A Clean Heart

Psalm 51:10
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

I love this Psalm!  Of course, I love all the Psalms, Proverbs, Acts etc.  I have more favorite verses in the Bible than favorite foods and that's saying A LOT as anyone who knows me well can tell you!  

Have you ever thought about what you are asking when you pray this Psalm?  I ask God daily sometimes more than once a day to create in me a clean heart, just being honest.  Little things cross my mind that I have no idea are coming - as the saying goes they just come out of left field.  This is the biggest reason I ask God to cleanse my heart because "out of the heart, the mouth speaks".  It can also be said, "out of the heart the brain thinks"!  Just because it doesn't come out your mouth does not mean it's okay!  The Bible says "as a man thinks in his heart, so he is" (Proverbs 23:7 if you want to read the entire verse).  To paraphrase, to think it is the same as to do it.  So back to what we are asking when we ask God to give us a clean heart... hopefully we are asking Him to make all our thoughts as well as our actions clean.  This is what I'm asking when I ask God to give me a clean heart.  I want a heart that is pure, I want a heart that is pleasing to God, not to me although that's a benefit, not to my family, boss, preacher, etc. but to God.  Because He knows me, He knows the inner most, deepest thoughts I have, while others do not.  God sees into that deepest, blackest part of me.  The part I wish even I couldn't see.  That part that brings up those bad thoughts, bad words, reactions that I have to immediately repent for.  Now, I know I'm only talking about me, cuz I know no one else does this, right?

Here's the thing about asking God for a clean heart though.  You have to be willing to let go and let God do the cleaning.  

You can't hang on to the past and have a clean future.  

You can't harbor resentment against one person while asking God to help you forgive another.

You can't hold on to the hurts of the past.

but here is what you CAN do:

You can ask God into ever little piece of your heart and mind.

You can trust Him to do exactly what you ask Him to do.

You can let go of resentment and forgive everyone, it's your choice.

You can have a clean heart and a clean future.

If you are truly willing to let it all go.

The only can'ts in your life are those things you refuse to do.  The Bible says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me", Phil. 4:13.  ALL things, not just some, that means you CAN have a clean heart.  A heart that is pleasing to God and will be pleasing to you also.  That doesn't mean things won't pop up from time to time that you have to ask forgiveness for but it does lessen the likelihood.  Take a moment to ask God, God please create in me a clean heart.  Help me to be someone I would want to know and be friends with!  Help me to radiate your glory so that others want what I have, which is You.  By seeing me others can see You and want to draw close to You.  Thank You Lord in advance because I know "whatever I ask in Jesus name" you will grant and I ask right now, in Jesus name.

A Servants Heart

Matthew 19:30 (King James Version)

 ³⁰But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.

I read a story about a satellite named Pioneer 10.  This little satellite had only an 8 watt  transmitter.  It was launched in 1972 to photograph Jupiter and its surroundings.  By 1995, this small satellite was 6 billion miles from the sun!!  25 years later it transmitted pictures from tht distance back to earth!  They called it, "the little satellite that could".  Amazing, an 8 watt transmitter is about the equivalent to a night light!!  It was not qualified to do what it did.  It was only designed to last for 3 years!  It was still going strong 25 years later.

Thats the way it is for us when we offer ourselves to serve God.  God can work with someone with an 8 watt capability.  However, He cannot work with someone who quits!!  God does not call the qualified, He qualifies the called.  When we offer ourselves to God as servants, we become servants to all.

Philippians 2:12-14 says,  ¹²Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.   ¹³For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.   ¹⁴Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

and Mark 10: 44-45 And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. ⁴⁵For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.  

Now if I was to ask you what you want for your life, I truly do not believe you would say, "I want to be a servant.  I want to clean toilets in the church, change dirty diapers in the nursery".  If we are honest with ourselves, being a servant is not #1 on our list of priorities.  We might say it is but when  it comes to doing those things, do we really want to?  Generally, we want the better things, singing in the choir, teaching Sunday School, preaching, etc.  We all think we know what God wants us to do but do we truly ask Him or do we only volunteer for what we want to do.  Do we say Lord, whatever it is,show me and I'll do it?  

When Jesus washed the disciples feet,He wasn't trying to make them feel guilty.  He was showing them a servant's heart.  Something that would not only change their lives but the lives of all around them.  Acts of service are NOT burdens we bear to please a demanding God, they are a path to true joy and significance in this life.  

The other side of humility is pride!  Pride will destroy us -- being a servant,  keeping a servants heart will keep us closer to God.  There is no greater sin than pride.  Pride is what caused satan's fall, got Adam and Eve kicked out of the garden of Eden, caused Cain to kill his brother Abel.  Every sin after has been caused by pride.  We don't think of ourselves as prideful.  We think of pride as bragging and boasting.  But anytime we put ourselves ahead of or above God or others, that is pride.  It's a sin we are all guilty of at one time or another.  If we look at most of our problems today, they come from pride.

Money problems - Can't say no to self.  Need/want more stuff.  (Stuff-thats a whole nother sermon lol)

Emotional problems - Focusing on self, self pity.

Children - We've taught them to think about themselves, we made them our focus, our priority in the wrong way so they became their own priority!

Marriage - think about self, what do I want?  me, me, me instead of spouse.

Jesus was trying to teach us humility.  He was Lord of All, yet He washed His disciples feet!!  He didn't have to do that!  He didn't have to walk everywhere He went!  He didn't HAVE to suffer and die!  He served us, now it's us that should be serving Him.  How do we do that?  By treating others the way Jesus would.  There is no great secret to a fuller spiritual life -- it's right there in the Bible, our instruction book.  It's called humility.  Being a servant, putting others first.  Why else would God say, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you"?  

There are 2 enemies to humility.  Philippians 2:3-4 tells us they are selfish ambition and conceit.  The secret to humbling ourselves is there also in verse 4.  We are to think more of others than we do of ourselves.  All through the New Testament that is what Jesus did.  He was ridiculed, he was interrupted many times, what He did was not appreciated most times - still, He kept on.  He gave until He gave His very life!  Amen  He was the ultimate example.The disciples learned from Him, the apostles learned from Him, we need to learn from Him.  There are basically 2 attitudes:  1)  Live by the flesh, provoke one another, or 2)  Live by the Spirit - love and serve one another.  So how do we become a humble servant?  1)  Give up the idea that it's all about me and what I want.  Do you really think Jesus wanted to die on the cross, have his flesh ripped open with a whip, wear a crown of thorns?  You say, well He was Jesus, it was different for Him.  How is that?  He became human, He felt all we feel and more.  Phil 2:5-8 says He gave up all His rights.  2)  Give up the idea that our interests, our wants, our ideas are more important than others.

What are you clinging to today?

What is it in you that makes you think your way is the best, maybe the only way?

Whatever it is, let it go.  Empty yourself of it.  Follow Christ's example.  Become a servant.  Begin at home with your wife or husband, (make the bed, do their laundry, put it away), move on to your mom and dad, friends, neighbors, then to your enemies!  Yes enemies.  Charity/love begins at home but what have you done if you have only loved and served those who love you back?  How much will does that take?  Be a servant, take your eyes off self, place them on Christ.  See Christ in everyone you meet. Feel the peace and freedom you will have when you begin to place others first.  Remember though, this is NOT a microwave religion.  You can't expect to see results the first time, praise God if you do but most times you won't.  The key is perserverance.  Keeping on no matter what.  If just one who reads this gets this message, God says it will be worth it.  

Are you that one?  Are you willing to say today - Jesus, I am not above You?  I am nothing, nobody without You.  I need a servant's heart.  I need humility.  You are King of Kings, Lord of Lords, yet you humbled yourself for me!!

Will you give Him your all today?  Say Lord, forgive me for being prideful, forgive me for always thinking of me.

It's all about You Lord, it's all about You.  Make me a servant, use me as You will.  Open doors and help me willingly go forth, whether it's cleaning toilets or preaching Your word.

Until next time,

God bless

tawanab

Forgiveness Is God's Business

I wrote this as a note in facebook because of some posts I had seen that were negative about other people but I decided to write it in my blog because the Lord nudged me :)  I hope it speaks to your heart as you read.  I also hope its one of those times you can say amen and not oh me!  God bless.

If you have something against someone or something to say to someone, say it to their face, not their facebook.

And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

Mark 11:25

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;  Romans 3:23

In these last days satan knows he must step up his plan to destroy our lives, he is pulling out all the stops and using every means he can because he knows he is losing, he knows his days are numbered and prophecy is soon going to be fulfilled.  The Bible says son will turn against father and daughter against mother, division is coming.  Choose you this day whom you will serve.  Do you serve a master that feeds you lies and deceit or one that offers the promise of a life everlasting.  If you buy into satan's lies and deceptions no matter how small they might be you have made a choice.  

If you say to yourself or to anyone, I cannot forgive or I will not forgive that person for what they have done, you are putting yourself in the position of God and very close to blasphemy.  Forgiveness is God's right, forgiveness is God's business.  If we cannot forgive others, how is our Father in Heaven going to forgive us.  Remember the parable of the master and servant, the master forgave the debt his servant owed but then that servant went right out and had another jailed for money he owed him.   

I'm not perfect and don't claim to be but I know that someday I will have to stand before God and answer for every deed and every word, even idle ones.  Every night when I ask for forgiveness I also ask God to forgive those who have hurt or wronged me because I do not want anyone to suffer for things they have done and especially not to me.

So in this note to whoever reads it, if I have wronged you or even if you "think" I have wronged you, I am asking you to forgive me and I want it known that I do not hold anything against anyone.  For anyone in my life that has ever wronged me or that I "thought" did, I forgive them.  I would hate to go to my final resting place in the twinkling of an eye and think I had left any unfinished business.  Life is to short to hold grudges.  God intends for us to know joy and peace, it was never His intention for anyone to be lost.  We can't be perfect but we can strive daily to live as God instructs us in His word.  Jesus with His last few breaths said, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do"...  (Luke 23:34)  If Jesus can forgive us for the sin we have committed that sent Him to that old rugged cross to die, who are we to withhold forgiveness from anyone.  Have we given our lives for their sins?  

Pray with me...

Father, I love you today, I want to do what is right in Your eyes.  Forgive me for my sins whether known or unknown, help me to start again to try and serve You and do what is pleasing to You.  If anyone holds anything against me today, whether real or a misunderstanding, Lord help them to find it in their heart to forgive me.  Father if there is anyone that I am holding animosity or unforgiveness towards, help me today to let it go, to cleanse my heart so that I may be healed.  Forgive those who have wronged me, sinned against me, and those I believe have wronged me.  I do not want anyone to stand before Your judgement seat for something they have done to me.  I want my mind and my heart to be clear when I myself stand before you.  I ask this in your Son's precious and Holy name.  Amen

Did I Say That?

Did you ever try to talk to someone and give them encouragement only to end up saying some things that you really did not intend to say? Unfortunately I have. I end up letting "my thoughts" come out instead of what the Lord has directed me to say. James 3:10, out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren these things ought not to be so.

I will admit, (not proud of it), that I talk to much sometimes. When I get to talking I don't stop to "hear" what I'm saying, then later when I reflect back on the conversation I have to ask myself, "did I say that?" The words we speak can never be taken back, they vanish like vapour from the air but the scars they leave remains forever.

The Bible tells us that we speak life and death with our tongues Proverbs 18:21, Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

We are human and our lives do get busy but we constantly have to be on guard. Satan uses the tongue to divide people and pit them against each other. Idle words are damaging because they spread destruction quickly, and no one can stop the results once they are spoken. I can't be careless with my words, thinking I can apologize later because the damage is already done and the scars remain forever. Before you speak, remember that words are like fire - you cannot control nor reverse the damage they do.

The tongue gives us a picture of our basic human nature, of our hearts. What we see, what we listen to, what we participate in goes into our hearts and comes out our mouths. James 3:8, but the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. (God can tame it). James 4:7, Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

We also need to remember that it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles us, it is what comes out of our mouths that defiles us. (Matthew 15:10). It is for this reason that we should all kneel and pray at the beginning of every day for God to help us guard our tongues and help us to speak life instead of cursing, it will make us more accountable for ourselves during the day. Proverbs 16:23, The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth and addeth learning to his lips. When we pray, we also need to pray for wisdom and knowledge. We cannot do anything of and by ourselves but God can accomplish all things that includes bridling our tongues.

Lord, help me today to keep watch diligently over my mouth. Create in me a pure heart so that I think before I speak and even when I don't nothing will come out that does not praise and edify. Help my words to be soothing and comforting to those who need it, not a sharp knife that cuts to the bone (soul) and leaves scars. Create in me a pure spirit to walk in your way, saying only what You would have me say. Help me not to participate in idle conversations, gossip and backbiting. Remind me that I am no better than anyone else and in talking about them, condemning them, judging them, I am bringing that judgement down on myself. Help me to lovingly steer the conversation away from gossip and backbiting and on to something good, wholesome and edifying. Live through me Lord, speak through me. Help me to remember your instructions and my parents teaching that "if I can't say anything good, not to say anything at all". Your word says "out of the same mouth proceeds blessings and cursings, let everything I say be blessings and praises to you for without you - I am nothing. Thank you Lord for your Grace and Mercy. In Jesus name, Amen.

I hope that what I've written has been encouraging and want to leave you with this:

Phillipians 4:7-9, And the peace of God which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8) Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9) Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

God bless

pray for the peace of Israel

in love, tawanab

A Word Fitly Spoken

I have a dear friend that used to sing a song called Apples of Gold. I haven't heard the song in a long time but I remember one line that says, "a word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver". There is also a verse in the book of Proverbs that refers to this. I was reminded of this song recently by my oldest daughter. Ever since she mentioned it, situations have come up that have brought the words "a word fitly spoken" to my mind over and over. Many times we war with our flesh over how to handle situations but most of the time, what is on our mind comes out of our mouths. "From the heart, the mouth speaks". Why, do we human beings think we have the right to say whatever is on our minds, right or wrong, whether it's really our business or not? Situations can be turned for good and bad by the words from our mouths.

As I said, I've had situations (conversations) come up recently where I really wanted to give a particular person a piece of my mind and tell them what I really thought. Each time this happens the Lord reminds me, "a word fitly spoken". I'm so thankful for that still small voice because as bad as I thought the situation was at the time, what I wanted to say "in the flesh" would only have made the situation worse. Because I was obedient to God and did NOT say what "I" wanted to, He has done what He always does and stepped in and turned the situation around. How awesome He is!

The Story of Edith Easter

Happy Easter all. I hope everyone has a blessed Easter and is able to spend it with those you love. My children and grandchildren are all spending this Easter with other family and I miss them but I know that God has His hand on them and will bless their day. My next to oldest daughter is taking her children to church this morning for the first time by herself, (we usually go together). God has been working on her heart and I pray this morning that He touches her in a way she can't refuse and that this will be the beginning of a new walk for her. The Bible says train up a child in the way they should go and I did that with her. I pray today is the day she "returns". Since we will be moving away it will be completely up to her to nourish the grandbabies spiritual life and I believe that full responsibility has finally sunk in to her. Help me pray for her and my grandbabies that today she will rededicate her life to God and this will be the first day of the rest of her life walking with God. :) My other girls, thank God, have been walking with the Lord and trying hard to follow His Word and I'm very proud of them. That isn't easy for young people in today's world. My prayers are with them also that He gives them strength to continue fighting the good fight.

Today I'm cheating again, I want to share a story I've read many times on the internet. The story has a lot of meaning but is especially poignant today. I hope you enjoy.

The Story of Edith Easter
Edith Burns was a wonderful Christian who lived in San Antonio, Texas . She was the patient of a doctor by the name of Will Phillips. Dr. Phillips was a gentle doctor who saw patients as people. His favorite patient was Edith Burns.

One morning he went to his office with a heavy heart and it was because of Edith Burns. When he walked into that waiting room, there sat Edith with her big black Bible in her lap earnestly talking to a young mother sitting beside her.

Edith Burns had a habit of introducing herself in this way: "Hello, my name is Edith Burns. Do you believe in Easter?" Then she would explain the meaning of Easter, and many times people would be saved. Dr. Phillips walked into that office and there he saw the head nurse, Beverly. Beverly had first met Edith when she was taking her blood pressure Edith began by saying, "My name is Edith Burns. Do you believe in Easter?"
Beverly said, "Why yes I do." Edith said, "Well, what do you believe about Easter?" Beverly said, "Well, it's all about egg hunts, going to church, and dressing up." Edith kept pressing her about the real meaning of Easter, and finally led her to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Dr. Phillips said, " Beverly , don't call Edith into the office quite yet. I believe there is another delivery taking place in the waiting room. After being called back in the doctor's office, Edith sat down and when she took a look at the doctor she said, "Dr. Will, why are you so sad? Are you reading your Bible? Are you praying?"
Dr. Phillips said gently, "Edith, I'm the doctor and you're the patient." With a heavy heart he said, "Your lab report came back and it says you have cancer, and Edith, you're not going to live very long."
Edith said, "Why Will Phillips, shame on you. Why are you so sad? Do you think God makes mistakes? You have just told me I'm going to see my precious Lord Jesus, my husband, and my friends. You have just told me that I am going to celebrate Easter forever, and here you are having difficulty giving me my ticket!" Dr. Phillips thought to himself, "What a magnificent woman this Edith Burns is!"
Edith continued coming to Dr. Phillips. Christmas came and the office was closed through January 3rd. On the day the office opened, Edith did not show up. Later that afternoon, Edith called Dr. Phillips and said she would have to be moving her story to the hospital and said, "Will, I'm very near home, so would you make sure that they put women in here next to me in my room who need to know about Easter."

Well, they did just that and women began to come in and share that room with Edith. Many women were saved. Everybody on that floor from staff to patients were so excited about Edith, that they started calling her Edith Easter; that is everyone except Phyllis Cross, the head nurse. Phyllis made it plain that she wanted nothing to do with Edith because she was a "religious nut". She had been a nurse in an army hospital. She had seen it all and heard it all. She was the original G.I. Jane. She had been married three times, she was hard, cold, and did everything by the book.
One morning the two nurses who were to attend to Edith were sick. Edith had the flu and Phyllis Cross had to go in and give her a shot. When she walked in, Edith had a big smile on her face and said, "Phyllis, God loves you and I love you, and I have been praying for you."
Phyllis Cross said, "Well, you can quit praying for me, it won't work. I'm not interested." Edith said, "Well, I will pray and I have asked God not to let me go home until you come into the family." Phyllis Cross said, "Then you will never die because that will never happen," and curtly walked out of the room.
Every day Phyllis Cross would walk into the room and Edith would say, "God loves you Phyllis and I love you, and I'm praying for you."
One day Phyllis Cross said she was literally drawn to Edith's room like a magnet would draw iron. She sat down on the bed and Edith said, "I'm so glad you have come, because God told me that today is your special day"

Phyllis Cross said, "Edith, you have asked everybody here the question, "Do you believe in Easter but you have never asked me."
Edith said, "Phyllis, I wanted to many times, but God told me to wait until you asked, and now that you have asked." Edith Burns took her Bible and shared with Phyllis Cross the Easter Story of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Edith said, "Phyllis, do you believe in Easter? Do you believe that Jesus Christ is alive and that He wants to live in your heart?"
Phyllis Cross said, "Oh I want to believe that with all of my heart, and I do want Jesus in my life "Right there, Phyllis Cross prayed and invited Jesus Christ into her heart. For the first time Phyllis Cross did not walk out of a hospital room, she was carried out on the wings of angels.
Two days later, Phyllis Cross came in and Edith said, "Do you know what day it is?" Phyllis Cross said, "Why Edith, it's Good Friday."
Edith said, "Oh, no, for you every day is Easter. Happy Easter Phyllis!"
Two days later, on Easter Sunday, Phyllis Cross came into work, did some of her duties and then went down to the flower shop and got some Easter lilies because she wanted to go up to see Edith and give her some Easter lilies and wish her a Happy Easter.

When she walked into Edith's room, Edith was in bed. That big black Bible was on her lap. Her hands were in that Bible. There was a sweet smile on her face. When Phyllis Cross went to pick up Edith's hand, she realized Edith was dead. Her left hand was on John 14: "In my Father's house are many mansions. I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also." Her right hand was on Revelation 21:4, "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes, there shall be no more death nor sorrow, nor crying; and there shall be no more pain, for the former things have
passed away."

Phyllis Cross took one look at that dead body, and then lifted her face toward heaven, and with tears streaming down here cheeks, said, "Happy Easter, Edith - Happy Easter!"

Phyllis Cross left Edith's body, walked out of the room, and over to a table where two student nurses were sitting. She said, "My name is Phyllis Cross. Do you believe in Easter?"

I pray that today as we celebrate the resurrection, you will renew your relationship with Jesus. Make a new commitment to love, share and serve Him today, then share the Easter message with as many as possible. If you already have a relationship with Jesus then I pray today He will strengthen that relationship. If you have family that you have been praying for then I lift them up in agreement with you that the Lord will show them what He has done for them and that they too will accept this most precious of all gifts, God's amazing grace.

God bless you all.

When the song in your heart and the song in your head don't match!

I'm sure everyone has heard the expression "keep a song in your heart". I love that because to me its a little like therapy. IF, the song that is in my heart and the song that is going through my head MATCH! The song in my heart is most always "The God on the Mountain", sometimes "Amazing Grace". I love both of those songs along with many many more. My favorite music is Southern Gospel.  I used to listen to Country and some older rock-n-roll (50's, 60's, 70's and 80's), but not anymore. 

Anyway, back to the song in your heart etc.
What I DON'T like is when the song in my head is something stupid! Have you ever had one of those days when you hear a piece of something and it sticks in your head? A commercial, a kids song etc. Then it seems no matter what you do, you can't get rid of that song! Sometimes the song just pops in your head for no apparent reason that you can comprehend. Like today, all day long the Barney song has been going through my head. No reason, nothing I can remember thinking that would lead me to it, it's just there! I didn't have the grandkids today, no cartoons, nothing. It's like my brain just decided that was what I needed to sing. You know the one: I love you, you love me yada yada yada. Well now that I've got it stuck in YOUR head, maybe you can help me figure out a way to get rid of it. I try humming my favorites, even out loud and the second I quit there it is again or worse yet, the words of the Barney song drown out what I'm trying to think of to sing. What I hate even worse is getting a song stuck in my head that I don't know the words too, maybe I only know one line or just a few words, then I can't sing it but I can't stop singing it either so the same words run over and over in my head like a broken record.... grrrrrowl.

It's irritating, but wouldn't it be wonderful if that was the worst thing in the world we had to worry about? I think sometimes it is our brains way of giving us a break. A silly non-sense thing to temporarily take your mind off the really stressful things going on in your life right now. When I put it in that perspective, its not quite so bad except I'd still rather be singing something, almost anything besides Barney! LOL