This was a spontaneous post to a friend's website, but it was so full of the Lord, I knew I needed to share it here as well.
I am not layed off per say, but I will tell you I am in a time of dryness!! And I know that God desires for me to rely on Him only! I am strengthened by the revelation that if EVERYTHING were stripped away today - I would still have Jesus! And I would have lost my life in order to gain it. I have come into a deeper relationship because I have to live by His Word, and His will! Without Him I am nothing! I have to take a step back every time someone calls for money, or I don't get a phone call for more children. (that's my business) And I realize that I have everything I need. I have a car, a home, food, plenty of food, health, electricity, gas, etc. It would be nice to have money to pay my bills on time or in full! But...that is not what He wants. He is refining me so that He can USE me! Now, I pay what is going to get shut off, repossessed and is an immediate need. The money comes in, we know it does, we have it! We just have to tell the WORLD and the CREDITORS that it doesn't matter if we are late and fees are piling up because God is in control and He doesn't want you in debt to the world, He wants you in debt to Him. He needs to break all of our selfishness and greed! Isn't that great, that God loves us so much He won't leave us this way? And when the time comes, we will reap a harvest! That is the WORD! And everything that goes out of His mouth does not return empty but accomplishes what He desires! Trust me when I say, it doesn't matter. Your credit doesn't matter, your pride doesn't matter, the bank teller looking down on you doesn't matter, etc, etc, etc. I hope this encourages you - God is so amazing and will do such an amazing thing in you if you let Him refine you in this time. USE it to glorify Him and sing His praises!! Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and EVERYTHING else will be handed to you!!
One more thing...If you seek God's face, He will give you what is in His hands!
God Bless you all!
Let me know if I can pray for you!
Cortnee :)
Continuing with Christ
Good morning! I hope you are having a great Saturday. I woke up this morning to my son bringing me his toddler Bible. He said he wanted to read me something. When he opened it up he said "Jesus died on the cross...and rose again." And looked at me and smiled. It was the cutest, most precious thing I have ever seen.
Well, onto my thoughts this morning. Since I was so struck yesterday with Hebrews 4, I decided to continue there. I went on to read the last few verses in the chapter. This is what they said:
"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:15,16
So here it is. The final piece to yesterday's story. Not only are we to find rest in the Lord, but before we do, we are told to bring our cares and concerns to Jesus. Not casually, or carelessly, but with confidence! We are to come bold to the throne! That means we let Jesus know exactly what is going on with us. It means we can cry, laugh, mourn, hurt, be frustrated, confused, exhausted with Him. We can let our hair down and relax our thoughts and emotions at the feet of our intercessor.
The most interesting and wonderful part of these verses, for me, was about receiving mercy and finding grace to help us in our time of need. Ok, let me break it down for you. First we can receive mercy. This is great, this means it's something we can accept. It's something that Jesus can give us just for coming to Him. Wow, if we don't come to Him, we can't receive anything!! Next what we are receiving is mercy. Mercy is compassion. Don't we all need compassion? I don't know about you but this world is jaded, my family is jaded, and my friends are too! A bible commentary I read this morning states: "(literally, fellow feeling from community of suffering)." You know what that means right? It means that since we are approaching the throne, Jesus, He knows what we are going through because he has suffered as if in a community tragedy. Jesus understands what you are going through because HE HIMSELF went through it too! Wow.
So here we are, at the feet of Jesus, our intercessor, our High Priest, who not only KNOWS what we went through because He went through it too, but is able to intercede on our behalf with God the Father. Wow. It's like having a lawyer defend you for a crime you didn't commit, and the lawyer, personally having gone through the tragedy himself, defends you! Let that soak in a minute. I have someone on my side that knows PERSONALLY what I am going through. Don't you think when they are talking to the judge they will be passionate about your case? Don't you think that they will fight tooth and nail for you? Or nail and cross for you? So what we learn is: "Mercy especially refers to the remission and removal of sins." So the lawyer, Jesus, goes in front of the judge, God the Father, and says: "Lord, Lord, this person is innocent! I declare this person clean and holy! Nothing can touch them!" Wow - Jesus is so cool!
Here's where it gets better. The next thing we find at the Throne of Grace is grace itself. Again, in the Bible commentary it says: "grace, to the saving bestowal of spiritual gifts." Ok - so picture it with me again, Jesus in court, in front of the Judge and says: "And not only that Lord, but I request that this person be given back everything you have given them. I request that their life be restored spiritually." Amazing. So we get our sins taken away, washed clean BECAUSE of Christ, and then He says, that's not enough, give them back their gifts, their spiritual fervor for you! So amazing!
Ok - we are almost done. And this is my FAVORITE part - the part that struck me right where I was all last week. Right in the middle of my pain and suffering..."to help us in our time of need." Ok - so this is the part I like because it isn't conditional. This part says WHENEVER you need it! Whenever your life sucks, whenever your hurt makes you want to hurt, whenever you feel hopeless, frustrated, angry, disappointed! The Bible commentary says about help in our time of need: "Before we are overwhelmed by the temptation; when we most need it, in temptations and persecutions; such as is suitable to the time, persons. A supply of grace is in store for believers against all exigencies; but they are only supplied with it according as the need arises...that is, to-day, while it is yet open to us. He is able to succor them that are tempted."
Succor...
NOUN:
Wow - so again, back at the courtroom...Jesus continues: "And Lord, as it pleases You, I would like to add that this person be able to come to the court at ANY time. Any time they need assistance in a time of distress, anytime they need RELIEF! I request that they be able to come to the court, with me, and address their needs and concerns, and ask for assistance and relief! Wow!! If you don't get it, I will be praying for you :)
In case you need more, I will recap...We have an open throne, a way to get to that throne of grace where God can restore our faith, remove our sins, and relieve our distresses...TODAY, as the need arises, while it is open for us, because He used His Son to take on your sins and hurts and pain, so that He now knows what you are going through, and can have compassion on you! But guess what? It all depends on you! It all depends on whether you are willing to humble yourself, go to the feet of Jesus, ask and RECEIVE!
WOW! I hope this becomes a revelation in your life! I know it has in mine. I love that Jesus understands me and wants the BEST for me. I love that God is so creative that He knew exactly what we needed in our sinful flesh, and allows us to come to Him anytime, through Christ, because of His community suffering!!
I love you and I hope you have a fabulous weekend! Spend some time thanking Jesus for what He died for you! It will turn your mourning into Joy, and your disappointments into Thanksgiving!
Praise be to you Lord, my God, my Refuge and my Strength. Thank you for your awesomeness and power! Thank you for your Words that speak to our hearts~
Blessings,
Cortnee :)
(please see the links above to access the Bible commentaries and verses)
Well, onto my thoughts this morning. Since I was so struck yesterday with Hebrews 4, I decided to continue there. I went on to read the last few verses in the chapter. This is what they said:
"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:15,16
So here it is. The final piece to yesterday's story. Not only are we to find rest in the Lord, but before we do, we are told to bring our cares and concerns to Jesus. Not casually, or carelessly, but with confidence! We are to come bold to the throne! That means we let Jesus know exactly what is going on with us. It means we can cry, laugh, mourn, hurt, be frustrated, confused, exhausted with Him. We can let our hair down and relax our thoughts and emotions at the feet of our intercessor.
The most interesting and wonderful part of these verses, for me, was about receiving mercy and finding grace to help us in our time of need. Ok, let me break it down for you. First we can receive mercy. This is great, this means it's something we can accept. It's something that Jesus can give us just for coming to Him. Wow, if we don't come to Him, we can't receive anything!! Next what we are receiving is mercy. Mercy is compassion. Don't we all need compassion? I don't know about you but this world is jaded, my family is jaded, and my friends are too! A bible commentary I read this morning states: "(literally, fellow feeling from community of suffering)." You know what that means right? It means that since we are approaching the throne, Jesus, He knows what we are going through because he has suffered as if in a community tragedy. Jesus understands what you are going through because HE HIMSELF went through it too! Wow.
So here we are, at the feet of Jesus, our intercessor, our High Priest, who not only KNOWS what we went through because He went through it too, but is able to intercede on our behalf with God the Father. Wow. It's like having a lawyer defend you for a crime you didn't commit, and the lawyer, personally having gone through the tragedy himself, defends you! Let that soak in a minute. I have someone on my side that knows PERSONALLY what I am going through. Don't you think when they are talking to the judge they will be passionate about your case? Don't you think that they will fight tooth and nail for you? Or nail and cross for you? So what we learn is: "Mercy especially refers to the remission and removal of sins." So the lawyer, Jesus, goes in front of the judge, God the Father, and says: "Lord, Lord, this person is innocent! I declare this person clean and holy! Nothing can touch them!" Wow - Jesus is so cool!
Here's where it gets better. The next thing we find at the Throne of Grace is grace itself. Again, in the Bible commentary it says: "grace, to the saving bestowal of spiritual gifts." Ok - so picture it with me again, Jesus in court, in front of the Judge and says: "And not only that Lord, but I request that this person be given back everything you have given them. I request that their life be restored spiritually." Amazing. So we get our sins taken away, washed clean BECAUSE of Christ, and then He says, that's not enough, give them back their gifts, their spiritual fervor for you! So amazing!
Ok - we are almost done. And this is my FAVORITE part - the part that struck me right where I was all last week. Right in the middle of my pain and suffering..."to help us in our time of need." Ok - so this is the part I like because it isn't conditional. This part says WHENEVER you need it! Whenever your life sucks, whenever your hurt makes you want to hurt, whenever you feel hopeless, frustrated, angry, disappointed! The Bible commentary says about help in our time of need: "Before we are overwhelmed by the temptation; when we most need it, in temptations and persecutions; such as is suitable to the time, persons. A supply of grace is in store for believers against all exigencies; but they are only supplied with it according as the need arises...that is, to-day, while it is yet open to us. He is able to succor them that are tempted."
Succor...
NOUN:
- Assistance in time of distress; relief.
- One that affords assistance or relief.
Wow - so again, back at the courtroom...Jesus continues: "And Lord, as it pleases You, I would like to add that this person be able to come to the court at ANY time. Any time they need assistance in a time of distress, anytime they need RELIEF! I request that they be able to come to the court, with me, and address their needs and concerns, and ask for assistance and relief! Wow!! If you don't get it, I will be praying for you :)
In case you need more, I will recap...We have an open throne, a way to get to that throne of grace where God can restore our faith, remove our sins, and relieve our distresses...TODAY, as the need arises, while it is open for us, because He used His Son to take on your sins and hurts and pain, so that He now knows what you are going through, and can have compassion on you! But guess what? It all depends on you! It all depends on whether you are willing to humble yourself, go to the feet of Jesus, ask and RECEIVE!
WOW! I hope this becomes a revelation in your life! I know it has in mine. I love that Jesus understands me and wants the BEST for me. I love that God is so creative that He knew exactly what we needed in our sinful flesh, and allows us to come to Him anytime, through Christ, because of His community suffering!!
I love you and I hope you have a fabulous weekend! Spend some time thanking Jesus for what He died for you! It will turn your mourning into Joy, and your disappointments into Thanksgiving!
Praise be to you Lord, my God, my Refuge and my Strength. Thank you for your awesomeness and power! Thank you for your Words that speak to our hearts~
Blessings,
Cortnee :)
(please see the links above to access the Bible commentaries and verses)
Building your Faith
My latest revelation, breakthrough, what have you, is all about Faith. I have been struggling, like many of us, in these hard economic times. People are losing homes, jobs, and their sense of hope. I have been for 3 years now trying to live by Faith in Jesus Christ. For me, this season is not so new. It has been something that I feel I have been experiencing for these 3 years. Recently I have felt betrayed, brokenhearted, tired, frustrated, unhappy, exhausted and confused. Anyone else?
I know all of the things the Bible says. I have read so many books, listened to all the cd's, watched all the speakers, and done all the Bible studies. I know what I am supposed to do, but I didn't want to do it. I have been mad at God because I am still going through the hard times. I am still having to pay bills by what gets shut off first. I still have to dodge the phone calls and listen to the voicemail messages of people who want money from me. I know what it's like to run a business and not see the fruit of your labor. So I know and understand the struggle. I have been in it, and not always happy about it. I still love the Lord with all my heart and soul. I pray and read the Word every day. I seek His guidance even though I am feeling all of these things.
The point you may ask? Well, I discovered, because even in the middle of my frustration, because I sought the Lord on all these matters, He revealed Himself to me. This morning He led me to a passage in the Bible that I had written on a post-it and put in the front of my Bible. I started reading Hebrews 4:12. It says "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." At first glance, this was not the verse I wanted to read. It was not what I felt I needed in my hurting time. So I decided to read the whole chapter, starting at the beginning of Chapter 4. When doing so, I realized why God brought me there. And don't mistake it, it was God. What he wanted to show me was how the Israelites complained and lost Faith in God while leaving Egypt and heading toward the Promised Land. God did so many wonderful things for them. He split the Red Sea in half so they could pass without being consumed by the waters, and then closed the sea when the Egyptians came after them. Closing the gap between the Israelites, (God's chosen people), and their enemies.
After that, He provided food for them. He dropped it out of the sky and fell on the earth for them when they woke up EVERY MORNING! Wow - talk about breakfast in bed! Then..."By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night." Exodus 13:20-22. Another wow! Can you imagine, sit in it for a sec...I am fed fresh food every morning, I have God in a cloud to direct my path, and then a pillar of fire for night. I don't know about you but our God is amazing!!
Ok - so I am sure by now you are thinking, ok, so what else could He possibly do for them? I will tell you. God finally got them to the Promised Land. This was it. After 40 years, the Israelites are finally at their destination. They were finally home. The Bible says the Promised Land was "flowing with milk and honey." Exodus 3:8. The Lord told them they would have to fight for the land, but obviously it was worth it. There were many bad people living there and God knew they needed to be wiped out so the Israelites could have peace.
So the Israelites decide to send a certain number of people to go to the the Land and look to see what they were facing in regard to the fight. What they saw scared them so bad, they went back to the Israelites and told them they could never overpower the people in the land. They claimed there were giants and there was no way they could do this. Sadly, they missed the point that God was in control of everything, including the fight against the people in the land. Ring any bells?
So here we are, God gave them everything they asked for, or literally complained about, even though that was not what He desired for them. Wow. So God is ticked off at this point, and this is what the Bible says: "The LORD's anger was aroused that day and he swore this oath: 11 'Because they have not followed me wholeheartedly, not one of the men twenty years old or more who came up out of Egypt will see the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob" Whoa! After all that, the years and decades in the desert, relying on God to serve their every need, they decide not to fight, and God decides not ONE of them will enter. Tragic. I can't even tell you how horrible that would be! To finally get to the place where you are going, after half of your life is over, HALF, and not be able to settle in? Not be able to be spoiled once again by the Lord our God? It's not just tragic, it's insanity!
This whole back story is so important because it illuminates the Word I read this morning. In Psalm 95:11 and Hebrew 4:3 the Bible says: "So I declared on oath in my anger, "They shall never enter my rest ." What does His rest represent? The Promised Land, His PEACE, His comfort, His blessings! Do you see it yet? Because the Israelites complained, and feared, and worried, and tried to do things their own way, their ultimate prize...the Promised Land, the rest of God, was kept from them. Wow, thank you Lord! It hit me like a ton of bricks when I realized that because of my complaining, my frustration, my bitterness, and my bad attitude, I was withholding God's rest. I was exhausted, confused, tired, and brokenhearted all because I wasn't resting in the Lord. All I needed to do was stay present. I needed to stay in today and realize all the goodness, all the miracles, all the favor I had already received!! God has already given me a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. He has already saved me from my enemies. He already closed the gap, Jesus Christ. He has already shown and proven Himself by sustaining my life the way it is. I have everything I need today. I am being held in God's hand so tight that there is an impression of me in His palm. He knows all and sees all and is always working on my behalf.
MY job, my only job, is to trust. I have to keep the Faith...at all costs! I have to thank God for what He has already done, in hopes of what He is going to do!! That's it. It's so simple, yet my flesh cries out when I try to do these things. That's why you have to do it until you feel it. I wanted to look ahead and complain about the bills that aren't paid, or the lack of business. But I am still here! I am still working, and eating, and driving, and sleeping, and warm and content! God hasn't changed, and yes, my circumstances haven't changed, but I realize now, it's ok. All I need is peace, love and joy. And in order to receive those things, I have to enter into His rest. And how do we do that? Trust, precious, trust.
Praise you Lord for your mercy and goodness!! Without you I would be a pitiful mess...but today...I am a precious mess :)
The Bible says: "But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me.If you keep to my path,I will reveal to you the salvation of God.” Psalm 50:23
Let's all give thanks!!
Thank you Lord, my Saviour, my Conqueror, my Healer, my Strength, my Shelter, my Proud Adornment! Praise be to you, forever and ever...
Have a blessed DAY!
Cortnee :)
I know all of the things the Bible says. I have read so many books, listened to all the cd's, watched all the speakers, and done all the Bible studies. I know what I am supposed to do, but I didn't want to do it. I have been mad at God because I am still going through the hard times. I am still having to pay bills by what gets shut off first. I still have to dodge the phone calls and listen to the voicemail messages of people who want money from me. I know what it's like to run a business and not see the fruit of your labor. So I know and understand the struggle. I have been in it, and not always happy about it. I still love the Lord with all my heart and soul. I pray and read the Word every day. I seek His guidance even though I am feeling all of these things.
The point you may ask? Well, I discovered, because even in the middle of my frustration, because I sought the Lord on all these matters, He revealed Himself to me. This morning He led me to a passage in the Bible that I had written on a post-it and put in the front of my Bible. I started reading Hebrews 4:12. It says "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." At first glance, this was not the verse I wanted to read. It was not what I felt I needed in my hurting time. So I decided to read the whole chapter, starting at the beginning of Chapter 4. When doing so, I realized why God brought me there. And don't mistake it, it was God. What he wanted to show me was how the Israelites complained and lost Faith in God while leaving Egypt and heading toward the Promised Land. God did so many wonderful things for them. He split the Red Sea in half so they could pass without being consumed by the waters, and then closed the sea when the Egyptians came after them. Closing the gap between the Israelites, (God's chosen people), and their enemies.
After that, He provided food for them. He dropped it out of the sky and fell on the earth for them when they woke up EVERY MORNING! Wow - talk about breakfast in bed! Then..."By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night." Exodus 13:20-22. Another wow! Can you imagine, sit in it for a sec...I am fed fresh food every morning, I have God in a cloud to direct my path, and then a pillar of fire for night. I don't know about you but our God is amazing!!
Ok - so I am sure by now you are thinking, ok, so what else could He possibly do for them? I will tell you. God finally got them to the Promised Land. This was it. After 40 years, the Israelites are finally at their destination. They were finally home. The Bible says the Promised Land was "flowing with milk and honey." Exodus 3:8. The Lord told them they would have to fight for the land, but obviously it was worth it. There were many bad people living there and God knew they needed to be wiped out so the Israelites could have peace.
So the Israelites decide to send a certain number of people to go to the the Land and look to see what they were facing in regard to the fight. What they saw scared them so bad, they went back to the Israelites and told them they could never overpower the people in the land. They claimed there were giants and there was no way they could do this. Sadly, they missed the point that God was in control of everything, including the fight against the people in the land. Ring any bells?
So here we are, God gave them everything they asked for, or literally complained about, even though that was not what He desired for them. Wow. So God is ticked off at this point, and this is what the Bible says: "The LORD's anger was aroused that day and he swore this oath: 11 'Because they have not followed me wholeheartedly, not one of the men twenty years old or more who came up out of Egypt will see the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob" Whoa! After all that, the years and decades in the desert, relying on God to serve their every need, they decide not to fight, and God decides not ONE of them will enter. Tragic. I can't even tell you how horrible that would be! To finally get to the place where you are going, after half of your life is over, HALF, and not be able to settle in? Not be able to be spoiled once again by the Lord our God? It's not just tragic, it's insanity!
This whole back story is so important because it illuminates the Word I read this morning. In Psalm 95:11 and Hebrew 4:3 the Bible says: "So I declared on oath in my anger, "They shall never enter my rest ." What does His rest represent? The Promised Land, His PEACE, His comfort, His blessings! Do you see it yet? Because the Israelites complained, and feared, and worried, and tried to do things their own way, their ultimate prize...the Promised Land, the rest of God, was kept from them. Wow, thank you Lord! It hit me like a ton of bricks when I realized that because of my complaining, my frustration, my bitterness, and my bad attitude, I was withholding God's rest. I was exhausted, confused, tired, and brokenhearted all because I wasn't resting in the Lord. All I needed to do was stay present. I needed to stay in today and realize all the goodness, all the miracles, all the favor I had already received!! God has already given me a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. He has already saved me from my enemies. He already closed the gap, Jesus Christ. He has already shown and proven Himself by sustaining my life the way it is. I have everything I need today. I am being held in God's hand so tight that there is an impression of me in His palm. He knows all and sees all and is always working on my behalf.
MY job, my only job, is to trust. I have to keep the Faith...at all costs! I have to thank God for what He has already done, in hopes of what He is going to do!! That's it. It's so simple, yet my flesh cries out when I try to do these things. That's why you have to do it until you feel it. I wanted to look ahead and complain about the bills that aren't paid, or the lack of business. But I am still here! I am still working, and eating, and driving, and sleeping, and warm and content! God hasn't changed, and yes, my circumstances haven't changed, but I realize now, it's ok. All I need is peace, love and joy. And in order to receive those things, I have to enter into His rest. And how do we do that? Trust, precious, trust.
Praise you Lord for your mercy and goodness!! Without you I would be a pitiful mess...but today...I am a precious mess :)
The Bible says: "But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me.If you keep to my path,I will reveal to you the salvation of God.” Psalm 50:23
Let's all give thanks!!
Thank you Lord, my Saviour, my Conqueror, my Healer, my Strength, my Shelter, my Proud Adornment! Praise be to you, forever and ever...
Have a blessed DAY!
Cortnee :)
You are precious...
Good morning friends :) I am excited for this weekend...Easter! I always loved getting a basket and being told to go outside and hunt for Easter eggs. I am excited that this year I am the one providing the baskets and asking the children to go and hunt :)
Since this is the time of year where we can remember Jesus Christ and all He has done for us, I want to express how much Jesus loves you, and me! There is a song I sang in Sunday school as a little girl, it says, "Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world, red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight!" How true that is, friend. God loves us so much that He gave His son. Did you digest that? God gave us HIS SON! I don't know about you, but that would be very hard for me to do. Not only did God give us His son to walk on the earth, proclaim God's goodness, and give people hope...He sent Jesus to die for us! Wow - I don't think I will ever digest that the way I need to. Jesus Christ walked on the earth, all the while knowing what the Father expected of Him.
Jesus Christ's own people rejected Him. They tortured Him and they crucified Him!! I can't even imagine a more horrible betrayal or death! But Jesus did it. He did it for every one of us! He died on that cross so that we may be saved. And that's not even the most amazing part! Jesus died on the cross yes, He was buried in a tomb, yes, but what Jesus did next, no one could fathom. Jesus rose from the dead! Amazing, how marvelous!! Jesus Christ died for every sin on earth, and then God the Father raised Him from the dead. He conquered dead and gave us victory. Even when He knew not one of us deserved it. And do you know why, precious one? Because God loves us, and He wants the best for us. No matter what the cost! He values our lives and our souls so much! He believes we are worth dying for and....precious!
I looked up the word precious in the dictionary, and this is what I found:
ADJECTIVE:
I am now and will be forever thankful to Jesus Christ for what He did for me on the cross. I hope you take this time to reflect on what He has done in your life and thank Him for that. Maybe when the kids are picking up their eggs and putting them into their baskets, one by one, those are our sins Jesus died for!
Thank you Jesus for your sacrifice and your blood! To Him be the glory, forever, and ever!
Cortnee :)
(I am a precious mess!! I love that - that is my new tag line :)
Since this is the time of year where we can remember Jesus Christ and all He has done for us, I want to express how much Jesus loves you, and me! There is a song I sang in Sunday school as a little girl, it says, "Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world, red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight!" How true that is, friend. God loves us so much that He gave His son. Did you digest that? God gave us HIS SON! I don't know about you, but that would be very hard for me to do. Not only did God give us His son to walk on the earth, proclaim God's goodness, and give people hope...He sent Jesus to die for us! Wow - I don't think I will ever digest that the way I need to. Jesus Christ walked on the earth, all the while knowing what the Father expected of Him.
Jesus Christ's own people rejected Him. They tortured Him and they crucified Him!! I can't even imagine a more horrible betrayal or death! But Jesus did it. He did it for every one of us! He died on that cross so that we may be saved. And that's not even the most amazing part! Jesus died on the cross yes, He was buried in a tomb, yes, but what Jesus did next, no one could fathom. Jesus rose from the dead! Amazing, how marvelous!! Jesus Christ died for every sin on earth, and then God the Father raised Him from the dead. He conquered dead and gave us victory. Even when He knew not one of us deserved it. And do you know why, precious one? Because God loves us, and He wants the best for us. No matter what the cost! He values our lives and our souls so much! He believes we are worth dying for and....precious!
I looked up the word precious in the dictionary, and this is what I found:
ADJECTIVE:
- Of high cost or worth; valuable.
- Highly esteemed; cherished.
- Dear; beloved.
- Affectedly dainty or overrefined: precious mannerisms.
- Informal Thoroughgoing; unmitigated: a precious mess.
- One who is dear or beloved; a darling.
I am now and will be forever thankful to Jesus Christ for what He did for me on the cross. I hope you take this time to reflect on what He has done in your life and thank Him for that. Maybe when the kids are picking up their eggs and putting them into their baskets, one by one, those are our sins Jesus died for!
Thank you Jesus for your sacrifice and your blood! To Him be the glory, forever, and ever!
Cortnee :)
(I am a precious mess!! I love that - that is my new tag line :)
Listening to the Word of God
I am reading a wonderful book by Fil Anderson called Running on Empty. It's very inspirational to me because it focuses on slowing down for God. If you are like me, you are an overachiever, and although I love the Lord, I have a tendency to get legalistic sometimes in the way I search for the Lord. The encouraging thing is that the more you search for the Lord, the more He reveals Himself to you. So no matter what my original intentions, God changes my focus, and helps me to see the real picture.
One of the things I read this morning was about listening to the Word of God. So often we, myself included, read the Word because we are supposed to, or we feel obligated, or we feel guilty. But if we really sit down and make time with God a priority, we will learn how to listen to HIm. We will learn how to hear God's voice in the scriptures. It doesn't matter if you read a little or a lot, it just needs to penetrate your soul. The whole point of spending time with God is to slow down. As I mentioned in my last post, we need to make time for God. It is the most important relationship we will ever foster. When spending time with God, we need to allow Him to use His Word to transform us. If you want real change, read the Word. As Fil Anderson states in his book, "God's Word cuts through everything, it exposes doubts, defenses, thoughts and intentions." This is the best way to be transformed. Letting the Word of God cut through the lies, the masks, the desires, and helps us to see where we need to change, and where we are doing good.
I received another revelation on my relationship with Jesus Christ when a good friend of mine told me one day, "the hows and the why's are none of our business." That hit me like a ton of bricks. My entire life, of 30 years, I had been pursuing the answer to everything! I wanted to know why this person acted this way, or why this situation was so terrible, or how I could fix this, or how I could fix that. When she told me that day that it didn't matter...wow - I was in shock and elated!! It released all of my doubts, my fears, and my curiosity!! God was showing me, through her, that He knows, and that's all that matters. God knows the how's and the why's, my job is to TRUST!! How simple is that? Yet I struggle with this every day of my life!!
God knows what is best. God loves us unconditionally. Let Him work out the how's and the why's, all we need to do is release our Faith by believing God will take care of what He said He would take care of.
One of my favorite verse is Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Ponder that one all day, friend! God loves you! He know the plan...that should be enough!
I love you, have a blessed day!
Cortnee :)
One of the things I read this morning was about listening to the Word of God. So often we, myself included, read the Word because we are supposed to, or we feel obligated, or we feel guilty. But if we really sit down and make time with God a priority, we will learn how to listen to HIm. We will learn how to hear God's voice in the scriptures. It doesn't matter if you read a little or a lot, it just needs to penetrate your soul. The whole point of spending time with God is to slow down. As I mentioned in my last post, we need to make time for God. It is the most important relationship we will ever foster. When spending time with God, we need to allow Him to use His Word to transform us. If you want real change, read the Word. As Fil Anderson states in his book, "God's Word cuts through everything, it exposes doubts, defenses, thoughts and intentions." This is the best way to be transformed. Letting the Word of God cut through the lies, the masks, the desires, and helps us to see where we need to change, and where we are doing good.
I received another revelation on my relationship with Jesus Christ when a good friend of mine told me one day, "the hows and the why's are none of our business." That hit me like a ton of bricks. My entire life, of 30 years, I had been pursuing the answer to everything! I wanted to know why this person acted this way, or why this situation was so terrible, or how I could fix this, or how I could fix that. When she told me that day that it didn't matter...wow - I was in shock and elated!! It released all of my doubts, my fears, and my curiosity!! God was showing me, through her, that He knows, and that's all that matters. God knows the how's and the why's, my job is to TRUST!! How simple is that? Yet I struggle with this every day of my life!!
God knows what is best. God loves us unconditionally. Let Him work out the how's and the why's, all we need to do is release our Faith by believing God will take care of what He said He would take care of.
One of my favorite verse is Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Ponder that one all day, friend! God loves you! He know the plan...that should be enough!
I love you, have a blessed day!
Cortnee :)
Learning to be still and quiet with God...
I have been a Christian since I was 4. I grew up in the church and loved it. Unfortunately, rebellion crept into my life throughout high school and then in my 20's. I was back and forth, church and the world. When I was 29 I found out I was pregnant with my son, James. I was unmarried and trying to do God's will in my life, while also thinking I could "handle" the temptations of the world. I was sorrily mistaken. When I found out I was having a baby, I was confused and frustrated and completely freaked out! What I didn't know then, and what I understand now, is that God had a plan. He had a plan for my life, a plan for me to prosper and not to be harmed.
After James was born I was home alone with my newborn baby boy every day. As some of you know it's the most precious time between a mother and her child. I would hold him when he was sleeping and caress him when he was nursing. I loved having James and being a mother. What I did not like was the relationship I was in, and the way my life was going. I had already come back to the Lord prior to getting pregnant and rededicated my life, but something was missing. What would make a Christian woman allow herself to be in compromising positions with a non-christian man? After I had James, by the grace and mercy of God, I found out. It was my lack of relationship with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
While staying at home every day, without a car, without friends, and without my family; I realized while nursing James, that God was calling me into relationship with Him. He wanted me to come to Him, rely on Him, and get to know Him. Little did I know, He wanted to know me too. Something profound hit me that day. God told me to grab the Bible before sitting down and nursing James. He wanted me to use the quiet time while James was eating to draw me closer into His arms.
My life has never been the same. Because nursing James was an every other hour event, and most of the time took at least 30 minutes, I had plenty of time to spend with God. I was in His presence all day, every day. Nothing has changed my life more, or made it more significant. Spending time with God was all He was asking of me, and was all I could do! And now I understand, that it is all that matters.
Spending time with God is the hardest thing to do when you are not used to it, and it is the MOST necessary thing we can ever do. When you spend time with God, you get a fresh perspective. You receive His wisdom, His understanding, His blessings, and His favor. Spending time with God allows Him to change you from the inside out. It allows your mind to concentrate on the important things in life, and see the world through His eyes. No longer does a cell phone, computer, TV, radio, or any other noisy device become important. What is more important that knowing the God who created you more?
We all have distractions, families, needs, etc., but God is calling you into relationship with Him. He is calling you to know Him more, so He can use you for His divine purposes. I don't about you, but I want to be used for His will.
I encourage you to take time out for God. Get quiet with Him, and let Him speak into your life. God loves you, and wants to know you. He desires for you to spend time with Him. I guarantee if you take the time to spend with Him, you will not be disappointed. I know God has changed me and is still changing me, from the inside out. If you want to make a difference in the world, and in your life, spend time with God.
I hope this blesses you. It has made a profound impact on my life, and I hope it does in yours.
Blessings,
Cortnee :)
After James was born I was home alone with my newborn baby boy every day. As some of you know it's the most precious time between a mother and her child. I would hold him when he was sleeping and caress him when he was nursing. I loved having James and being a mother. What I did not like was the relationship I was in, and the way my life was going. I had already come back to the Lord prior to getting pregnant and rededicated my life, but something was missing. What would make a Christian woman allow herself to be in compromising positions with a non-christian man? After I had James, by the grace and mercy of God, I found out. It was my lack of relationship with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
While staying at home every day, without a car, without friends, and without my family; I realized while nursing James, that God was calling me into relationship with Him. He wanted me to come to Him, rely on Him, and get to know Him. Little did I know, He wanted to know me too. Something profound hit me that day. God told me to grab the Bible before sitting down and nursing James. He wanted me to use the quiet time while James was eating to draw me closer into His arms.
My life has never been the same. Because nursing James was an every other hour event, and most of the time took at least 30 minutes, I had plenty of time to spend with God. I was in His presence all day, every day. Nothing has changed my life more, or made it more significant. Spending time with God was all He was asking of me, and was all I could do! And now I understand, that it is all that matters.
Spending time with God is the hardest thing to do when you are not used to it, and it is the MOST necessary thing we can ever do. When you spend time with God, you get a fresh perspective. You receive His wisdom, His understanding, His blessings, and His favor. Spending time with God allows Him to change you from the inside out. It allows your mind to concentrate on the important things in life, and see the world through His eyes. No longer does a cell phone, computer, TV, radio, or any other noisy device become important. What is more important that knowing the God who created you more?
We all have distractions, families, needs, etc., but God is calling you into relationship with Him. He is calling you to know Him more, so He can use you for His divine purposes. I don't about you, but I want to be used for His will.
I encourage you to take time out for God. Get quiet with Him, and let Him speak into your life. God loves you, and wants to know you. He desires for you to spend time with Him. I guarantee if you take the time to spend with Him, you will not be disappointed. I know God has changed me and is still changing me, from the inside out. If you want to make a difference in the world, and in your life, spend time with God.
I hope this blesses you. It has made a profound impact on my life, and I hope it does in yours.
Blessings,
Cortnee :)
New Beginnings...
Welcome to my new blogspot!! I am so excited to get started on my new venture with you!! This is another extension of my social experimentation on the web. I started with email, and chat, and I have enjoyed that immensely. Then it was myspace and now, my personal favorite, Facebook! I just signed up to Twitter yesterday and am excited to get things moving there too.
Can't wait to sit down with you, grab a cup of coffee, and chat away!!
Blessings,
Cortnee :)
Can't wait to sit down with you, grab a cup of coffee, and chat away!!
Blessings,
Cortnee :)
