Saturday's Stop and Reflect ~ Psalms 51:10

This Week's Scripture for June 24 - June 30, 2012



Nuggets of Reflection:

• Create means to be fashion anew. Let God do a new thing in your heart.
• Strip away the old, hard areas of my heart so that the new can come to surface.
• When God creates something, He changes the order of it.
• God is in the business of creating, transforming, restoring, and cleaning.
• What God did for David in Psalm 51, He can do it for you.

Psalm 51
Be merciful to me, O God,
because of your constant love.
Because of your great mercy
wipe away my sins!
Wash away all my evil
and make me clean from my sin!


I recognize my faults;
I am always conscious of my sins.
I have sinned against you—only against you—
and done what you consider evil.
 So you are right in judging me;
you are justified in condemning me.
I have been evil from the day I was born;
from the time I was conceived, I have been sinful.


Sincerity and truth are what you require;
fill my mind with your wisdom.
Remove my sin, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
 Let me hear the sounds of joy and gladness;
and though you have crushed me and broken me,
I will be happy once again.
Close your eyes to my sins
and wipe out all my evil.

Create a pure heart in me, O God,
and put a new and loyal spirit in me.
Do not banish me from your presence;
do not take your holy spirit away from me. Give me again the joy that comes from your salvation,
and make me willing to obey you.
Then I will teach sinners your commands,
and they will turn back to you.


Spare my life, O God, and save me,
and I will gladly proclaim your righteousness.
Help me to speak, Lord,
and I will praise you.

You do not want sacrifices,
or I would offer them;
You are not pleased with burnt offerings.
My sacrifice is a humble spirit, O God;
You will not reject a humble and repentant heart.

O God, be kind to Zion and help her;
rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
Then you will be pleased with proper sacrifices
and with our burnt offerings;
and bulls will be sacrificed on your altar.
(gnt)

Feel Free Friday ~ Try Something New

It's Friday....Friday....Friday!! Woo Whoo!! I love Fridays!! Don't you?? This week theme is based on Psalms 51:10, which is about God creating you a clean heart. In my Manic Monday post from this week, I mentioned that the word create also means to fashion anew. And that is exactly what I want you to feel free to do. I want you to feel free to try something new or find something you really enjoy doing, but haven't done in a long time.



I'm not sure how the weather is in your neck of the woods, but in SC it is somewhat hot. The weather for this weekend will fall between 100 - 105 degrees; And that is not including the heat index. YIKES!! However, I am not going to let the weather stop from having a good time this weekend; An you shouldn't either.

If you not quite sure of what you should do, I have a few suggestions.

A Picnic - Pick a nice shady, comfortable area; where you can relax and take in the scenery around you. Don't forget to pacy your favorite sweet treats. There's nothing wrong with indulging...a little bit.


Bike Riding - Not only it's great exercise, it's a great way to relieve stress. Besides, you will probably be so focus on how much your legs are hurting that you won't have the time to think about anything else.


Go to the beach - The best time to go the beach (in my opinion) is early in the morning or late in the evening around 6 pm, especially when the sun is about to set. If you are not a beach person but loves the water, take a swim in the pool. If you don't have a pool of your own, try going to a public pool in your community.

A nature walk - There is nothin like a nice brisk walk. You don't have to power walk, just stroll along and take in the ambiance around you. Take the time to stop a smell the flowers, look up at the beautiful sky every now then, and listen to the birds sing.

Now if you are not exactly an outside person or if the weather won't permit you to go outside, you can still have just as much fun on the inside. For instance, you can play video games with the family. Nowadays, they make video games so that adults and even the whole family can enjoy. You can even watch your favorite DVD movie, make special snacks with your children, or even play charades.

Whatever it is, just find something new and fun to do. With a new and clean heart created by God, you should start having a new leash on life. Enjoy your weekend!!

Quench Your Thirst Thursday ~ Create In Me A Clean Heart By: Keith Green

On today's Quench Your Thirst Thursday, I chose a traditional type worship song. And I thought it would go great with this week's theme. Normally, I would post the lyrics following the video. However, the lyrics are in the video and very simple.


It is "Create In Me A Clean Heart" sung by Keith Green. I pray that this song is a blessing to you.

"When God's people begin to praise

and worship Him using the Biblical methods

He gives, the Power of His presence

comes among His people in an

even greater measure."

-Graham Truscott

Wisdom Word Wednesday ~ Can These Bones Live??

This Wisdom Word Wednesday is going to be a bit different. Normally, I will post a passage from the book of Proverbs. However, God is taken me in another direction. But I will conclude my post with a scripture from Proverbs.


This week's theme is based on Psalm 51:10.



Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.  
By the power of the Holy Spirit, God can transform your old dried up heart into a new one. Jesus died so that we may live. He sent us a Helper, a Comforter to show us how we can receive strength and freshness in the dry, weary area of our lives. This can happen when we allow God to create a new and improved dwelling place for His Spirit.

Ezekiel 37:1-14
The hand of the Lord came upon me and brought me out in the Spirit of the Lord, and set me down in the midst of the valley; and it was full of bones. Then He caused me to pass by them all around, and behold, there were very many in the open valley; and indeed they were very dry. And He said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?”
So I answered, “O Lord God, You know.”

Again He said to me, “Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, ‘O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! Thus says the Lord God to these bones: “Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live. I will put sinews on you and bring flesh upon you, cover you with skin and put breath in you; and you shall live. Then you shall know that I am the Lord.”’”

So I prophesied as I was commanded; and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and suddenly a rattling; and the bones came together, bone to bone. Indeed, as I looked, the sinews and the flesh came upon them, and the skin covered them over; but there was no breath in them.

Also He said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.”’”  So I prophesied as He commanded me, and breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great army.

Then He said to me, “Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They indeed say, ‘Our bones are dry, our hope is lost, and we ourselves are cut off!’ Therefore prophesy and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “Behold, O My people, I will open your graves and cause you to come up from your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. Then you shall know that I am the Lord, when I have opened your graves, O My people, and brought you up from your graves. I will put My Spirit in you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I, the Lord, have spoken it and performed it,” says the Lord.’”

If God is able to bring life to a valley of dry bones, do you not think He can bring new life to the dead and dry areas of yours. You have to believe it and receive it in the name of Jesus!! So, can these bones live? Yes, they can!! Can God create in you a clean heart?? YES, HE CAN!! Amen and Amen!!!




"The generous will prosper; those who
refresh others will themselves be refreshed."
(Proverbs 11:25)

Tuesday's Prayer ~ Create and Renew

Dear Heavenly Father,


Thank you for being the God of my salvation, the God of restoration, and the God of all creation. You are an amazing God. I repent for the times that I did not represent You as I should have. Just as David prayed, I ask that You "create in me a clean heart and renew a steadfast spirit in me". Strip away the old, hard areas of my heart so that the new can come to surface.




There is nothing too hard for you. I want to live a life that is pleasing in your sight. I want to be the representative you had called me to be in the name of Jesus. You are an amazing God. As I go through the process of transforming from the old to the new, I know it will not be easy. Yet, I will praise and worship you for all the work You have done, are doing, and will do on the inside of me. You are God alone and more than able to do the exceedlingly, abundantly far above more than I can ever ask or think. I thank You and praise You....in the mighty and glorious name of Jesus I pray. Amen.



  

Manic Monday ~ Create

As always, I hope everyone had a splendid weekend. Even though the weather was a wee bit hot in good ol' South Carolina, it was nice. I was able to spend some extra time with one of my sisters in Christ. Then, soaked in an awesome service at church on Sunday. It was great!!


Anywho, it's time to talk about today's Manic Monday. This week's theme is based on Psalm 51:10, "Create in me a clean heart, O God; And renew a steadfast spirit within me." I love, love, love this scripture. We are going to focus on CREATE.


Create ~(Hebrew: bara; #1254)- means to create,
shape, form; to shape, fashion anew, create
(always with God as subject) of heaven and earth,
of individual man, of new conditions
and circumstances; and of transformations

Create in Psalms 51:10 refers to the same one used in Genesis 1:1. When God creates something, He changes the order of it. God changes the old into new, weak into strong, from death to life, bondage into freedom, brokeness into wholeness, and so much more.

In Psalms 51:10, David was not just asking for a clean heart, but a new and improve heart; where his steadfast (firmly established) spirit can dwell. A new heart is a pure heart.


"Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them." (Ezekiel 36:25-27)
 
In reference to Ezekiel 36:25-27, I read this note in my New Spirit Filled Life Bible and thought I would share it with you because it so true to the point.


"Receive forgiveness and cleansing from the Lord.  Give Him every area of your heart that has become hardened and receive a new heart and a new spirit.  Yield to the Lord. Ask Him to transform your heart and your life today."  
Only God can create a new you and transform your heart. God is the Master of all creations.


Scripture References:
"Then I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within them,[a] and take the stony heart out of their flesh, and give them a heart of flesh," (Ezekiel 11:19)


"Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O house of Israel?" (Ezekiel 18:31)


"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."
(2 Corinthians 5:17)

Sunday Scripture Reading ~ Psalms 51:10

Can you believe that today (June 24) is the last Sunday of this month? This is the last official week of June. Next Sunday will literally be the first day of July. WOW!! Is that something or what?!? Let's get started...shall we? This week's scripture is from one of my favorite Psalms that I read very often.



Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me. (Psalms 51:10)



This is one of mt favorite scripture. Psalm 51 is known as the Prayer of Repentance.
Verse 10 always seem to stick out and capture my attention. It's comforting to me because it reassures me that I don't have to stay in my junk. When certain things such as issues, emotions, or etc., that are not healthy for my relationship with God or contradicts who I am (my Christian values and characteristics) in Christ, all I have to do is ask God to wash and cleanse my heart of such things.


As we progress with the Psalm 51:10, I pray that it is a blessing to you. Enjoy your Sunday.







Other Bible Translations for Psalm 51:10

Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
(niv)


Create in me a clean heart, O God.
Renew a loyal spirit within me.
(nlt)


Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right, persevering,
and steadfast spirit within me.
(amp)


Create pure thoughts in me
and make me faithful again.
(cev)

Saturday's Stop and Reflect ~ Psalm 119:105-112

It's that time again. We are wrapping up another great week in God's word. It's officially summer, so I hope everyone is having a blast. Just remember everywhere you go..."LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE!"

This week's scripture June 17 - June 23, 2012

Nuggets of Reflection:

• Let your light shine. It's okay
• We are a reflection of God's glory.
• Letting your light shine allows people to see the goodness of Jesus in your heart.
• Jesus said, "We are the light of the world."
• Refuse to let anything come between you and God's glory reflecting in your life.

Psalms 119:105-112
By your words I can see where I'm going;
they throw a beam of light on my dark path.
I've committed myself and I'll never turn back
from living by your righteous order.

Everything's falling apart on me, God;
put me together again with your Word.
Festoon me with your finest sayings, God;
teach me your holy rules.

My life is as close as my own hands
but I don't forget what you have revealed.
The wicked do their best to throw me off track,
but I don't swerve an inch from your course.

I inherited your book on living; it's mine forever—
what a gift! And how happy it makes me!
I concentrate on doing exactly what you say—
I always have and always will.
(msg)

Feel Free Friday ~ Let Your Light Shine Images

We are almost to the very end of this week's theme ~ "Let Your Light Shine" based on Matthew 5:16. For this Feel Free Friday, I decided to share various images based on "Letting Your Shine". It's cool how each image is different from the other; Yet, they have the same meaning. All images were found through google search.

---

"We need less posturing and more genuine charisma. Charisma was originally a religious term, meaning "of the spirit" or "inspired." It's about letting God's light shine through us. It's about a sparkle in people that money can't buy. It's an invisible energy with visible effects. To let go, to just love, is not to fade into the wallpaper. Quite the contrary, it's when we truly become bright. We're letting our own light shine.” ~ Marianne Williamson

Quench Your Thirst Thursday ~ This Little Light of Mine Sung By: Addison Road

For this "Quench Your Thirst Thursday," we are featuring "This Little Light of Mine" sung by Addison Road. We are going to let our light shine; And we are not going to have anything or anyone put it out. God gave us this light to reflect the goodness and love of Jesus Christ. I pray that this post is a blessing to you.





Addison Road- This Little Light Of Mine Music Video
from addison-road on GodTube.


This Little Light of Mine
(Sung By: Addison Road)

There's a little flame inside us all
Some shine bright, some shine small
The rains will come and the waters rise
But don't you ever lose your light
In this life you will know Love and pain, joy and sorrow
So when it hurts, when times get hard
Don't forget whose child you are


Chorus:
This little light of mine
I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine
I'm gonna let it shine, gonna let it shine

May you live each day with no regret
Make the most of every chance you get
Let your eyes get wide when you look at the stars
With the same sense of wonder as a child's heart
With the ones you love treasure the time
And for those who are gone keep their memories alive
Hold on to your dreams don't ever let go
There's a fire inside you burning with hope


Chorus:
This little light of mine
I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine
I'm gonna let it shine, gonna let it shine


There will be days when you want to give up
When the clouds settle in
But after the rain comes the sun
Don't you ever forget



One day there will be no more pain
And we will finally see Jesus' face
So until then I'm gonna try
To brave the dark and let my little light shine


Chorus:
This little light of mine
I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine
I'm gonna let it shine, gonna let it shine
There's a little light inside us all


Read more: ADDISON ROAD - THIS LITTLE LIGHT LYRICS
http://www.metrolyrics.com/this-little-light-lyrics-addison-road.html#ixzz1ySlCEHTB
Copied from MetroLyrics.com

Wisdom Word Wednesday ~ Proverbs 1:1-7

It's officially the 3rd edition of Wisdom Word Wednesday. We are continuing this week's theme, "Letting Our Light Shine" based on Matthew 5:16. I am loving this week's theme.







We are reflectors of God's light. With that being said, we must make sure nothing comes between us and God's glorious light.





Therefore, since we have this ministry,
as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart.
But we have renounced the hidden things of shame,
not walking in craftiness nor handling the word
of God deceitfully, but by manifestation
of the truth commending ourselves to every
man’s conscience in the sight of God.
But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled
to those who are perishing, whose minds the god
of this age has blinded, who do not believe,
lest the light of the gospel of the glory
of Christ, who is the image of God, should
shine on them. For we do not preach ourselves,
but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves
your bondservants for Jesus’ sake.
For it is the God who commanded light
to shine out of darkness, who has shone
in our hearts to give the light
of the knowledge of the glory of God
in the face of Jesus Christ."
(2 Corinthians 4:1-6)


Just like God commanded the light to shine at the time of creation, He also commands the light to shine in our hearts; So that people can see who Jesus is. Many people are unable to see the goodness of Jesus Christ because they are blinded; captured in darkness.








"Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.

Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me." (Philippians 2:12-18)

We cannot conform to the world, especially since we are the light that is suppose to penetrate
the darkness of it. Jesus is the Light of the world and so are we. Please see John 8:12
and Matthew 5:14. When we reflect Jesus and His righteousness, we are reflecting His light. 
This plays a huge role in growing up in Godliness. Part of growing up is learning; And there is always something (more) to learn. That is why it is so important to get wisdom and get understanding (Proverbs 4:5). And the purpose of getting wisdom is in Proverbs 1:1-7.











The proverbs of Solomon
the son of David, king of Israel:

To know wisdom and instruction,
To perceive the words of understanding,
To receive the instruction of wisdom,
Justice, judgment, and equity;

To give prudence to the simple,
To the young man knowledge and discretion—
A wise man will hear and increase learning,
And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel,
To understand a proverb and an enigma,
The words of the wise and their riddles.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
But fools despise wisdom and instruction.



For more Wisdom Word Wednesday, click here.

Tuesday's Prayer ~ Letting My Light Shine

My Dearest Heavenly Father,


You gave your Son Jesus as an example of how we should live as Christians on this earth. Jesus said in John 8:12, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life."

As a representative of Your precious son, Jesus, I want to let my light shine so that unbelievers will see Your glory reflecting in me. Not only that, I want it to be evidence that you are the Most High and True Living God.


Teach me and show me ways that I can be a blessing to others. I do not want to be selfish and keep this light you instilled in me a secret. I want people to know how great and awesome You are. Most importantly, I want them to know that they can be part of a family where there is everlasting life and have a Father that loves you unconditionally despite of all the mistakes you made, your past, where came from, and who you are.

I pray this prayer in the mighty and holy name of Jesus. Amen.








 “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us, it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” ~ Marianne Williamson




For more Tuesday's Prayer, click here.

Manic Monday ~ Light

Singing "Just another Manic Monday!" The weather last weekend was awesome!! My family and I enjoyed as much of it as possible.  For the most part, we just hang out. Now, it's time for our regularly scheduled program. Today's Manic Monday is about light. Matthew 5:16 says that we ought to let our LIGHT shine.


The greek word for light in this scripture is:



Phos (#5457) ~ the manifestation of God's self-existent life; divine illumination to reveal and impart life, through Christ.

When we let our light shine, we are showing unbelievers that God is real. We are living proof that Jesus died on the cross for us and rose on the third day. Not only that, we should live in a way that is pleasing in God's eyes. According to Ephesians 5:8 -14, we should walk in light.

For you were once darkness,

but now you are light in the Lord.

Walk as children of light

(for the fruit of the Spirit is in all

goodness, righteousness, and truth),

finding out what is acceptable

to the Lord. And have no fellowship

 with the unfruitful works of darkness,

but rather expose them. For it is shameful

even to speak of those things

which are done by them in secret.

But all things that are exposed

are made manifest by the light,

for whatever makes manifest is light.

Therefore He says:
“Awake, you who sleep,

Arise from the dead,

And Christ will give you light.”

We must walk in the light of God. When we walk in the light, we walk in love, righteousnes, wisdom, and faith.




Scripture References:

"You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness."
(1 Thessalonians 5:5)


"Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” (John 8:12)


"Then Jesus said to them, “A little while longer the light is with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you; he who walks in darkness does not know where he is going. While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.” These things Jesus spoke, and departed, and was hidden from them." (John 12:35-36)


"For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." (2 Corinthians 4:6)




For more Manic Monday, click here.

Sunday's Scripture Reading ~ Matthew 5:16

First, let me start by saying "Happy Father's Day" to all dads out there and to all the single moms who have to be both mom and dad to their children. It's amazing how each week tends to fly by so fast. I am definitely trying my best to keep up. So, let's keep it rolling. This week scripture is.....





"Let your light so shine before men,
that they may see your good
works and glorify your
Father in heaven."
(Matthew 5:16)


We are representatives of Jesus Christ. We are to be mindful of your actions and words. For one, you never who could be watching you or listening to your conversations. As disciples of Jesus, we can't say one thing and do another when it comes to the word of God. By no means, I am saying that we have to be perfect. We are far from it. However, we must try hard to live according to God's word and let our light shine so that people can see the glory of God reflecting in us.











Other Bible Translations for Matthew 5:16:

"By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven." (msg)


"In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father." (nlt)

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." (niv)

"Let your light so shine before men that they may see your moral excellence and your praiseworthy, noble, and good deeds and recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father Who is in heaven." (amp)