Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Focus on Today (James 8) (Isaiah 43:18-21, James 4:13-17, Luke 9:62, Matt 6:34)

My prayer and a beautiful song for Oklahoma, Texas and all of us. 

Dear Heavenly Father I lift up those who lost loved ones and homes in Oklahoma.  Such a terrible tragedy and I know that many are in Your arms today.  I am so grateful our lives don't end on earth, and that we have this hope from You.  One day the storms will end.  We will dance around Your throne with no worries or cares.  We will know paradise at last.  Until then, I pray You will pour out Your love and blessings on these people.  Send the angels Father to guide and direct.  Please let Your Holy Spirit give the ministers words to say.  Sometimes we are speechless and just need Your Word to speak to us Father.  Please bring peace to the weather and stop the storms.  Nothing is impossible for You.
In Jesus Name, Amen.

After 9-11 (I saw it across the bay from my job), and our NJ storms, this song has been a great encouragement to me.  Hope it blesses others too. 
In my arms by Plumb (link)



I hope I didn't confuse people too much by my comments about Reality TV on my last post.  It did come out harsh.   Sorry!  Suppose I should just say it.  I was watching a movie on the We station and they kept advertising a new reality show.  It will be about pregnant women who are looking for men to date.  My heart broke for God's babies and women who chose not to marry, or maybe didn't have the choice.  I don't get shocked, but that one just sent me over the edge.  So many things on so many levels are not right.  Babies without Dads, women trying to raise kids alone.  This must break God's heart.  We should pray for our country.  Last time we prayed for repentance- I honestly had no idea... wow!  The government has been up to all sorts of stuff.  Yikes!

The concept of time is interesting in the Bible.  God has given us one time period to live in.  Today.  That's all we really have, yesterday is gone, and tomorrow isn't here yet.  If you talk to people from New Jersey who experienced the last 2 hurricanes, and the people in North Texas and Oklahoma about time.  We'd all unanimously agree!  Seize the day.  We just don't know what will happen next.

I'm not a perfect wife in any way.  But, someone told me once to tell your family you love them every chance you get and it stuck with me.  You don't know what will happen in the future.  My husband and I constantly say this.  Even after a fight... "I still love you."

The past:
"Do not call to mind the former things,
or ponder things of the past.
Behold, I will do something new,
Now it will spring forth;
Will you not be aware of it?
I will even make a roadway in the wilderness,
Rivers in the desert..."
Isaiah 43:18-21

The future:
James 4:13-17

13 Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit"; 14 whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. 15 Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that." 16 But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.

17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.
NKJV

Today:
Jesus said, "No procrastination.  No backward looks.  You can't put God's kingdom off til tomorrow.  Seize the day."
Luke 9:62 The Message
34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Matt 6:34 NKJV


To be honest though, these verses helped me move beyond the past and into today.  I've memorized these verses and recite them whenever I get stuck on a past mistake or worry about the future.

4 comments:

  1. I agree with you in prayer Karen,
    I lift up all who have been affected by the storms of life, be it a natural disaster or otherwise...May they turn to the one who holds the whole world in His hand for comfort and support. In Jesus~Amen.
    I love how you said in your prayer that we are thankful that our lives do not end here on earth...That is right, we walk into eternity when our bodies die...Praying more people will choose to walk with God into their eternity!

    Our family always says "I love you" both in person and over the phone...people have even commented to us about that.

    I always say we are not guaranteed our next breath here on earth...so we need to stay focused on the things that matter most, and that is relationships...starting with God, and then people.
    There is a new sitcom I saw advertised, I think it is called "saved"...It shows a woman who lived wild, but then was struck by lightning or something and can now talk to God...only she is very mocking...I got so mad when I first saw that! TV is sure turning to junk more and more.
    Good news: The US senate voted unanimously today to stand with Israel, giving Israel assurance that we will back them up even if they go to war with Iran in self defense...and warning Iran that we will not tolerate their terrorist and illegal acts any longer...they adopted a resolution!
    I am so proud of our country today!
    ~God bless~

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  2. Hallelujah! That's awesome Lisa- so glad about Israel. The Bible says we should pray for peace in Jerusalem. I've been praying. And, yes you're right TV is sliding down the tubes. We have an On/Off switch to use. I should quit watching so much and just do other things. We'll keep praying for those that were hit with tornadoes it will take awhile to get the power back.

    I must admit I've been pleased to see how the house and senate have been working together on issues lately.

    Amen! It's not over on this planet : )

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  3. Hi Karen,
    I hear you when you said; "Seize the day. We just don't know what will happen next." A few years back during my personal tragedy I faced, it was clear to me what was truly important. I woke up on a Monday morning ready to start a new week. I went to work and was laid off due to downsizing. Then two days later my first wife died. It is so true that we do not know what will happen next. My new wife and I always tell each other that we love them. Not a day goes by where we do not say. We must also keep God front and center in our lives.
    I also pray with you in your prayer above.
    Thank you for sharing this post and may God bless you,
    Ken

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  4. Thanks Ken! That sounds like a really bad time. I'm so glad the Lord has restored your joy : ) He's amazing like that. God bless!

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