Psalm 139:13-14; Romans 12:2; Ephesians 2:10 - "He Knows My Name"

I woke up this morning singing Francesca Battistelli's song "He Knows My Name" and wondered what the Lord wanted me to get from it.  As I took a look at the lyrics I thought about how many people feel "…less than perfect…" in the world's eyes yet their Heavenly Father sees them as being exactly what He wants of them. The world sees flaws in our bodies where the Lord sees us as being a creation of His doing. The world sees our downfalls yet the Lord sees our trials that develop perseverance in our character. 

I found this interview with Francesca interesting…

This is one of my favorite songs on the album. I think it is so fun. It is so timely and so needed in this generation. For me, I know my whole life I have struggled with believing what other people say about me. To listen to the voices of the world in our culture and people in general, whether it is good or bad, I put too much stock in what other people think and say about me. At the end of the day, it really doesn't matter.

The fact that the God of the universe--Who created every atom on this planet and every star in the sky--knows my name and calls me by name, and even named me, there's such a power in knowing and understanding what that means. For me, it's an anthem, and I really hope this song can become that for young women and young men, everyone from kids to grandparents.

We all need to be reminded that God calls us forgiven, chosen, wanted and loved. That's the inspiration behind the song, wanting to get that out there and remind people that the name that matters is the one that God gives us.

It is a song that talks about how when you look in the mirror and think you wouldn't choose yourself, and about the insecurities we all have. That's a common and universal feeling that we all have, as we wonder why God would call us or use us or name us. For me, especially, the song plays on what I do for a living: "I don't need my name in lights I'm famous in my Father's eyes."

Even in this job that I have, this song reminds me that no matter how I did today as a Christian, that's not what it is about. Rather than think about how I am ministering the Gospel or beating myself up and wonder why God is using me at all, the good thing is that it doesn't matter.

God can use anybody who is available to Him. I can't do any of this in my own strength. He brought me here, and He gets the glory. That applies no matter what you do in life. This song is about celebrating what God calls us. He calls us loved and forgiven and chosen and free and beautiful. He knows our names. There really is something amazing about that. If you think about the billions of people on earth and everything God has created, it is amazing how He specifically knows you by name and He loves you so much. I hope people feel encouraged when they hear it. 

Romans 12:2 (The Voice): "Do not allow this world to mold you in its own image. Instead, be transformed from the inside out by renewing your mind. As a result, you will be able to discern what God wills and whatever God finds good, pleasing, and complete."

I think about the video Doc showed last Sunday with God chiseling away the stuff that didn't belong in the one man. He got rid of different aspects that didn't belong, lust, anger…different things. If God created us and lives in us, then how can we have those things in us? Plain and simple. He gives us free choice. The ways of the world come into our lives in the blink of an eye. We must be on our guard against that happening. In order to stay pure, we must be able to hear the Lord's voice. We must live out Ephesians 2:10. For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we cab do the good things He planned for us long ago.

Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the reminder this morning that You created me to be just who I am. You created me to look like I do. You call "…me chosen, free forgiven, wanted, child of the King…" I love the lyrics that go, "His forever, held in treasure..I am loved…" Woo hoo! I feel so special in Your eyes, Lord. I may not be seen as special in people's eyes but that doesn't matter. What does matter is that I stay in relationship with You in such a way that not only do I hear Your voice but I follow Your lead. Father, in order for that to happen I know I must have more of You and less of me. That is my daily prayer. Lord, direct my steps today to go where You so desire. I pray for Your words to flow from my lips. Lord, You know what is on the calendar today but please keep me aware of any chances to be You to people today. Give me what I need to minister to this family who has lost their loved one. Thank You Jesus for being My Creator. Amen.

Luke 10:19; Psalm 34 - "Alive In Us"

I love the words to the song "Alive In Us" and am so blessed every time I sing it. I especially get blessed with the part that goes…

The enemy is under Your feet
We are free...We are free
Death has been defeated by love
You overcome
You overcome

When Jesus sent out the seventy-two in Luke 10, He gave them authority to stand up against the enemy. Verse nineteen reads, "Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you." Matthew Henry writes about this verse...All our victories over Satan, are obtained by power derived from Jesus Christ, and he must have all the praise. 

The song continues…

In everything
Be exalted
In everything
Be exalted
One of the the reasons the Lord died and rose again was so we could have victory in our lives. Victory in the sense that we can live for Him and be empowered to stand up against the enemy. His desire is for us to stand firm in our faith even when life gets tough. Psalm 34 encourages us to praise Him no matter what comes our way. Verse seventeen encourages us that when we cry out to the Lord He hears us. It doesn't mean He will always answer our prayers in the manner we would like but we have the assurance that He hears us and will answer us in the best manner for our situation. Verse nineteen promises us when we live a righteous life He will deliver us. 

1 I will extol the Lord at all times;
    his praise will always be on my lips.
2 I will glory in the Lord;
    let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
3 Glorify the Lord with me;
    let us exalt his name together.

4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me;
    he delivered me from all my fears.
5 Those who look to him are radiant;
    their faces are never covered with shame.
6 This poor man called, and the Lord heard him;
    he saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him,
    and he delivers them.

8 Taste and see that the Lord is good;
    blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.
9 Fear the Lord, you his holy people,
    for those who fear him lack nothing.
10 The lions may grow weak and hungry,
    but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.
11 Come, my children, listen to me;
    I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
12 Whoever of you loves life
    and desires to see many good days,
13 keep your tongue from evil
    and your lips from telling lies.
14 Turn from evil and do good;
    seek peace and pursue it.

15 The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
    and his ears are attentive to their cry;
16 but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil,
    to blot out their name from the earth.

17 The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them;
    he delivers them from all their troubles.
18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
    and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

19 The righteous person may have many troubles,
    but the Lord delivers him from them all;
20 he protects all his bones,
    not one of them will be broken.

21 Evil will slay the wicked;
    the foes of the righteous will be condemned.
22 The Lord will rescue his servants;
    no one who takes refuge in him will be condemned.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for these words today to encourage me. Father, I do want to praise Your Holy Name for always hearing me when I cry out to You. I praise You for being the One who knows what is best for me. I also praise You for the way You use my circumstances to encourage others. Father, You are so awesome! It is so wonderful to know You go before me to take care of me. Lord, Your death and resurrection enables me to live a life where I do not have to fear the enemy but instead can call out to You to get him out of my life. Woo hoo! Thank You Jesus! Father, today I am claiming Your authority and power to trample the enemy down. Thank You Jesus for being My Authority Against The Evil One. Amen.

Psalm 24 - "King of Glory"

The Lord woke me up with the thought to read Psalm 24. As I read it, I thought of Third Day's song "King of Glory" and was so blessed.

1 The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it,
    the world, and all who live in it;
2 for he founded it on the seas
    and established it on the waters.

3 Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord?
    Who may stand in his holy place?
4 The one who has clean hands and a pure heart,
    who does not trust in an idol
    or swear by a false god.

5 They will receive blessing from the Lord
    and vindication from God their Savior.
6 Such is the generation of those who seek him,
    who seek your face, God of Jacob.

7 Lift up your heads, you gates;
    be lifted up, you ancient doors,
    that the King of glory may come in.
8 Who is this King of glory?
    The Lord strong and mighty,
    the Lord mighty in battle.
9 Lift up your heads, you gates;
    lift them up, you ancient doors,
    that the King of glory may come in.
10 Who is he, this King of glory?
    The Lord Almighty—
    he is the King of glory.

There is so much hope in these verses for those who accept the Lord and live for Him. I love the words from verse seven to the end which describe this King of Glory. Matthew Henry describes these verses:

The splendid entry here described, refers to the solemn bringing in of the ark into the tent David pitched for it, or the temple Solomon built for it. We may also apply it to the ascension of Christ into heaven, and the welcome given to him there. Our Redeemer found the gates of heaven shut, but having by his blood made atonement for sin, as one having authority, he demanded entrance. The angels were to worship him, Hebrews 1:6: they ask with wonder, Who is he? It is answered, that he is strong and mighty; mighty in battle to save his people, and to subdue his and their enemies. We may apply it to Christ's entrance into the souls of men by his word and Spirit, that they may be his temples. Behold, he stands at the door, and knocks, Revelation 3:20. The gates and doors of the heart are to be opened to him, as possession is delivered to the rightful owner. We may apply it to his second coming with glorious power. Lord, open the everlasting door of our souls by thy grace, that we may now receive thee, and be wholly thine; and that, at length, we may be numbered with thy saints in glory.

I get the Holy Spirit goosebumps as I read these words. To think about how the Lord ascended on high and entered into heaven to be with our Heavenly Father in order to abide with Him…woo hoo! I love the word picture of people accepting Him into their lives in order so they can abide in heaven too. When we leave this earth, the gates of heaven will be opened to us IF we have allowed our hearts to be opened to the Lord. But once again I think about how asking Him into our heart is not enough. We must live for Him and truly allow Him full reign. That last sentence of Matthew Henry's is the greatest prayer anyone could ever pray. 

Lord, open the everlasting door of our souls by thy grace, that we may now receive thee, and be wholly thine; and that, at length, we may be numbered with thy saints in glory.

I am so blessed with the knowledge that not only have I accepted Him into my heart but have fully surrendered to Him. I have confidence when I pass through the gate of death I will be with the saints in glory. Who is this King of Glory to me? He is the One and Only Lord of my life who has my full surrender.

His name is Jesus
Precious Jesus
The Lord Almighty
The King of my heart
The King of Glory

Dear Jesus,

I praise You for being who You are in my life. I praise You for loving me, forgiving me, dying for me, using me, speaking to me…the list goes on and on. Father, I pray for those who don't have the confidence of heaven after death. Lord, put someone before them who will say or do something to change their hearts. Father, I pray for more of You and less of me in order to be able to do Your will in the most effective manner. Lord, I pray today for some serious situations in people's lives. I pray for the one and his family in Hospice…give them Your strength and peace in these tough days. I pray for the one who has found lumps and going for her mammogram today…once again I ask for Your peace to come down upon her. I pray for the little guy and his family who continue the battle of physical issues…may Your healing touch and Your peace be upon them. Father, You know the things I am dealing with in my body and I pray for Your strength to be so very real to me today. Lord thank You, once again, for being who You are in my life. I praise Your Holy Name for all that You do to guide me. Thank You Jesus for being My King of Glory.  Amen.

Matthew 21:22 - "Jesus He Loves Me"

Once again I woke up to Chris Tomlin's song "Jesus He Loves Me" and feel so blessed. One part goes…

I stepped out of the dark
And into the light
When He called my name

The angels are rejoicing with the death from this earth of another believer. His story of when he stepped out of the dark was unique. The Lord spoke to his heart through the healing of one of his dear precious cats. He had no one so his cats were his only family. One become seriously ill and the vet told him it had little time. The man did not believe in God but had been given a Bible. He began to read and came across the words of Jesus in Matthew 21:22, "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." I will never forget him telling me his story and the tears flowing down his cheeks. He laid hands on his cat and told the Lord if he would heal his cat, he would follow Him. The Lord spoke very clearly and told him He would have six more years with his cat. Immediately the cat jumped up and started running around which was truly a miracle since it hadn't moved or ate much for a couple days. He called the vet back to check the cat and the vet had no answers. From that point on this man read his Bible faithfully and served the Lord. A cool part of the story was that he did have six more years with his cat! I will never forget his story. 

The Lord calls us in different ways BUT He does call us. I am forever grateful for the ways He calls me each and every day. He not only calls me to me His servant but most importantly He calls me to be holy. That is a hard concept for some but what a blessing when you finally understand it!

When one follows the Lord and does His will, they will be happy in the sense they will know what His blessings fully are. He blesses in such amazing ways when we live a life of surrender. He gives us things we can't even comprehend. And it's all because He loves us.

And it was a fire
Deep in my soul
I'll never be the same

Woo hoo! Praise the Lord for change! I don't ever want to go back to living for self instead of living for the Lord. I don't ever want to go back to being content with just living when I now know what living a surrendered life is. I hear people say, "But it's not easy living for the Lord." I disagree. I agree it isn't easy when we try to live part of the time for Him and part of the time for self and the world. But it is definitely easy when one totally surrenders everything to Him. The thing we must remember is that everything is already His…we just have to allow Him to have total access to it.

Dear Jesus, 
Thank You for this song that reminds me of Your love. Thank You for this one who is rejoicing with You in heaven. Thank You for the manner You grabbed his heart through his pet. Lord, You are so awesome. I pray for more hearts to be grabbed by You. I pray for more believers to let go of their selfish ways and allow You full control. Father, speak to people in whatever way works for them. Use me, Father, to be Your mouthpiece to draw others to a surrendered life. Lord, I know it will take more of You and less of me in order for that to happen. I want to be blessed by seeing fruit come from my life. The desire of my heart is to see more people come not only to know You but to live a 24/7 life with You. Woo hoo! Thank You Jesus! Lord, You know the day that is ahead for me. You also know the way I am feeling physically, mentally and emotionally. I pray for a blessing of Your strength over me. I pray for the Holy Spirit to not only be my Guide today but to be my Strength. Thank You Jesus for being the One to Love Me.  Amen.

Psalm 139:7-12 - "Jesus He Loves Me"

I woke up this morning singing Chris Tomlin's song "Jesus He Loves Me" and felt so blessed with the reminder that He loves me. Not only does He love me but He loves me enough to die for me. He loves me enough to guide my steps each and every day. That's exciting! I watched a video with Tomlin talking about this song. He brought up these words from the song...

I couldn't run, couldn't run from His presence
I couldn't run, couldn't run from His arms

The most exciting part about being in relationship with the Lord is that not only does He love me but most importantly He is with me 24/7. Psalm 139:7-12 reads...

Where can I go from your Spirit?
    Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
    if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
    if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
    your right hand will hold me fast.
11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
    and the light become night around me,”
12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;
    the night will shine like the day,
    for darkness is as light to you.

I like the words of Matthew Henry about this passage…

We cannot see God, but he can see us. The psalmist did not desire to go from the Lord. Whither can I go? In the most distant corners of the world, in heaven, or in hell, I cannot go out of thy reach. No veil can hide us from God; not the thickest darkness. No disguise can save any person or action from being seen in the true light by him. Secret haunts of sin are as open before God as the most open villanies. On the other hand, the believer cannot be removed from the supporting, comforting presence of his Almighty Friend. 

I love that. "…the supporting, comforting presence of his Almighty Friend."  Woo hoo! No matter what we are going through His presence is a comfort to us. I use to think I was in His presence because I tried to do everything I was "suppose to do" and live the life I thought was "good." But when I realized "good" was good enough I began living a true life in His Presence. When I began to experience living not only within His reach but in His reach, life changed drastically. I think the most important change for me came in the area of hearing His voice. It is through hearing His voice that I find direction. It is through following that direction that I find peace.

Dear Jesus,
I pray for more of You and less of me in order to do Your will. I am so grateful for the way You love me!  Lord, today I continue to pray for little Lucas…for a healing in his body…for strength for his family. Lord, put someone before them that will be You to them. Father, I also pray for my friend who has found a lump in her breast. I pray for You to be so very real to her during this time of waiting on going for her mammogram. I ask that You give doctors wisdom but most importantly Lord, I pray for this to be nothing…no cancer. I praise You for her faith in You. May Your peace come down upon her. Bless her with the knowledge that You are there with her, no matter what the outcome. Thank You Jesus for being The One To Love Me. Amen.