YICA

Masters Degree

2012-01-02T16:13:00.001-05:00

If you do what is right,will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouchingat your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.” Genesis 4:7

Master sin.Sounds easy, but my masters degree over sin has proven illusive. Scintillatingsights and aromas tempt from every corner. Even thoughts that promise to expandthe mind threaten to pull me over lines I never meant to cross. An insatiableappetite for living, over-stimulated by mythical sounds and sensations, goes downfighting.

So what ismy problem?

I want the results of discipline alongwith the pleasure of surrender. I want to show off all the frosted artistry of thewinning entry in a cupcake war, even after I’ve consumed it. What I desire isphysically impossible.

Self-control comes as part of thewhole Holy Spirit package. The moment I accept with my whole heart and sayaloud, “I believe in Jesus’ sacrifice for my sins!” then I get all the goodsthat I need to fight this battle with sin.

But I have to choose. I can’t worktoward a masters until I have first decided that is, in fact, what I want.

New Creation

2012-01-01T22:38:00.000-05:00

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, heis a new creation; oldthings have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17

Last night I tried memorizing the above scripture before I went to bed. WhenI woke up this morning, I had almost the whole thing in Spanish in my head. Ihad left out the part about being a new creation, which is funny because thatis the most important part.

Over the last six months, I have been trying to lose seventy pounds inorder to take excess pressure off my arthritic joints. I have lost about 35 lbsand am half way. My Achilles tendons feel a great deal better. But over thelast two weeks of Christmas baking and gift giving I succumbed to my cravingsfor caramel and chocolate. I gained four lbs in a little less than two week,which I have a hard time believing, but there it is. I lost sight of the factthat the Scriptures say that I am a new creation. The old is gone. Now there isonly the new.

So who is this “new me”? I am a healthy eater of smaller portions.Someone who exercises on a daily basis. A person who focuses on long termhealth rather than temporary pleasures. A servant of God who needs to remainfit for the tasks that fit into the plan and will of my Creator.

This newme has determined to learn one bible verse per week in Spanish for the nextyear. This first day seems successful, though the week has only just begun. Itis important to remember that living by the word of God is really the point,not just being able to spit it back out just a stream of meaningless words. Mynew year’s resolution of sorts I suppose. But I pray that this exercise willbenefit others besides me. That those memorized words will be an encouragementto others struggling with their own issues, not by power or might of my own,but by the Holy Spirit. This is my New Year’s resolve.

UNCOIL

2011-04-12T11:52:00.000-04:00

A baby snake got lost in my basement this morning. Immediately the cats started playing with her. She coiled herself up tight and prepared to strike, rattling her tail. At one point she froze belly up playing dead.

After reading on the internet what to do, I got a broom, brushed her into an empty cat litter bucket and closed the lid. She was only confined long enough for me to get dressed. I dumped her out at the edge of the woods. She immediately relaxed from her uncoiled position and glided peacefully into her proper environment.

Have you ever found yourself in a situation that you knew was wrong for you, but you couldn’t figure out how to get out of it? Did you assume a defensive posture to survive the hostile environment? Did someone intervene to get you out of the threatening situation?

Temporary confinement, though unpleasant, is one way to move us toward the place where we were meant to be. God’s word can also help us change direction.

“Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

Psalm 30:5

The law of the LORD is perfect,
   refreshing the soul.
The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy,
   making wise the simple.
⁸ The precepts of the LORD are right,
   giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the LORD are radiant,
   giving light to the eyes.
⁹ The fear of the LORD is pure,
   enduring forever.

The decrees of the LORD are firm,
   and all of them are righteous.
¹⁰ They are more precious than gold,
   than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
   than honey from the honeycomb.
¹¹ By them your servant is warned;
   in keeping them there is great reward.

¹⁴ May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:7-14

Scripture NIV Text and Photos © 2011 Reggie http://creativecommons.org

The Key

2011-03-17T11:20:00.000-04:00

Now at the festival the Jewish leaders were watching for Jesus and asking, “Where is he?” John 7:11

The Greek translation of “he” is a demonstrative pronoun referring to a person, place or thing that is remote from the speaker.

My Spanish translation said “metido” which I couldn’t find in my dictionary but Google translated as “key”. When I looked metido up in other dictionaries I got many different translations.

Personally I never throw away a key, especially when I’m not sure what it opens.

The religious establishment was farther from Jesus in philosophy than in physical distance. They may have seen him as the key to their undoing, but many viewed him as the key to freedom from the oppression of Rome.

I see him as the key to forgiveness and restored relationship with God.

So many definitions. I suppose it doesn’t matter which one we pick, the main point is perspective. On the outside looking in or on the inside looking out?

Do we want to remain remote from Jesus?

Where Is Home

2011-01-25T17:49:00.000-05:00

Rooftops of San Pedro, Costa Rica

The day I came home

I didn't see the dust

on the floors or the furniture.

or feel the dog hair

on the blankets or the sheets.

Never noticed that

the bathroom needed cleaning.

The pet hair rolling

along the floorboards like tumbleweed

greeted me like an old friend.

Odors were familiar not foul.

Marks on the walls reminded me

Of the twenty years of living

that marred them.

My husband's smile as he led me

Into the family room where

he had vacuumed the rug

was like a special gift.

I looked forward to

my daughter coming home

for her birthday the next day.

This was the place

I called home when wanderlust

Left me.

When you call the creator of the universe friend

Everywhere is home, but here is where

I take off my smile along with my hat

and hang it by the door.

Rise, Carry, Release, Rise

2010-12-09T11:00:00.000-05:00

Then the whole assembly rose and led him off to Pilate. Luke 23:1

As you can see, he has done nothing to deserve death. Therefore, I will punish him and then release him. Luke23:15-16

He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, the one they asked for, and surrendered Jesus to their will. As the soldiers led him away, they seized Simon from Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus Luke 23:25-26

Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Luke 24:5-6

A crowd rose and carried Christ to Pilate.

Pilate wanted to release Jesus.

A murderer was released instead.

Simon carried Christ's cross.

Guilt carried two men to be crucified.

Faith carried one criminal to paradise.

Christ rose from the dead.

Pray for the Depraved

2010-11-30T08:58:00.001-05:00

These prayer warriors have my back.

Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute.

With eyes full of adultery, they never stop sinning; they seduce the unstable; they are experts in greed—an accursed brood!

These people are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them. For they mouth empty, boastful words and, by appealing to the lustful desires of the flesh, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error. They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity—for “people are slaves to whatever has mastered them.” If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and are overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning. It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed on to them. Of them the proverbs are true: “A dog returns to its vomit,” and, “A sow that is washed returns to her wallowing in the mud.”2 Peter 2:2, 14, 17-22

When I read these words I am convicted. My conduct is not yet depraved, but my thoughts are not what they should be. My mind needs renewing. I am fighting a spiritual battle and my brain is the battlefield. I am in need of much prayer. I thank God for my friends, godly men and women who are not afraid to get down on their knees and intercede for the likes of me.

Something More

2010-09-16T09:46:00.001-04:00

And if all this had been too little, I would have given you even more. Why did you despise the word of the LORD by doing what is evil in his eyes? 2 Samuel 12:8-9

I read this and I thought why do I constantly lust for more?

I think about all I am blessed with. Would I risk losing it all for one night of pleasure like King David did? I’m sorry to say that I don’t like the answer I hear from myself. I’m not even ashamed enough to keep these thoughts to myself. No I share them with my friends, my family, my husband, complete strangers on the internet. Indeed, why do I despise the word of the Lord, that I would even entertain such ideas? I do not understand the dark side of the human heart, not even my own.

Jesus Adrián Romero sings a song called Algo Mas. This is the something more that I should desire.

Algo Mas

Jesus Adrain Romero

Algo más me dice el corazón, algo más

Algo más escucho en el silencio, hay algo más

Algo más por conocer y disfrutar

Algo más que llevara mi vida a otro lugar

Algo más oi en un sueño, hay algo más

Algo más escucho en la mañana al despertar

Algo más me grita el corazón al añorar

Algo más que llevara mi vida a otro lugar

Coro

Quiero llegar a ese lugar

En el que escucho hay algo más

Donde se puede disfrutar

De tu presencia sin dudar

Donde mis pensamientos son

Solo de ti de nadie más

Donde se pueden conectar

Momentos de eternidad

Donde hay algo más

Algo más me digo en el espejo, hay algo más

Algo más se escucho como un eco al descansar

Algo más me dicen las estrellas al brillar

Algo más que llevara mi vida a otro lugar

Coro

Coro

Donde hay algo más

Donde hay algo más

Donde hay algo más

Something more my heart says to me, something more

Something more I hear in the silence, there is something more.

Something more to know and enjoy.

Something more that will carry my life to another place.

Something more I hear in a dream, there is something more.

Something more I hear in the morning, to wake up.

Something more my heart shouts to me, to yearn.

Chorus

I want to arrive at that place

In which I hear something more.

Where I can enjoy

Your presence without doubt

Where my thoughts are

Only of you; no one else.

Where the moments can connect

In eternity

Where there is something more.

Something more tells me in the waiting, there is something more.

Something more heard like an echo to rest

Something more the stars tell me to shine.

Something more that lifts my life to another place.

Coro

Coro

Where there is something more.

Where there is something more.

Where there is something more.

Scripture NIV
Algo Mas by Jesus Adrian Romero
Text & Photos © 2010 Reggie

Inherited Kingdom

2010-09-15T17:48:00.000-04:00

You, O Lord, are loving. Surely you will reward each person according to what he has done. Psalm 62:12

“Therefore, O house of Israel, I will judge you, each one according to his ways, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. Ezekiel 18:30

Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. 2 Corinthians 4:1-2

David’s secret and shameful behavior in his fleshly body led to his downfall. It’s tough seeing something beautiful and not wanting to get with it. That’s just human nature 101. David knew he should have been about the business of his kingdom. His deception would garner judgment, brokenness and eventually lead to a divided kingdom.

These bodies of ours – jars of clay as Paul calls them in 2 Corinthians 4, hold the treasure of God’s power that we have in Christ Jesus. But like David our sinful natures can lead to an abuse of power. Thankfully under Christ we do not bear the penalty for our sin, however we still have to deal with the consequences.

The world lies to us and tells us that if we go after what we want, that a vast inheritance of wealth, success or happiness awaits. After a trip through the dry and weary vastness of sin, we will go on the hunt again, longing for real satisfaction. But in order to inherit anything, someone always has to die. If every sinful soul must die and be judged for what is done in the body then who gets all the toys in the end?

Jesus died in the prime of his life, so that we could have life for all time. He is the way to heaven, the only truth, the everlasting life, our inheritance of joy. Unlike David our repentance and brokenness can lead to forgiveness, new life and unity in the kingdom of God.

Scripture NIV Text reprinted from http://66books.wordpress.com/
Photos © 2010 Reggie http://creativecommons.org

Idolust

2010-09-02T13:40:00.002-04:00

How I have been grieved by their adulterous hearts, which have turned away from me, and by their eyes, which have lusted after their idols. They will loathe themselves for the evil they have done and for all their detestable practices. And they will know that I am the LORD. Ezekiel 6: 8b-10a

What makes us lust after idols? This verse seems to indicate that our vision is the problem.

The Internet is a veritable treasure trove of eye candy images. Of course 90% of photographs are Photoshopped. Most people don't look like that in person or do they? I can attest to the fact that Chayanne does look that good in person.

There are days when I loathe myself for my groupie heart. Why can't we muster up the same amount of enthusiasm for God?

God is responsible for my heartbeat. Chayanne is responsible for my heart skips. God's law is a reality. Chayanne's affections are a fantasy.

I have walked this way before. When I was 10 years old, I was enraptured by Paul McCartney of the Beatles, then Davy Jones of the Monkees. I thought I had outgrown the need for idols. But here I am again forty years later.

In my head I know what I should do, but my emotions carry me to an entirely other place. Perhaps if I stop feeding my addiction to Elmer Figueroa Arce, it will wane. I have noticed that now that I am looking at fewer images, my ardor has cooled. But there still exists the desire to run and play with the other girls who seem to be having so much fun following Chayanne.

I guess there are worse things to be addicted to, but I'll keep working on it.

Scripture NIV Text © 2010 Reggie http://creativecommons.org
Photo Chaf Enterprises

Speak

2010-08-30T10:15:00.000-04:00

You must speak my words to them, whether they listen or fail to listen, for they are rebellious. But you, son of man, listen to what I say to you. Do not rebel like that rebellious house; open your mouth and eat what I give you." Ezekiel 2:7-8

I know I am supposed to share what I learn from my time with God, but so often instead I just start behaving exactly like the people I'm supposed to be giving the message to. It’s like if the UPS driver, instead of delivering their package, joined me in weeding my garden and then left without giving me the box. That, of course, would make no sense. So why do I think it is any more acceptable for me to party with those to whom I have been sent, then go home without sharing the good news of Christ?

Opposing Sides

2010-08-23T11:04:00.001-04:00

My life is consumed by anguish and my years by groaning; my strength fails because of my affliction, and my bones grow weak. Psalm 31:11

Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature. Romans 13:14

While my spirit is filled to the brim with joy, my body is moving in the opposite direction. My mind and my body are in opposition with one another. I desire to think about the things of God and to serve Him. I also desire the things of the flesh, comfort, satisfaction.

I feel like that mythical animal, the push-me-pull-you, from the old “Doctor Dolittle” movie. It’s as if I am moving in two directions at once, consequently I don’t get very far at all in any direction.

The time is growing short for me and for the return of Christ. I really need to focus on salvation not satiation.

Strength

2010-08-21T18:32:00.000-04:00

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song. Psalm 28:7

El Señor es mi fuerza y mi escudo; mi corazón en él confía; de él recibo ayuda. Mi corazón salta de alegría, y con cánticos le daré gracias. Salmos 28:7

Psalm 29:5 tells how the voice of the Lord broke the cedars of Lebanon. Romans uses the analogy of olive branches broken off because of their unfruitfulness to illustrate the nation of

Israel

. Indeed God is able to reduce the mighty to nothing. He restores the unfaithful to faithfulness. Nothing is impossible with God.

Fading

2010-08-20T15:23:00.000-04:00

One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. Psalm 27:4

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news! Romans 10:14-15

I read Romans 10 in three different translations today and kept stopping at the same verses. What do You want me to do with these gifts You have given me? Some of them are disappearing right before my eyes. How can I continue to lead worship in the prison without being able to play my keyboard? How can I keep writing through the increasing degeneration in my phalanges?

When I think back on how generous You have been throughout my life, I rejoice. Though some gifts are fading may I be a good steward with that which remains.

Pick One

2010-08-19T09:46:00.001-04:00

Moab

will be destroyed as a nation because she defied the LORD. Jeremiah 48:42

Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Psalm 25:4-5

As he says in Hosea: "I will call them 'my people' who are not my people; and I will call her 'my loved one' who is not my loved one," and, "It will happen that in the very place where it was said to them, 'You are not my people,' they will be called 'sons of the living God.' " Romans 9:25-26

We have a choice to love the Lord or to defy Him. For those who choose to defy Him there awaits destruction. For those who love Him there is adoption by the living God.

Scripture NIV Text and Photos © 2010 Reggie http://creativecommons.org

Queen of Heaven

2010-08-16T16:02:00.002-04:00

Then all the men who knew that their wives were burning incense to other gods, along with all the women who were present—a large assembly—and all the people living in Lower and Upper Egypt, said to Jeremiah, "We will not listen to the message you have spoken to us in the name of the LORD! We will certainly do everything we said we would: We will burn incense to the Queen of Heaven and will pour out drink offerings to her just as we and our fathers, our kings and our officials did in the towns of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem. At that time we had plenty of food and were well off and suffered no harm. Jeremiah 44:15-17

Yesterday during the Feast of the Assumption of Mary, the priest explained that if Christ is the new Adam then there has to be a new Eve which is Mary. I didn’t understand this logic. If Christ is the King of Heaven then Mary is supposed to be the Queen Mother or the Queen of Heaven. Though I have found many scriptures supporting the notion that bowing down to the Queen of Heaven is idolatry, I can’t find anything that tells me where the idea comes from that Mary went up to heaven bodily or that she is the Queen of Heaven.

So I respectfully invite anyone who can answer these questions for me to do so, circular arguments aside. I’m not looking for a fight, just searching for the truth.

Loss & Gain

2010-08-14T19:05:00.000-04:00

You made a fatal mistake when you sent me to the LORD your God and said, 'Pray to the LORD our God for us; tell us everything he says and we will do it.' I have told you today, but you still have not obeyed the LORD your God in all he sent me to tell you. Jeremiah 42:20-21

A cooling breeze rustled through the woodland. A humming bird zoomed by my husband and I as we sat together in awed silence. Two hawks soared over the tops of the tulip poplars just as a swallow tailed butterfly descended from the canopy. Bees pollinated the rose of Sharon shrubs surrounding the deck. Cicadas shuddered their wings in loud mating calls. I was never before more grateful for losing our electricity than this morning.

They say be careful what you pray for. Though I didn’t pray to lose my electricity or even to get it back, I was certainly blessed by my time without it. I know things won’t always work out this nicely, but I like to look for the positives when something negative occurs. It makes thing much easier to deal with.

Apple of His Eye

2010-08-13T18:02:00.001-04:00

Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings. Psalm 17:8

This morning I spied a brand-new chainsaw sitting on a bench in the family room. It looked oddly out of place. I removed it to the garage where it belonged.

How I long for God to pick me up and put me where I belong by his side. I feel so out of place in this skin on this earth. Don’t get me wrong I enjoy living, traveling, dancing, singing, reading, writing and a million other things. If I was younger I’d still be enjoying climbing trees, roller skating and making mud pies.

I want to go home and sit in His shadow delighted to be the apple of his eye.

Not Fade Away

2010-08-10T11:34:00.001-04:00

The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever. Isaiah 40:8

Ruth faced an uncertain future with obedience and trust. She considered the experience and wisdom of those around her. She followed advice that was contrary to her emotions. She allowed God to build a legacy in her life.

I have no idea what God is doing at this stage of my life, but I trust him completely. I'm still working on the Spanish that he prompted me to learn a few years ago. I'm still journaling, enabled by new software that doesn't require the use of my hands. I am so praising my God. Worship rocks in Spanish.

I can't serve in the same ways anymore, but I can find new ways to be of use in God's kingdom. I am thankful that God gives us more than one gift to serve him.

Ruth kept going. Jeremiah kept talking. Paul kept moving. The word of God continues to speak to man.

Among Strangers

2010-08-09T19:46:00.001-04:00

From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. John 1:16

Jeremiah suffered at the hands of strangers in a foreign land. Paul urged strangers on a ship to eat to keep up their strength during a storm. Boaz allowed Ruth, a foreigner, to glean for food in his field. The psalmist cried out to God when it seemed like the wicked ruled the earth.

Today's scriptures highlight people under great stress. It seems the best outcomes occurred when people were treated with grace and dignity. When I am angry or upset my default is to fight. There is a lesson for me here that when times get tough I should put on my grace face not my fight face.

Fighting Words

2010-08-08T11:17:00.000-04:00

So you go to the house of the LORD on a day of fasting and read to the people from the scroll the words of the LORD that you wrote as I dictated. Read them to all the people of Judah who come in from their towns. Perhaps they will bring their petition before the LORD, and each will turn from his wicked ways, for the anger and wrath pronounced against this people by the LORD are great." Jeremiah 36:6-7

Then Agrippa said to Paul, "Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?"
Paul replied, "Short time or long—I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains." Acts 26:28-29

But Ruth replied, "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Ruth 1:16

Jeremiah wrote what God instructed. After it was read to the people, the king ignored God’s word and threw it into the fire. As God instructed, Jeremiah wrote the exact same words again.

Paul gave the testimony of his conversion to King Agrippa, but the king was not convinced. Paul remained faithful none-the-less.

Ruth vowed her fidelity to her mother-in law and to her God despite the grim prospects.

A sixty mile an hour trip down zip line in

Costa Rica

has left me with increasing pain in my hands. Some days blogging is excruciating. Next week I go to see a hand specialist. I wonder if in the face of obstacles I can continue with God the way Jeremiah, Paul and Ruth did. How much am I willing to fight for God’s word?

Crece mas mi amor por ti

2010-08-07T14:18:00.000-04:00

Jesus Adrian Romero

Entre mas estoy contigo y te respiro

mas mi amor crece por ti mas te admiro

conocer de tu bondad me a convencido

mas preciado que el oro es ser tu amigo

entre mas estoy contigo y te respiro

mas mi amor crece por ti mas te admiro

conocer de tu bondad me a convencido

mas preciado que el oro es ser tu amigo

crece mas mi amor por ti cada vez que veo la cruz

crece mas mi amor por ti cada vez que te veo venir

crece mas mi amor por ti cada vez que veo la cruz

crece mas mi amor por ti

puedo multiplicar lo que ahora siento por ti

puedo dar mi tiempo mi alabanza sin fin

puedo  por siempre estar a tu servicio

y no se aproximara a lo que hiciste por mi

crece mas mi amor por ti cada vez que veo la cruz

crece mas mi amor por ti cada vez que te veo venir

crece mas mi amor por ti cada vez que veo la cruz

crece mas mi amor por ti

the more I am with you and breathing you

the more my love grows for you, the more I admire you

to know of your goodness to me I am convinced

that more precious than gold is to be your friend

chorus

my love for you grows more each time I see the cross

my love for you grows more each time that I see you arrive

my love for you grows more each time I see the cross

my love for you grows more

I can multiply that which I feel now for you.

I can give my time my praise without end.

I can forever be to your service

and not come near that which you did for me.

Chorus

Song by Jesus Adrian Romero
Photos © 2010 Reggie

Jesus

2010-08-06T17:22:00.001-04:00

Jesús

Cuando brilla el sol
cuando sopla el viento
quiero estar presente
quiero darte mi atención
y al anochecer
hasta en el silencio
quiero estar atento
y escuchar así tu voz
Quiero que en mi viaje
seas tu el camino
seas el destino
y el paisaje alrededor

Coro:

Jesús
eres todo para mi
no falta nada
tu presencia es mi morada
Jesús
puedo disfrutar en ti
cada momento
Jesús...mi complemento

Quiero despertar
ver un mundo nuevo
y cada momento
la jornada disfrutar
Quiero caminar
perder el aliento
viendo la belleza
de las cosas que me das
Quiero que en mi viaje
seas tu el camino
seas el destino
y el paisaje alrededor
Coro:

Quiero en ti confiar
y en tus caminos siempre andar
poniendo siempre la mirada
en ti Jesús cada mañana
para jamás volver atrás...

Coro:

Eres todo para mi
Jesús...mi complemento

Jesus

When the sun shines

When the wind blows

I want to be present

I want to give you my attention

And at nightfall

Until in the silence

I want to be attentive

And to hear your voice

I want on my journey

You to be the road

You to be the destination

And the surrounding landscape

Chorus:

Jesus

You are everything to me

Nothing is lacking

Your presence is my home

Jesus

I am able to enjoy in You

Each moment

Jesus… my complement

I want to wake

To see a new world

And each moment

To enjoy the workday

I want to walk

To lose my breath

Seeing the beauty

Of the things that you give me.

I want on my journey

You to be the road

You to be the destination

And the surrounding landscape

Chorus:

I want to trust in you

And to walk forever in your way

Always putting my sight

On you, Jesus each morning

In order to never look back…

Chorus:

You are everything to me

Jesus… my complement

Song by Jesus Adrian Romero
Photos © 2010 Reggie http://creativecommons.org

In Peace

2010-08-05T15:32:00.002-04:00

I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8

En Paz

Daniel Caveti

En paz me acostare
y Asi mismo dormire
porque solo tu Senor
me haces vivir confiado
porque solo tu senor
me haces vivir confiado
Que me libra del temor
que me quita la ansiedad
sino eres tu
que me abraza con su amor
que me da de su perdon
sino eres tu Senor
In peace I lay down
And so the same I sleep
Because only you Lord
I trust to make me live
That frees me from fear
that remains anxiety in me
But you are Lord
That embrace me with your love
That give me your pardon
but you are Lord

Scripture NIV
Song by Daniel Caveti
Photos © 2010 Reggie http://creativecommons.org

Sandy Supplication

2010-08-03T17:46:00.000-04:00

But when our time was up, we left and continued on our way. All the disciples and their wives and children accompanied us out of the city, and there on the beach we knelt to pray. Acts 21:5

A sunset beach. Sand rubbed toes. Heads bowed. Eyes closed. A continuous circle of hands held together in prayer. What a beautiful picture of the body of Christ.

Church Family

2010-08-02T20:52:00.002-04:00

When he had said this, he knelt down with all of them and prayed. They all wept as they embraced him and kissed him. What grieved them most was his statement that they would never see his face again. Acts 20:36-38

Several weeks ago I met two sweet Christian women through a friend. Christy and Rosa knew each other through their children’s school. Rosa and I practiced Spanish and English together. We became fast friends, worshipping, praying and reading the bible together. Now Rosa is moving away. Christy and I are grieved that we will be losing Rosa. I cried when Rosa told me. Christy and Rosa descended into tears today after discussing the move. We hope we will see her face again.

True Prophet

2010-08-02T15:37:00.000-04:00

But the prophet who prophesies peace will be recognized as one truly sent by the LORD only if his prediction comes true." Jeremiah 28:9

We heard him say, 'I will destroy this man-made temple and in three days will build another, not made by man.' Mark 14:58

In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.' " Luke 24:5-7

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Yoked

2010-07-31T09:31:00.000-04:00

Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit. Mark 13:11

For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:30

One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city. Acts 18:9-10

Samson discovered being yoked with unbelievers caused much trouble. God told

Israel

to bow their neck under the yoke of the King of Babylonia for a time as part of their punishment and restoration. Jesus tells us to take his yoke upon us for his burden is light. Being yoked together lightens the load of both parties through the sharing of burdens. We are yoked with the Holy Spirit who strengthens and guides us. We are yoked together with other believers for mutual support and edification. A yoke doesn’t have to be a bad thing.

The Whole Earth

2010-07-30T11:00:00.000-04:00

Be assured, however, that if you put me to death, you will bring the guilt of innocent blood on yourselves and on this city and on those who live in it, for in truth the LORD has sent me to you to speak all these words in your hearing." Jeremiah 26:15

The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else. From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. For in him we live and move and have our being.' As some of your own poets have said, 'We are his offspring.'

"Therefore since we are God's offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by man's design and skill. In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead." Acts 17:24-31

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Photos © 2010 Reggie
http://creativecommons.org

All Nations

2010-07-29T13:37:00.000-04:00

My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations. Mark 11:17

And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins. Mark 11:25

But Paul said to the officers: "They beat us publicly without a trial, even though we are Roman citizens, and threw us into prison. And now do they want to get rid of us quietly? No! Let them come themselves and escort us out." Acts 16:37

We are all brothers, created by God, yet we fight and scratch one another like a litter of cats. We can’t even get along with one another as believers in the same church. Why would we ever expect to get along with other people groups, other nations, other races. Yet that is exactly what God commands us to do in his house.

The Eye of the Needle

2010-07-28T15:13:00.002-04:00

I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the LORD. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart. Jeremiah 24:7

No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are." Acts 15:11

Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God." Mark 10:27

God gives us the heart to know him. He gives us the grace to be saved. Because nothing is impossible with God, I never lose hope that those I love will make it through the eye of the needle.

Scripture NIV
Text © 2010 Reggie http://creativecommons.org
Photo http://www.willard-wigan.com

My Unrighteousness His Righteousness

2010-07-27T17:40:00.000-04:00

The LORD Our Righteousness. Jeremiah 23:6

According to God my righteousness is like a pile of bloody, smelly rags. In that case it is great that the Lord is my righteousness. I can put on his righteousness like a brand new perfect wedding gown.

180

2010-07-26T19:38:00.001-04:00

Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don't you remember? Mark 8:18

But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "You are the Christ. Mark 8:29

Look, you scoffers, wonder and perish, for I am going to do something in your days that you would never believe, even if someone told you. Acts 13:41

Sometimes we can’t see what is right in front of our face. Often we resist believing simple answers to complicated questions.

What is the answer to the evil that threatens our world? What is the answer to the problems in my own little corner of the world? How do I deal with the agitations that are facing me right now?

What is impossible to believe is that the word and power of God cover all the bases. If I apply principles that don’t make sense to tough situations, what will happen?

Time and again I have seen strange things happen. In God’s economy the opposite response to our natural inclinations nets fantastic results. Every time I have acted contrary to my immediate natural response I have been dumfounded by the results. The recipient of my actions has done a 180 in their behavior as well, regardless of their belief system.

Too Hot

2010-07-24T18:31:00.001-04:00

Volcan Arenal Costa Rica

He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. And he was amazed at their lack of faith. Mark 6:5

But if I say, "I will not mention him or speak any more in his name," his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot. Jeremiah 20:9

The LORD said to Gideon, "You have too many men for me to deliver Midian into their hands. In order that Israel may not boast against me that her own strength has saved her. Judges 7:2

Why wasn’t Jesus able to do many miracles in his hometown? Is faith a integral component to the working of a miracle? Certainly God needs nothing from us to make a miracle. So why is faith important to the process?

Faith needs to do the work here on earth, lest any man should boast, even God in the form of Jesus incarnate. The glory always has to rise to God, not fall to any earthly thing.

Sometimes I get tired of talking about God. It’s not sexy or glamorous. It doesn’t bring me fame or fortune. Actually it invites mocking. So why do I do it?

It is the fuel of my faith that builds inside me like a fire. It can warm others when I let it out. Left inside, it’s like a pressure cooker. It scalds me if I try to keep it to myself.

Flitting Fleeting

2010-07-23T09:13:00.001-04:00

But the LORD said to him,

"Peace! Do not be afraid.

You are not going to die.

Judges 6:23

Well With My Soul

2010-07-21T15:48:00.002-04:00

reprinted from http://66books.wordpress.com/

Go! This is the day the LORD has given Sisera into your hands. Has not the LORD gone ahead of you?" Judges 4:14b

Heal me, O LORD, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise. Jeremiah 17:14

Whoever does God's will is my brother and sister and mother. Mark 3:35

Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. Acts 8:4

The persecution of the church scattered believers far and wide. Though they were under great pressure they kept talking about Jesus. Often the storms of life send us spinning off our usual trajectory and into a group of people who do not know us or our beliefs. These are the days God goes ahead of us and prepares the way to meet potential new brothers and sisters in Christ. He gives us victory not necessarily in our infirmities, but in the power and grace of our witness. Our healing could be in our bodies. It is definitely well with our souls.

Holy Ground

2010-07-20T14:33:00.000-04:00

Then the Lord said to him, “Take off your sandals; the place where you are standing is holy ground." Acts 7:33

They were left to test the Israelites to see whether they would obey the LORD's commands, which he had given their forefathers through Moses. Judges 3:4

When you tell these people all this and they ask you, 'Why has the LORD decreed such a great disaster against us? What wrong have we done? What sin have we committed against the LORD our God?' Then say to them, 'It is because your fathers forsook me,' declares the LORD, 'and followed other gods and served and worshiped them. They forsook me and did not keep my law. Jeremiah 16:10-11

Therefore I will teach them—this time I will teach them my power and might. Then they will know that my name is the LORD. Jeremiah 16:21

We are just as clueless as the Israelites. We wonder why bad things are happening to us. We think we have done nothing wrong. But we spend all our time following everything else except God. And when we stand on holy ground we show no reference for it.

Angel

2010-07-19T08:44:00.000-04:00

Therefore this is what the LORD says: "If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve me; if you utter worthy, not worthless, words, you will be my spokesman. Let this people turn to you, but you must not turn to them. Jeremiah 15:19

All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel. Acts 6:15

Oh that I would speak worthy words and had the face of and angel.

Wake Up To Good News

2010-07-18T15:32:00.000-04:00

O LORD, we acknowledge our wickedness and the guilt of our fathers; we have indeed sinned against you. For the sake of your name do not despise us; do not dishonor your glorious throne. Remember your covenant with us and do not break it. Jeremiah14:20-21

Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:19-20

Peter and the other apostles replied: "We must obey God rather than men!

The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ. Acts 5:29,41-42

The new covenant instills in my heart a desire to spread the good news. I know that I and everyone else on the planet is a sinner, but Jesus took that punishment for all my sins, so as far as God is concerned I am clean. I no longer have to beat myself up over my sin. I suffer ridicule for believing this, but I can’t deny what I know in every pore of my being. Jesus is so real, I can almost hold his face in my hands. He makes me smile. It is his voice above all else, to which I must pay attention.

Our Responsibility

2010-07-17T15:18:00.000-04:00

I have sinned," he said, "for I have betrayed innocent blood."
"What is that to us?" they replied. "That's your responsibility." Matthew 27:4

"Now then," said Joshua, "throw away the foreign gods that are among you and yield your hearts to the LORD, the God of Israel. Joshua 24:23

Hear and pay attention, do not be arrogant, for the LORD has spoken. Jeremiah 13:15

Because Jesus was not released on Passover, but condemned to death, we have been released from captivity to sin. His blood is on all our heads. Because of our sins, we are responsible for his death. We are now responsible for giving him all of our hearts.

Our God Our Strength

2010-07-16T18:25:00.000-04:00

One of you routs a thousand, because the LORD your God fights for you, just as he promised. So be very careful to love the LORD your God. Joshua 23:10-11

Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." Matthew 26:41

Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." Acts 3:6

A stranger entered my woodland and cut a swath of vegetation down. I felt helpless to do anything. The shrubs were already destroyed. A section of forest floor made vulnerable to erosion. How could I fight this unknown trespasser who I had not seen?

The next morning I read the above scriptures. God is on our side. He is our strength, our self-control, our army. When we are weak, he is strong. With Him we can put a thousand to flight.

I only want to get rid of one pest. God is able.

All of It

2010-07-15T16:42:00.000-04:00

He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.' Matthew 25:45

Tell them that this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'Cursed is the man who does not obey the terms of this covenant. Jeremiah 11:3

Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38

The terms of the agreement have been changed. The new covenant is under the cross of Christ. We are under love, not the law. Under the law you were cursed if you didn’t obey. Under the new covenant, you are cursed if you don’t believe.

God said that he would give us hearts of flesh that would automatically know the law of love. There are days I’d be embarrassed to show my face much less my heart. Fortunately, only God can see and righteously judge our hearts. However, since out of the heart our mouths speak and our actions play out, a discerning person can see what we are all about.

I pray that my behavior, my heart and my mouth all profess the same thing. That God is good and He loved us enough to send his Son to take all the punishment for all of our sins, past, present and future.

Keep Watch

2010-07-14T14:14:00.000-04:00

Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. Matthew 24:42

Today the rain is blessing the earth. We really needed it. I prayed for it, but I forgot how much my arthritis hurts when it is damp outside. So today I won’t spend much time typing.

I always keep a camera with me, keeping watch for interesting things to photograph. I will share a picture of this little guy who was playing in my neighbors yard down the street yesterday.

Keep watch. You never know who you may see next.

Enjoy.

Weeping Prophet

2010-07-13T09:32:00.002-04:00

Joshua 18&19, Psalm 149-150, Jeremiah 9, Matthew 23

Let the saints rejoice in this honor and sing for joy on their beds. Psalm 149:5

Oh, that my head were a spring of water and my eyes a fountain of tears! I would weep day and night for the slain of my people. Jeremiah 9:1

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing. Matthew 23: 37

In worshipping my great God often the joy and the tears come at the same time. I sometimes feel like I’m going to short out when his overwhelming power begins to run through me.

When I think of his amazing love for his people. When I think about how Christ died a brutal death to bring us back into relationship with God. When I think about all the people I know personally who still don’t accept or understand this, I can really relate to Jeremiah, the weeping prophet.

He is a fair God. Look in Joshua how he divided up the land so everyone could have a share. He wants everyone to come to a knowledge of salvation. He doesn’t want anyone to perish. Neither do I. That’s why I strive in this place. That is why I cry. The joy comes in knowing that nothing is impossible with God. Not even hearts as hard to crack as black walnut hulls.

Please God, only you can find a way to break through. My list of lost friends and family is so long. May they embrace you and your Son, Jesus. I come to you weeping, but I want to finish my life rejoicing in Jesus Name. Amen

yicareggie

Reprinted here from original post at http://66books.wordpress.com/
Scripture NIV Text and Photos © 2010 Reggie http://creativecommons.org

Blushing

2010-07-12T15:48:00.001-04:00

Are they ashamed of their loathsome conduct? No, they have no shame at all; they do not even know how to blush. So they will fall among the fallen; they will be brought down when they are punished, says the LORD. Jeremiah 8:12

I am puzzling over grace today. I remember once putting something on my blog that a friend thought might not be acceptable for a woman of God. I don’t remember now what it was, but I remember thinking “Is she trying to squash my individuality?”

I have a new friend who is adamant about obeying the word of God. She fasts twice and week, reads her bible and prays a couple of hours a day.

There are many verses in the bible where conduct is called into question. Most are very specific on what constitutes unacceptable behavior. Yet Jesus ate with the very people who committed those types of sins. When they met him they left their old lives behind and with it their sinful behavior.

I’m wondering if in the name of grace I am not continuing in the very sin that Christ went to the cross to cleanse me of. If this is the case, I am in dire need of repentance and restoration.

I feel like I have been twisting the word of God on many issues in the name of grace. Certainly grace should be extended to those who haven’t heard the good news that Christ died for our sins. However shouldn’t I be called to obedience now that I have appropriated His grace and accepted Christ’s sacrifice for my sins.

I don’t need to confess here. I’m an open book. Everybody knows what I’ve been up to. Question is, am I going to stop what is becoming clear to me, that which may not be the best behavior? Am I going to start acting like an obedient servant? It is my intention, but I’m going to need a bunch of people to support me.

It just seems to me that if I have to hide what I’m doing from my friends, family or church, then either something is wrong with them or something is wrong with me or maybe both. I don’t know. Something just doesn’t feel right.

Productive

2010-07-11T10:32:00.000-04:00

But I gave them this command: Obey me, and I will be your God and you will be my people. Walk in all the ways I command you, that it may go well with you. But they did not listen or pay attention; instead, they followed the stubborn inclinations of their evil hearts. They went backward and not forward. Jeremiah 7:23-24

Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit. Matthew 21:43

Following my inclinations is not always good. I find myself often sliding backwards into old patterns of behavior that are not honoring to God. This saddens me. I thank God for my friends who confront me when my actions threaten to cross the line. I want to be productive for the Lord.

Blessings Rain

2010-07-10T14:43:00.000-04:00

Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. Psalm 145:3

To whom can I speak and give warning? Who will listen to me? Their ears are closed so they cannot hear. The word of the LORD is offensive to them; they find no pleasure in it. Jeremiah 6:10

Jesus stopped and called them. "What do you want me to do for you?" he asked. Matthew 20:32

My breath, my heartbeat.

I notice them not at all.

Until they malfunction.

The breeze, the cooling rain.

God’s power in Jesus’ name.

Words so tough to understand.

Not listening until I have a need.

Now what do I want from Him?

Who chooses the blessings?

So Loved

2010-07-09T14:25:00.000-04:00

O LORD, what is man that you care for him, the son of man that you think of him? Psalm 144:3

But these people have stubborn and rebellious hearts; they have turned aside and gone away. They do not say to themselves, 'Let us fear the LORD our God, who gives autumn and spring rains in season, who assures us of the regular weeks of harvest.' Your wrongdoings have kept these away; your sins have deprived you of good. Jeremiah 5:24-25

When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, "Who then can be saved?"
Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Matthew 19:25-26

I have a rebellious heart. I wonder sometimes how it is even possible for me to be worth saving. Yet I know that God is true to his word. He says that if I believe that Jesus died for my sins, then I am redeemed. I don’t understand it, but I know that God does not lie. I don’t feel worthy. Yet such a warm feeling comes over me when I think about Jesus loving me so much that he would die for me. I don’t feel worthy. I feel loved.

Little Children

2010-07-08T15:39:00.000-04:00

And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:3

My daughter more than once has told me that I act like a four year old. I realize she was referring to my attention span. I flit from subject to unrelated subject in split seconds with no segue. My best friend told me it is difficult to follow my thought patterns. I’d like to believe that a childlike quality of awe is the thing driving my behavior. Although I imagine it isn’t very cute in someone over the age of ten.

I think Jesus was talking about the open minded nature of children to listen, ask questions, and learn about new ideas, when he talked about how we had to become like little children.

Swearing

2010-07-07T20:53:00.000-04:00

Running After

2010-07-06T10:33:00.000-04:00

Joshua and all Israel let themselves be driven back before them, and they fled toward the desert. All the men of Ai were called to pursue them, and they pursued Joshua and were lured away from the city. Joshua 8:15-16

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? Psalm 139:7

Do not run until your feet are bare and your throat is dry. But you said, 'It's no use! I love foreign gods, and I must go after them.' Jeremiah 2:25

Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men."
Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. Matthew 16:23-24

Sometimes under the direction of God rather than stand against our enemies we are commanded to retreat, to move away from, to flee. We are not to run toward idols, but away from them. Yet from God we can not flee or move away. I’m not supposed to be concerned with the things of men but the things of God. I’m supposed to be following hard after Jesus.

My Job

2010-07-05T22:59:00.001-04:00

They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD. Jeremiah 1:19

The woman came and knelt before him. "Lord, help me!" she said. Matthew 15:25

I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; before the "gods" I will sing your praise.

When I called, you answered me; you made me bold and stouthearted.
The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O LORD, endures forever—do not abandon the works of your hands. Psalm 138:1,3,8

Each day I wake up and sing a song of praise to God. This morning as I read the scriptures, instead of listening to music on my ipod, I listened to live piano music. My best friend was practicing for her church. Wow. What a wonderful blessing. Thank you God.

The blessings of God strengthen me for the work ahead. I can not do the work by myself. I draw near to God for help. I am the work of His hands to do the work with my hands.

Unity

2010-07-03T21:46:00.000-04:00

How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! Psalm 133:1

Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. Matthew 13:8

Created by God, we are all one family. Let us live in unity not fear.

His Hands My Mouth

2010-07-02T11:41:00.001-04:00

That day the LORD exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel; and they revered him all the days of his life, just as they had revered Moses. Joshua 4:14

Yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. Isaiah 64:8

If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared. I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope. Psalm 130:3-5

But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned. Matthew 12:36

Working for the glory of the Lord versus for my own glory. Sometimes it is tough to discern where my motives lie. But if I use my mouth to praise him in all that I do, then the glory will go where it is due.

Toil & Sleep

2010-07-01T16:57:00.000-04:00

In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—for he grants sleep to those he loves. Psalm 127:2

My Help

2010-06-30T13:34:00.000-04:00

Our help is in the name of the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 124:8

I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. Matthew 10:16

When I start freaking out about some obstacle that blocks my path, I must remind myself who sent me out and who my help comes from.

Victory Over Fear

2010-06-29T16:33:00.000-04:00

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

The LORD watches over you—the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Psalm 121:5-8

For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations. Isaiah 61:11

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Matthew 9:36

            With God on my side why should I be afraid? Yet I am a mere mortal who is afraid of many things. Tarantulas and scorpions, poisonous snakes, disease, loss of loved ones, pain, humiliation, violence to name a few.
            God knows I have fears otherwise why would he bother to remind me that he is with me always. He repeats this encouragement many times. Those who are called brave are not without fear. The brave move forward in spite of the fear.
            Lord, Help me to forget my fear when I see You moving into the fray that I will follow You unburdened by any earthly thing. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen

Scripture NIV Text and Photos © 2010 Reggie http://creativecommons.org

Sure

2010-06-28T16:47:00.000-04:00

May my cry come before you, O LORD; give me understanding according to your word. Psalm 119:169

Then Jesus said to the centurion, "Go! It will be done just as you believed it would." And his servant was healed at that very hour. Matthew 8:13

The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. Your sun will never set again, and your moon will wane no more; the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your days of sorrow will end. Isaiah 60:19-20

In this life there is only one thing of which we can be certain and that is the God of the Universe.

Distractible

2010-06-27T10:53:00.000-04:00

Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law. They are not just idle words for you—they are your life. Deuteronomy 32:46-47

"The Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who repent of their sins," declares the LORD.
“As for me, this is my covenant with them," says the LORD. "My Spirit, who is on you, and my words that I have put in your mouth will not depart from your mouth, or from the mouths of your children, or from the mouths of their descendants from this time on and forever," says the LORD. Isaiah 59:20-21

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:33-34

Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me. Redeem me from the oppression of men, that I may obey your precepts. Make your face shine upon your servant and teach me your decrees. Streams of tears flow from my eyes, for your law is not obeyed. Psalm 119:133-136

I want God to be first in my life. I want to always take the high road. I don’t want sin to rule over me. I want the sunshine of God’s smile to radiate over me. I say that I want all these things and then I become distracted by other things. Lesser things draw me away from the perfect things of God. I need to focus, but I am so distractible. God help me. I can’t do this life without You.

An Open Door

2010-06-25T10:09:00.000-04:00

But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. Matthew 5:44-45

Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?
Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.
Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. "If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, and if you spend ourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. Isaiah 58-6-10

I don’t have to like or even agree with people to understand their pain. I don’t have to be rich to address their need. I just have to be willing to help.

Keeping Loose Reins on Lust

2010-06-24T16:21:00.000-04:00

But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Matthew 5:28

May my heart be blameless toward your decrees, that I may not be put to shame. Psalm 119:80

But if your heart turns away and you are not obedient, and if you are drawn away to bow down to other gods and worship them, ¹⁸ I declare to you this day that you will certainly be destroyed. You will not live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess. Deuteronomy 30:17-18

You burn with lust among the oaks and under every spreading tree. Isaiah 57:5

Each day God gives me a verse from the Scriptures. Of course, the day before the Chayanne concert I receive verses about the heart, obedience, lust, and shame.

Just as loose reigns can lead to a runaway horse, runaway thought patterns can lead to unbridled behavior.

But God is good all the time. True?

I am thankful that He protects me from myself on a daily basis.

Your Face My Heart

2010-06-23T16:09:00.000-04:00

I have sought your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise. I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes. I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands. Though the wicked bind me with ropes, I will not forget your law. Psalm 119:58-61

Make sure there is no man or woman, clan or tribe among you today whose heart turns away from the LORD our God to go and worship the gods of those nations; make sure there is no root among you that produces such bitter poison.
When such a person hears the words of this oath, he invokes a blessing on himself and therefore thinks, "I will be safe, even though I persist in going my own way."
This will bring disaster on the watered land as well as the dry. The LORD will never be willing to forgive him; his wrath and zeal will burn against that man. All the curses written in this book will fall upon him, and the LORD will blot out his name from under heaven. The LORD will single him out from all the tribes of Israel for disaster, according to all the curses of the covenant written in this Book of the Law. Deuteronomy 29:18-21

The Sovereign LORD declares— he who gathers the exiles of Israel: "I will gather still others to them besides those already gathered." Isaiah 56:8

Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only. Matthew 4:11

With all my heart I look forward to seeing the one I love face to face. Satan, I hope I never see. Jesus, when he was tempted, basically told Satan, “Get out of my face.” Face to face. Heart to heart. When I am sneaking down my own path, I’d prefer no one see my face or my heart. When I am in step with God then I want them to be a matching set.

Scripture NIV Text © 2010 Reggie http://creativecommons.org
Photo courtesy Chayanne fans

High Ways

2010-06-22T17:30:00.001-04:00

Volcan Arenal, Costa Rica

Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees! Psalm 119:5

This is the cry of my heart. I want more than anything to obey my Lord.

Deuteronomy outlines blessings for obedience and curses for ignoring God’s laws. The blessings and the curses are not my motivation. The love relationship I have with God compels me to want to please him. I long for that feeling that he is smiling when I’ve done some good. I desire to work along side him. I enjoy being part of his team.

For Us

2010-06-21T16:36:00.000-04:00

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:5-6

I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation. The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; the LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. Psalms 118:21-23

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"—which means, "God with us." Matthew 1:22-23

Scripture NIV Text and Photos © 2010 Reggie http://creativecommons.org

Covered

2010-06-20T18:17:00.000-04:00

Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you. Psalm 116:7

But you will not leave in haste or go in flight; for the LORD will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard. Isaiah 52:12

Friends often say, “I got your back.” Imagine if God were your friend how much better he could cover you back. Our sins would be covered by the blood of Jesus. Our daily lives would be covered by God’s omniscience and power. Our minds would be covered by the Holy Spirit and the word of God. His never ending presence would cover everything and everybody all the time.

To be without God is to be without life assurance and who can afford to be without that?

The Light of Glory

2010-06-19T15:31:00.000-04:00

Not to us, O LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness. Psalm 115:1

Hear me, you who know what is right, you people who have my law in your hearts: Do not fear the reproach of men or be terrified by their insults. Isaiah 51:7

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Revelations 21:3-4

Now God shares his glory with on one. One day God’s glory will give light, day and night, to his faithful ones. In the new heaven and earth there will be no reason to cry. We will be with the only One who satisfies us completely, our beloved.

Distracted

2010-06-18T09:57:00.000-04:00

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise. Psalm 111:10

This morning I tried to do my morning devotions while listening to secular radio. I couldn’t begin to tell you what I read.

While waiting for my car to be repaired at Goodyear the other day, Sympathy for the Devil by the Rolling Stones, was playing on the radio. I couldn’t read my bible then either.

As described in Revelations only the angels can stand with their feet firmly placed in two different places. This not the province of human beings.

I began again. Worshipped with music at the piano. Then went back to my reading. Much better.

In Vain

2010-06-17T11:32:00.000-04:00

He said to me, "You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will display my splendor."
But I said, "I have labored to no purpose; I have spent my strength in vain and for nothing. Yet what is due me is in the LORD's hand, and my reward is with my God." Isaiah 49:3-4

When my aim is the praise of men, in vain I work and spend my strength for nothing. In God’s economy nothing is ever wasted.

My Steadfast Heart?

2010-06-16T13:44:00.000-04:00

My heart is steadfast, O God; I will sing and make music with all my soul. Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. I will praise you, O LORD, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. For great is your love, higher than the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, and let your glory be over all the earth. Save us and help us with your right hand, that those you love may be delivered. Psalm 108:1-6

I saw myself in the pages of Isaiah. My heart is not steadfast. I am rebellious. I cried when I read these words. I am saved for God’s sake.

In Deuteronomy a rebellious son who refuses to be disciplined is stoned to death. Does this mean that the rebellious who listen to correction are redeemable?

For my own name's sake I delay my wrath; for the sake of my praise I hold it back from you, so as not to cut you off. Isaiah 48:9

This is what the LORD says—your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go. If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your righteousness like the waves of the sea. Isaiah 48:17-18

Scripture NIV Text and Photos © 2010 Reggie http://creativecommons.org

True Victory

2010-06-15T11:25:00.001-04:00

Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men. Whoever is wise, let him heed these things and consider the great love of the LORD. Psalm 107:8,43

For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory." Deuteronomy 20:4

There was a item on the news today about kids and exercise. Preschoolers were kicking soccer balls up and down a field. This is where World Cup Soccer starts. Athletes taking God given talents and develop them by practicing individual skills.

God blesses us with Salvation through Jesus Christ. Then we take what God blesses us with - gifts and the fruit from the Holy Spirit. Through the practice of prayer, bible study, and ministering to others our skills develop. We are equipped to play on the field of life.

In our lives we struggle for many reasons, but only true victory comes from the Lord.

Fly Right

2010-06-14T15:14:00.001-04:00

Praise the LORD. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. They defiled themselves by what they did; by their deeds they prostituted themselves. Psalm 106:1

Therefore the LORD was angry with his people and abhorred his inheritance. He handed them over to the nations, and their foes ruled over them. Their enemies oppressed them and subjected them to their power. Many times he delivered them, but they were bent on rebellion and they wasted away in their sin. But he took note of their distress when he heard their cry; for their sake he remembered his covenant and out of his great love he relented. Psalm 106:39-45

Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. Isaiah 46:4

"Yes, Lord God Almighty, true and just are your judgments." Revelation 16:7b

I wish I didn’t know well the cycle of sin and repentance. It saddens me that I haven’t learned my lesson once and for all. There are some sins I have been struggling with off and on for my entire life. I am no different than the nation of Israel in my rebellious tendencies. I understand the justice and righteousness of God. If I get what is coming to me, it won’t be good. I hope in Jesus’ sacrifice for my sins. It’s the only thing that can save me in the end.

Golden

2010-06-13T10:49:00.000-04:00

Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. Psalm 105:3-4

I am the LORD, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God. I will strengthen you, though you have not acknowledged me, so that from the rising of the sun to the place of its setting men may know there is none besides me. I am the LORD, and there is no other. Isaiah 45:5-6

But a prophet who presumes to speak in my name anything I have not commanded him to say, or a prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, must be put to death." Deuteronomy 18:20

Great and marvelous are your deeds, Lord God Almighty. Just and true are your ways, King of the ages. Who will not fear you, O Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed." Revelation 15:3-4

Some days I can’t write anything at all because the Lord has given me nothing to say. Yet nearly every day he has something to say. His words are golden.

Scripture NIV Text and Photos © 2010 Reggie http://creativecommons.org

The Lord Compassionate And Gracious

2010-06-11T09:19:00.000-04:00

Ladew Topiary Gardens

The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.
He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever;
he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him;
as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;
for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.
As for man, his days are like grass, he flourishes like a flower of the field;
the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more.
But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD's love is with those who fear him,
and his righteousness with their children's children-
with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.
The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all. Psalm 103:8-19

Generosity

2010-06-10T15:33:00.000-04:00

Give to him as the LORD your God has blessed you. Deuteronomy 15:14b

He will respond to the prayer of the destitute; he will not despise their plea. Psalm 102:17

To open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness. Isaiah 42:7

Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to make war against the rest of her offspring—those who obey God's commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus. Revelation 12:17

Often we hear the prayer of the destitute concurrently with God. At these times out of the blessings we have received from God, we may be called to be the answer to the overheard prayer. Sometimes we are called to shine a light on hidden problems.

There will always be opposition to stand in our way, but we have the power of God to move us forward in the name of Jesus.

One in a Million

2010-06-09T12:53:00.001-04:00

I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them. But those who trust in idols, who say to images, 'You are our gods,' will be turned back in utter shame. Isaiah 42:16-17

Seeing with my eyes made me blind. I became friends with too many Chayanne fans on facebook. The crowd bumped my actual friends off my page entirely. Pictures and videos of singer Chayanne flooded the page. Like a diabetic eating too much candy, Chayanne’s gorgeous and talented self sent me into a temporary coma from reality.

I asked an avid fan how she got her picture taken with Chayanne. She said that it was much like trying to see God. I already had a precious relationship with God. Was I willing to trade it for what only paled in comparison?

I cleaned up all my Chayanne contacts except for three friends with whom I had actually had real conversations. It was refreshing to see old familiar faces pop back up.

I’m still a Chayanne fan, but I have scaled back my exposure to protect myself from my own tendency to go overboard. Chayanne may be able to give us pleasure with his music, but ultimately he can never satisfy us completely. He is, after all only human.

When I come face to face with God, I will not be one of millions. I will be one in a million. He will know me completely.

Goes Well

2010-06-08T12:08:00.001-04:00

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. Isaiah 40:28

For you, O LORD, are the Most High over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods. Psalm 97:9

Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him. Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; make music to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing. Psalm 98:1,4-5
Be careful to obey all these regulations I am giving you, so that it may always go well with you and your children after you, because you will be doing what is good and right in the eyes of the LORD your God. Deuteronomy 12:28

Worship God because he is worthy of praise. Obey not for the sake of God who needs nothing from us. Obey that it might got well with your soul.