In His Graces: February 2012

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Entering Lent

Memory/Meditation Verse: “For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world that He might condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. Anyone who believes in Him is not condemned, but anyone who does not believe is already condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the One and Only Son of God." ~ John 3:16-18

The lent season is upon us and for whatever reason, I feel it calling me, beckoning me to participate in its journey. I'm not catholic. Not that it matters. It seems that most religions seem to participate in the Lent season these days in some way or another. But its not about the religious practices for me. It a burning in my soul that compels me towards a journey.

"For Christ love compels us..." ~ 2 Cor. 5:14 (HCSB)

Have you ever been at a point in your spiritual walk that the whole concept of Calvary and what Christ had to go through for our justification, our freedom just seems to be too mind boggling? There are days I want to just say "Really God, this was the only way to get our attention?"

What about His choice? Doesn't it seems so cruel, so inhumane?

"For Christ love compels us..." ~ 2 Cor. 5:14 (HCSB)

Could this flesh and these bones really be that valuable to cause Him to make such a decision to send His Son to a cross in such a grotesques manner? How can such an imperfect mind wrap around this worth it has to its Creator?

"For Christ love compels us..." ~ 2 Cor. 5:14 (HCSB)

All because of love. A tender, precious love for people He knew would fail Him. A compassionate and loving grace for a sinners embrace. Life conquered by death to be conquered by life again. A miracle beyond the grasp of any scientific investigation.

"For Christ love compels us..." ~ 2 Cor. 5:14 (HCSB)

I am compelled to enter this season of Lent in love...His love compels me, convicts me. It is a conviction to grow more in love with Him and to demonstrate His love by loving others. I know...sounds simple but I am afraid its not for this child of God. It has become a nagging conviction to love as He loves. To love beyond the frustrations of another's actions. To love when I am exhausted. To love a hurting, lonely, or broken soul.

"For Christ love compels us..." ~ 2 Cor. 5:14 (HCSB)

God loved us so much He gave His Son as a sacrifice to prove our worth in His family lineage. For me, that's enough to compel me to love back. It will require a sacrificing of self, a struggle I have endure way to long. But I am compelled His love is worth the sacrifice.

Oh, my Holy and Sovereign God, be Lord of my life. I may struggle at times to gasp your majesty, your carefully laid plans and even the love that you carry for me, your daughter. Help me to love as you love. Help me to sacrifice myself, my wants, my desires, and my needs so I can love others as you love them. May you find favor with me during this season of Lent. ~ AMEN

Living Out Loud ~ Pamela

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Scripture Memory/Meditation: I'm absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God's love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us. Romans 8:38-39 (The Message)

I have been on a journey to Live Out Loud and to Give Out Loud. The timing of this campaign for Babbie Mason's new book could not be more perfect!! A person who is embraced by God knows His love for them and lives in it daily. A person embraced by God is given His strength to Live Out Loud. A person embraced by God hears His voice. A person embraced by God puts His promptings into action.

Litfuse Publicity is celebrating the release of Babbie' s new book-check it out:

Have you ever wondered, "Does God really love me? Do I really matter to him?"

HE LOVES YOU.

As a matter of fact, God loves you just as much as he loves His own Son.

In the pages of this heartwarming, thoughtful and life-affirming 21-day journey, award-winning gospel singer, songwriter, and teacher Babbie Mason reminds you, when you know you are loved by God and that you are in His eternal plan, you’ll never again wonder if your life matters.

Click for more info.

Embraced by God is a 21-day encounter that shares the unconditional love of God. "If you watch what the media says as to where we should find our identity--" says Babbie, "--money, beauty, power and technology--you'll just be confused about who you are and what your purpose is. As a culture we are trying to buy or sell what can only be administered to the soul by Jesus."

Celebrate with Babbie by entering her Nook Tablet Giveaway!

One beloved winner will receive:

A Brand new Nook Tablet with Wi-Fi
Embraced by God by Babbie Mason
Babbie's Embraced by God Music CD
Babbie's Embraced by God Notecards

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 3/5/12. Winner will be announced at Babbie's "Embraced" Facebook Party on 3/6. Babbie will be hosting an evening of chat, music, laughter, and encouragement - bring your friends! She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books, Embraced by God music CDs and Notecards, and a book club prize pack! (Ten copies of the book for your small group or book club.)

So grab your copy of Embraced by God and join Babbie and friends on the evening of March 6th for an evening of fun.

My Review:

This book is a great retreat for anyone seeking a more intimate relationship with God. Each days journey includes the devotional piece, scripture meditation, a prayer for topic, and an action plan for living out that topic. The devotionals are not one pagers but more like a chapter. I personally could not do this 21 journey every morning before leaving to work as the reading time commitment would be too long. It is encouraged to set aside the same time each day for each days journey. I would agree this would only enhance the journey and like fasting, result in a better outcome. After digging into the first two days, I knew this would be a blessed journey for my spiritual walk. I encourage you to use this reading tool to find a deeper embrace from God, discovering what it means to be unconditionally loved, approved, accepted, forgiven, blessed, cherished, treasured, and favored by God.

Good Luck in this give-a-way!!! See you at the Facebook party!!!

Congrats Rebekah and Jennifer for winning the "Morning with Jesus 2012" books!

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Philippians 3:10-11, Amplified

Philippians 3:10-11, Amplified

For my determined purpose is that I may know Him that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly, and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection which it exerts over believers, and that I may so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed in spirit into His likeness even to His death, in the hope that if possible I may attain to the spiritual and moral resurrection that lifts me out from among the dead even while in the body.

My Spiritual Goal's thoughout the years...

2015 I am unsettled. I want God more...Revive deep spirituality in my heart; let me live near to the Great Shepherd, hear his voice, know its tones, follow its calls. "Lord, I cry out to you. I say, “You are my protection. You are all I want in this life.” ~ Ps. 142: 5

2014 Enough & Anchored: God is enough (focus) & I will be anchored in Him (action).
"Lord," said Phillip, "Show us the Father, and that's ENOUGH for us." ~John 14:8 (HCSB).
"[God's] hope is real & true, an ANCHOR to steady our restless souls, a hope that leads us back...to where God is..." ~ Heb 16:9 (The Voice)

2013: Diakono's Living-Loving Out Loud (LOL): having the heart to do something radical for God.
Don’t neglect to do what is good and to share, for God is pleased with such sacrifices. ~ Hebrews 13:16 (HCSB)

2012: Living Out Loud (LOL): Losing control for what God wants me to do!!
~ Isaiah 58: 10-12 (Message)

2011 Goal: A Godly Woman's Journey: having a fuller understanding and expression of the love of God.
~ 2 Thes 3:5

2010 Goal: To grow my trust (faithfulness) in Him and to Praise (thankfulness) Him more!~Ps 63:1-8

2009 Goal: increase my prayer life ~ Col 4:2-6

2008 Goal: heart, mind, & action of a servant
~ Isa 61:1-3

2007 Goal: Freedom from my past ~Ps 40:1-3

Siesta Scripture Memory Team 2011

In 2009 I started memorizing scripture with Beth Moore's Siesta Scripture Memory Team. It started a journey in my life that I now cherish. I didn't think my "older" brain could memorize scripture but it has and it has literally been my "life-line" in some of the most troubling times over these past few years. I encourage you to join us in this new year. Here are my chosen scripture throughout the years:

2015 Memory Verses: Ps 142: 5 (NCV);

Verse for the year 2014: “Lord,” said Philip, “show us the Father, and that’s enough for us.” ~ John 14:8 (HCSB)

2013 Memory Verses: Heb 11:16; Lk 7:47b, 48b, 50; Lk 2:40; Deut 30:14; 1 Cor 1:8-9; Isa 30:15; Heb 6:19; Isa 40:31; Jere 6:16; Num 6:24-26; Ps 62:8; Isa 26:3; Deut 33:27; Prov 28:13; Ps 34:5; Luke 6:45; Isa 53:5; Rom 6:14; Rom 12:12; Ps 103: 11-12; Rom 16:19-20; Col 1:23; Heb. 13:16;

2012 Memory Verses: Rom 13:14; John 1:1-2, 14; Eccl. 3:11; Rom. 16: 19b-20; Eph 6:19; Ps 25:4; Rom 12:1b; Isa 61:10; Phil 4:7; Ps 115:1; 1 Peter 1:13-16; Gal 5: 22-23; Ps 32:7; Rom. 8:39; Isa 33:6; Isa 61:1; Col. 2:7; Prov. 4:25-27

2011 Memory verses: Micah 6:8; Isa 60:1-2; Prov. 30:8; Luke 19:3; Deut 13:4; Rom 9:17; Jude 1:24-25; Rom 14:8; Zech 8:23b; Isa 45:3; 2 Chron. 20:17b; Acts 26:18; Isa 58: 10-11; 2 Peter 1:5-7; 2 Tim 1:12; Prov. 31:25; Ps. 31:5;: Hosea 14:9; Prov. 3:17-18; Ps 86:11; Lam. 3:22-24; Proverbs 24:3-4; 1 Cor. 6:12; 2 Cor. 7:1; Rom. 8:5; Gal. 5:16; Heb 10:24; 2 Cor. 2:14-15; Prov 14:26; 1 Thes 3:2-3; Luke 1:79; Proverbs 31:11-12; Eph 4:2; Proverbs 31:10; 2 Peter 1:3; 1 John 5:14; Prov 31:31; 1 Tim. 6:15;

2010 memory verses: Lk 1: 46-47; Lk 1: 45; 2 Thes 3:5; 2 Cor 13:14; 1 Peter 5:10; 2 Cor 3:2-3; Ps 121:5,7,8; Ps 84:5; 2 Cor 10:5; Ps 85:2; 2 Sam 22:33; Ps 119:133; Ps 119:36; Rev 12:11; Gal 2:20; Ps138:8; Ps 73:26; Ps 116:16; 1 Thes 5:23; 1 Peter 3:3-4; Ps 43:3; 1 Cor 15:57-58; 2 Cor. 12:9-10; Ps 112:7-8; Ps 29:11; James 1:25; Ps 119:57; Ps 119:176; Ps 51:10-12; Ps 18:28, 31; Ps 28:7; Ps 17:15; Isaiah 46:4; 2 Cor. 5:9; Ps 18:28, 31

2009 memory verses: Ps. 37: 23-24; Ps 119:33-40; Ps 119:175; Ps 73: 25; John 3:30; Jeremiah 32:27; Rom. 12:11-13; 2 Tim 2:21; Col 3:17; 2 Tim 2:15; Ez. 36:26-27; Psalm 19:14; Isaiah 50:4; 1 Chron. 28: 9-10; Deut. 33:12; Romans 8:1&2; 1 Peter 3:9;Hebrews 10:35-36; Eph. 1:18-19; 1 Peter 2:9; 1 Peter 1:8-9; 2 Cor. 3:17-18, James 3:17-18; Ephesians 5:15-17, 18b

I am not a writer...I am a women of grace, who through life circumstances has learn what it means to live in and through Christ. I wouldn't change a thing in my life because of where it has brought me spiritually with my Lord (Psalms 40:1-3). I have a godly husband and a blended family with six girls!! I am blessed!! I am also nurse, an educator, and have served in youth and women's ministry. I started this blog years ago when I was active in women's ministry but life got difficult, and the pain and losses pulled me out of ministry. Though my heart longs to be back there, I have recently changed my focus here to be more of a legacy for our girls. As I grow more in love with Jesus every day, I pray and hope that I pass that on to them. If you have stumbled onto this blog, I pray that in my being open and transparent, you too see Christ in my living and are encouraged. As I study His word deeper, I strive to become more like Jesus. Therefore, my prayer for this blog comes from Isaiah 50:4 "Sovereign Lord, give me your words of wisdom, so that I will know how to comfort the weary and those who need to know Your grace. Morning by morning awaken me and open my understanding to Your will. Guide me to share it here".