and joy of the Gospel. May we dare to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.



1 Thessalonians 2:2
"We had previously suffered and been treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition."

Toilets

Today, I thought that God would understand if I skipped devotions. I even thanked Him for understanding. Seriously, My parents are flying in today, I have to clean the house make new room sleeping arrangements, get to the store, pick up kids from baseball and school. God is understanding of all this.....Yet, as I got down on my knees, scrubbing the toilet, I remembered where He really wants me.....On my knees. Thank You Lord for stopping me.....off to devote my time to you, seriously He has given me 24 hours in each day, all the rest will get done.

Matthew 6:33 "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well"

Peace~Philippians 4:7

There is a peace that exceeds my understanding and His kind of peace keeps and guards my heart and my mind in Christ Jesus.

That makes this soldier want to press on.

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Decrease ME or Increase YOU

Return

God has been hitting me with a lot of Stuff today. I praised Him today for His Word. I praised Him today that His word is actually alive, that it actually pierces through bone and marrow, that it actually cuts opens and reveals the darkness and exposes it to light. I praised Him for His Word in my life and for showing me where I am weak even though I pretend to be strong.

Today when I read this scripture from Jeremiah 3, I saw myself. While I may not be a prostitute walking the streets, how many times have I been guilty of using my gifts for unworthy purposes or sitting by waiting for things of this world to fill me, neglecting the true power of His Word; neglecting and living out the fact that HE IS ENOUGH!

I have been guilty of defiling what He has given me, doing wrong, knowing full well He sees me and sees my heart. I have acted as though I can be disobedient and still expect the heavens to pour down on me. I have had unrepentant, unashamed sin in my life and kept quiet when I see it in the lives of those I love. Today I praised God for making things clear.

Today I am reminded that the floodgates of heaven are opened not because of what I have done or not done, but because of what He has done. I am reminded that each and every time I fail, He delights for me to return. He delights to call me His child. He delights in blessing me. My Father delights in me.

Thank you God for what Your son, Jesus Christ did. Thank You that He made it possible to return, to confess and to receive forgiveness. Thank you, that through your power, I can live a life of repentance and walk in grace and mercy. Thank you that I can speak of your love to the lost.

This is the song I wrote today

Return, oh return
Return, return, oh return

Sittin by the road side you sat waitin'
Waiting for your lovers to come by
You defiled the land with your prostitution
and your wickedness right before my eyes
But He declares.....

Return, oh return
Return, return, oh return

Therefore the showers have been held back
and no spring rains falling down, down, down
You have that brazen look of a prostitute
You refuse to blush, no shame, no shame, no shame
but God says......

Return, oh return
Return, return, oh return

How gladly I will call you child
How gladly will I give you this land, this nation
Just return, oh return
Return, return, oh return

Just a Thought~Romans 12:1-2

I think what struck me in all it's simplicity today when I was reading and praying about Romans 12:1-2 "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's perfect will is-His good,pleasing and perfect will", is that it is so simple.

How many times do we ask what is God's will for us in our life and talk of our struggles in knowing His will because life is so complicated and there are so many variables. I think the answer could be, often. But here it seems so simple. If I do not conform to the pattern of the world and renew my mind with His word, so becoming transformed, THEN, I will be able to test and approve God's good, pleasing and PERFECT will.

So, walk with Christ, let His Word transform me and renew my mind so that I can test and confirm, and then I will know. Seems so easy, yet maybe the lack of daily renewal, the tiptoeing in the pattern of the world, and forgetting to test and approve what His will is, makes God's instruction appear more difficult than it is.

Just a thought running through my heart and mind today. Lord, be with us this day that we might daily, hourly and moment by moment be transformed and renew are hearts and minds through your word, so that we will know Your perfect will in our lives. God you are great and worthy of all our honor. I am humbled by your grace over my life and the lives of those you love. Amen!!!

Remedy: Remember

Jeremiah 2:13 "My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and they have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water."

It seems that so many of my struggles today come from the same two sins. When I forsake God, when I forget that He is sovereign over every detail of my life, that He holds this whole world in the palm of His hand, when I forget that He knows the plans He has for me and that they are good, when I forget the passion I once had for him, when I forsake speaking to Him about every detail of my life, when I forsake Him, I fall into sin. I fall into doubt. I fall into worry and most of all, I fall into forgetfulness.

Then there are moments of my life when I too dig my own cisterns, my own vessels to carry the living water. I may do this by putting my trust in someone else, in something else. I may run to others first instead of running to the true Spring of Living Water. The vessels that I build out of my own resources crack and fade and lead me to disappointment, frustration and forgetfulness of the One True God, the True Living Water, the one who has no cracks, my Savior and Lord.

Sadly, sometimes I can walk through month like this. I have walked this way, in the past, sometimes for years. As of late, it may be day, a week, or even a moment. Yet, even in those moments it is a still painful reality, a painful memory. It's the pain of the shame of forgetting, but it's a shame that turns me back to the One, the source of all strength, the Bread of Life, the water for my soul.

"The only remedy for forgetting is to remember." What a joy to remember daily what He has done. What a joy to speak of His love for us that caused Him to send His only son to be sin for us, His son, who knew no sin so that we should be called righteous and holy. What pure joy to remember that I am white as snow, even though my sins are as scarlet. What a joy to remember that through faith in Jesus Christ my sins are as far as the east is from the west. What a joy to remember that I am redeemed. Oh to remember and never forget.

What a joy to remember that My Lord sings over me and quites me with His love. What a joy to remember that He is my strength when I am weary, that he is my strong tower and that I, being righteous, can run to Him and I am safe. What a joy to remember that He loves me.

What a joy to remember that he remembers me first and will never leave me or forsake me. What a joy to remember that His love knows no bounds. what a joy to remember that He first loved me and calls me His own and has made me an heir to His kingdom and that His kingdom will know no end. What a joy to remember that His mercies are new every morning and that I am a new creation in Christ Jesus. What a joy to know that He is coming soon.

Who would ever want to forget theses things. Lord Jesus, help me to never forget. Thank you for your love and your faithfulness. To You be all glory, honor and praise, AMEN!!

Main Topic~GOD!

Habakkuk 3:1-6

1 A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet. On shigionoth.
2 LORD, I have heard of your fame;
I stand in awe of your deeds, LORD.
Repeat them in our day,
in our time make them known;
in wrath remember mercy.

What a way to start a prayer~acknowledging His fame, acknowledging that He is the topic of all our praise as we stand back in awe and wonder of who He is. Lest we forget, God make Yourself know and remind us by all means necessary. Wow!

3 God came from Teman,
the Holy One from Mount Paran.
His glory covered the heavens
and his praise filled the earth.

His Praise! God is the topic, the main point of our praise. What else is there to boast about, surely nothing in me except my weaknesses, as Paul says, that once again really boast of the Lord's strength. He IS the topic of the Praise of our lips.

4 His splendor was like the sunrise;
rays flashed from his hand,
where his power was hidden.

What a picture of magnificence. Rays flashing from His hands as the glory of the Lord rises among us like a brilliant sunrise coming out of nowhere, hidden no more. FLASH~BANG! There He is!!

5 Plague went before him;
pestilence followed his steps.
6 He stood, and shook the earth;
he looked, and made the nations tremble.

I'm trying to imagine how a mere look, a mere glance in my direction from the Lord can cause the nations to tremble. Who is this God? How Mighty is His name! Who is there in Heaven, but You, Oh Lord? Where can I go that you will not see me, where can I hide?...No where! You are there! Who is this King of Glory? God Almighty is the topic of my praise!!

The ancient mountains crumbled
and the age-old hills collapsed—
but he marches on forever.

Oh Lord, Heaven and earth may pass away, but the name of the Lord marches on forever. He will not fade away. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. Yet my prayer and hope is that in my life, and the lives of all of you, day after day, He would grow brighter in our eyes and that we would grow in knowledge and understanding and most of all, awe of Him. May God be the topic of our praise. May God be on our lips. May His goodness be evident and march on though this world wastes away. May God be the topic of all praise. GOD BE PRAISED! I can't say it enough. God be praised!