Showing posts with label Psalm. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Psalm. Show all posts

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Be Still, My Soul

Note: Please turn off my music playlist at the bottom of this page before starting the videos.



"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10 

"This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: 'In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.'" Isaiah 30:15a

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Let's Make Everyday Thanksgiving Day!

         Thanksgiving

Oh precious Father, as we bow
Before Thy throne today,
We count the many blessings
Thou hast showered upon our way.

The comfort of our humble homes
Our health and happiness,
The strength provided for each day
To meet the strain and stress.

We thank Thee for Thy precious Son
Who brought salvation free,
And for this mighty land of ours,
A land of liberty!

So, Lord, help us to give Thee thanks
For all that we hold dear,
Not only on Thanksgiving Day
But each day of the year.
                                                ~Unknown

"We give thanks to You, O God, we give thanks, for Your Name is near; men tell of Your wonderful deeds." Psalm 75:1
"Let us come before Him with thanksgiving and extol Him with music and song." Psalm 95:2
"Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations." Psalm 100:4-5 

This month, I have been posting on my Facebook page each day what I'm thankful for. I think it's so good for me to be intentional about thankfulness everyday. When we focus on having a thankful heart, we are less likely to complain, get upset, be discontent, or have a bad attitude. Try it :)!

Saturday, September 17, 2011

If You Want Me To

Note: Please turn off my music playlist at the bottom of this page before starting the video.

Trust...obey...surrender all...rest in God's love and His faithful promises! "And I will go through the valley if You want me to." I do desire God's will for my life and my family...nothing more...nothing less...nothing else. "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me...Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." ~Psalm 23:4, 6
 
"This is God's universal purpose for all Christian suffering: more contentment in God and less satisfaction in the world. I have never heard anyone say, "The really deep lessons of life have come through times of ease and comfort." But I have heard strong saints say, "Every significant advance I have ever made in grasping the depths of God's love and growing deep with Him has come through suffering." ~John Piper
 
"It will be worth it all when we see Jesus,
Life’s trials will seem so small when we see Christ;
One glimpse of His dear face all sorrow will erase,
So bravely run the race till we see Christ."
~Esther Kerr Rusthoi
 
If you like her voice, check out my review of Ginny Owens' new CD "Get In, I'm Driving" and enter to win a copy here. She is blind but she sees the world through her Heavenly Father's eyes.

Monday, August 29, 2011

Haiku: Breathe

Haiku Heights gives out weekly prompts for haiku. This week's theme is Breathe.

Each breath that I take
Testifies of Your sweet grace
I live for You, Lord!

I breathe deeply in
Your unfailing love for me
Yes, better than life!

(My haiku above is based on Psalm 63:3.)

Monday, August 15, 2011

Haiku: Whisper

Haiku Heights gives out weekly prompts for haiku. This week's theme is Whisper.

God can still the storm
To a whisper...hush the waves
He calms and He guides

(My haiku above is based on Psalm 107:29-30.)

Monday, October 11, 2010

DVD Review and Giveaway: Really Woolly Kids Trusting in the Shepherd


This is a new DVD by DaySpring.  It features two stories about facing fear and learning to trust in Jesus, our Shepherd.  The theme verse for both stories is Psalm 23:4 (NLT), "Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid for You are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me."

In the first story, "Gracie's Ewe Scout  Campout," Gracie, the six year old lamb, is scared of the darkness at night during her Ewe Scout's campout.  Her grandma teaches her and her friends about Psalm 23:4/the Shepherd's protection.  Grandma Tabitha is a hip grandma with an iPhone and is not shy about dancing :).  In the second story, "Jacob's New Friend," Jacob (Gracie's brother), the seven year old lamb, faces fear and anxiety because of a new huge kid in school whom he accidentally pounces on.  His dad wisely advises him to look on the bright side and reminds him that he needs not to be afraid because our Shepherd is with us to guide and protect us. 
 
My 9 year old boy and I watched the DVD together.  Both of us enjoyed it.  The theme song, "Fear Not" is catchy, but the intro sounds very similar to a song from Jonah (VeggieTales).  The extra features include outtakes, deleted scene, trivia questions, sing-along song, and online Family Adventures info.  This is a cute, fun DVD that helps children learn God's Word and apply it in their daily life.  It's geared towards ages 6-12 but I think some younger kids would enjoy it, too.

You can watch the "Fear Not" music video at http://www.reallywoollykids.com/ .

Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Really-Woolly-Kids/120680907979250?ref=ts

GIVEAWAY: I was given an extra DVD which I would like to give away to one of my readers. This giveaway is open only to U.S. residents.

To Enter: Leave a comment here sharing what Bible verse(s) helps you deal with your fears or your child(ren)'s fears.  Make sure you leave your email address or blog address, too.

For extra entries: 1. Read any of my posts (besides this one) and come back to comment about it here.

2. Follow me on Twitter (treasuredbyGod) and tweet about this giveaway and leave a comment here letting me know.

Deadline: October 31st at midnight (Pacific time)

“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Friday, August 27, 2010

FIRST Wild Card Tour: That's Where God Is

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!


Today's Wild Card authors are:


and the book:


That’s Where God Is

David C. Cook; New edition (August 1, 2010)

***Special thanks to Audra Jennings, Senior Media Specialist, The B&B Media Group for sending me a review copy.***

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:



Dan and Ali Morrow are parents of two wonderful daughters. When they’re not writing children’s books, they like to go on adventures around their Colorado home.

Visit the authors' website.



Product Details:

List Price: $12.99
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 36 pages
Publisher: David C. Cook; New edition (August 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1434764346
ISBN-13: 978-1434764348

AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER (Click on the pictures to see them larger):













REVIEW:This is a lovely book that helps kids understand God's omnipresence and His revelation through creation. More importantly, it presents how children can have personal relationship with the Living God by inviting Him to live in their hearts. However, sin and need for repentance are not mentioned at all. Psalm 139:1-10 and a note from Lee Strobel (the real Grandpa from the story) are included at the end of the book.

Saturday, August 21, 2010

You Raise Me Up

Note: Please turn off my music playlist at the bottom of this page before starting the video.

When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary,
When troubles come and my heart burdened be.
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence,
Until You come and sit awhile with me.

CHORUS:
You raise me up so I can stand on mountains
You raise me up to walk on stormy seas
I am strong when I am on Your shoulders
You raise me up.. to more than I can be.

REPEAT CHORUS
There is no life - no life without its hunger
Each restless heart beats so imperfectly
But when You come and I am filled with wonder
Sometimes I think I glimpse eternity

You raise me up so I can stand on mountains
You raise me up to walk on stormy seas
And I am strong when I am on Your shoulders
You raise me up .. to more than I can be
You raise me up .. to more than I can be

"Your righteousness reaches to the skies, O God, You who have done great things.  Who, O God, is like You?  Though You have made me see troubles, many and bitter, You will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth You will again bring me up.  You will increase my honor and comfort me once again." Psalm 71:19-21

"I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand." Psalm 40:1-2

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." (Colossians 3:15-17)  In these three consecutive verses, Paul mentions about being thankful/giving thanks 3 times.  Do you think it's important to have an attitude of gratitude?  How often do you give thanks to God?  Do you have a thankful heart?  Let us all remember to thank God in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18).  Thank Him for Who He is (His character/attributes), not just for what He does for us or gives us.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Speak Up



Life is a gift from God.  All are precious in God's eyes.  Our family is very passionate about saving the lives of the unborn.  Every year, my daughter, Alyssa, participates in Steps for Life, an annual fund-raising event for Pregnancy Resource Centers (PRC). Please consider helping save the unborn by clicking here. Any amount helps! If you would like to help but do not want to use credit card, please email me your pledge and mailing address and PRC wil bill you later after the walkathon (May 15th). My email address is serving_theKingofkings@yahoo.com . Let's speak up and be a voice for the voiceless!  Thanks for doing all you can for these precious lives and God bless!


Previous WFW:
- One

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Murdering Rampage...What Are You Doing about It?

Murdering Rampage: A Teen Refuses to Stand by and Do Nothing
     According to statistics, abortion (the killing of innocent, defenseless babies) mercilessly takes away the lives of 1.5 million babies each year; 4,000 babies every day; 1 baby every 20 seconds; approximately 40 million babies since 1973; and that's just here in America.  While this murdering rampage is going on, many people are rallying for it to continue because they want to exercise their right to choose what is convenient to them and to get rid of an unwanted "obstacle" in their lives.  Some people do not agree but yet do nothing to help stop this rampage.
     However, other people refuse to just stand by and do nothing.  Alyssa, a 16 year old homeschooler in Oregon, is one such example.  She has a strong conviction and passion for saving the innocent and defending the defenseless.  Since she was 5 years old, she has been participating in Steps for Life, a two-mile walkathon which is an annual fund-raising event for Pregnancy Resource Centers (PRC).  The Pregnancy Resource Centers of Greater Portland is a Christian organization that helps women and teens who face unplanned pregnancy. They help meet their emotional, physical, and spiritual needs, enabling them to CHOOSE LIFE. They have six centers throughout the Portland area, and have served nearly 8,000 women and teens each year since 1984.  They provide free services such as counseling, ultrasounds, adoption info., maternity & baby clothes, parenting classes, spiritual encouragement, etc.
     On May 15th, many pro-life supporters are expected to take part in Steps for Life at Pioneer Courthouse Square in Portland, Oregon.  Alyssa urges us all to support this great cause, either by being a Steps for Life walker, making pledges/sponsoring a walker, or praying.  She has a web page that you can visit if you would like to support PRC and be a part of this attempt to save as many babies' lives as possible. 
"For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be." Psalm 139:13-16

"We cannot fight credibly against other social and moral evils, including poverty and violence, while we tolerate mass killings by abortion." (Mother Teresa) "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute." (Proverbs 31:8) Every year, my daughter, Alyssa, participates in Steps for Life. Please consider helping save the unborn by clicking here.  Any amount helps!  If you would like to help but do not want to use credit card, please email me your pledge and mailing address and PRC wil bill you later after the walkathon.  My email address is serving_theKingofkings@yahoo.com .  Thanks for doing all you can for these precious lives and God bless!

Note: I do realize that some women were forced/coerced/manipulated/misled to have an abortion.  I am deeply sorry for their loss and what they've had to go through (sorrow, guilt, shame, regret, nightmare, etc.)  I hope and pray that they all will find hope, healing, forgiveness, peace, and purpose in Christ and that they will have courage to stand up and be a voice for the voiceless before more women end up making the same mistake they made.

~Please visit here for the links to other Spiritual Sundays posts. Have a blessed day in the Lord, everyone!

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Your Love Broke Through


Note: Please turn off my music playlist at the bottom of this page before starting the video.

                   Your Love Broke Through by Keith Green

"Because Your love is better than life, my lips will glorify You.  I will praise You as long as I live, and in Your name I will lift up my hands.  My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise You." (Psalm 63:3-5)  Your love broke through; my soul now clings to You!

Previous Songs:
- Until the Whole World Hears
- Take My Life
- In Christ Alone
- Sweetly Broken
- Be Thou My Vision
- God With Us
- Offering- Christmas Version 
- How Many Kings
Give Thanks
- When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
- He Knows My Name
- Oh Lord, You're Beautiful!
- What the Lord Has Done in Me
- I Surrender All
- Mighty To Save
- Could I Be Called a Christian?
- Cry Out to Jesus
- Jesus, Be the Center
- God of Justice
- Love That Will Not Let Me Go
- I Will Offer Up My Life
- When It's All Been Said and Done
- Knowing You, Jesus

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Our Days



"Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." Ephesians 5:15-16

Each day is a gift from the Lord.  I want to live my days according to His Word and His will, spending my time on earth wisely and for His glory.  I want to live each day in the light of eternity, keeping an eternal perspective with me always (see the post below).

As each year goes by, I ponder: Are my faith and love (for God and for others) growing?  I hope and pray that they are.


Previous WFW:

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Give Thanks


Note: Please turn off my music playlist at the bottom of this page before starting the video.

"Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name; make known among the nations what He has done." 1 Chronicles 16:8

"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good.  His love endures forever." Psalm 136:1

Let's all give thanks to the Lord for who He is and for what He has done!
Have a blessed Thanksgiving, everyone!

P.S. I am hosting 2 giveaways right now. You can win a poster print and a rolled canvas. Please scroll down and take a look :).

Previous Songs:
- When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
- He Knows My Name
- Oh Lord, You're Beautiful!
- What the Lord Has Done in Me
- I Surrender All
- Mighty To Save
- Could I Be Called a Christian?
- Cry Out to Jesus
- Jesus, Be the Center
- God of Justice
- Love That Will Not Let Me Go
- I Will Offer Up My Life
- When It's All Been Said and Done
- Knowing You, Jesus
- In Christ Alone
- Be Thou My Vision

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

My Soul Pants for You


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Nothing..no one can satisfy our soul except the Lord!  My husband and I love singing the song, "As the Deer" (words & music by Martin Nystrom) while he plays the piano.  "As the deer panteth for the water, so my soul longeth after Thee.  You alone are my heart's desire, and I long to worship Thee."  That's how I feel.  We are created to glorify and worship Him.  May we have an unceasing desire to know Him more, to love Him more, and to be filled with more of Him!

"Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God." Psalm 42:6
"By day the Lord directs His love, at night His song is with me--a prayer to the God of my life." Psalm 42:8

Previous WFW:
- Without Excuse
- Plentiful Harvest
- More Than Conquerors
- Where Does My Help Come From?
- Jubilant, Joy, and Judge
- Rooted in Love
- Who Daily Bears Our Burdens?
- Reflecting the Lord's Glory
- The Rock Eternal
- His Eye Is On The Sparrow

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Without Excuse

Through His creation, we witness His love, power, majesty, glory, wisdom, creativity, nature, beauty, and excellency.

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.  Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.  There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.  Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.  In the heavens He has pitched a tent for the sun, which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion, like a champion rejoicing to run his course.  It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is hidden from its heat." (Psalm 19:1-6) Psalm 19:4 is quoted in Romans: "Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the Word of Christ.  But I ask: Did they not hear?  Of course they did: "Their voice has gone out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world."" (Romans 10:17-18)

People are without excuse.  Creation points to the Creator.  The world is not only functional, but also beautiful.  The testimony of creation shouts out to the whole world loud and clear that God exists and that God's Word is true.  Sadly, some people continue to stubbornly cover their ears and their eyes.  I praise God, the Creator, for who He is and for what He does!  Let's take the time to ponder and worship our Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.  May we never stop marveling at His wonders; may we never become numb or blind to His revelation of glory through His creation!

Previous WFW:
- Plentiful Harvest
- More Than Conquerors
- Where Does My Help Come From?
- Jubilant, Joy, and Judge
- Rooted in Love
- Who Daily Bears Our Burdens?
- Reflecting the Lord's Glory
- The Rock Eternal
- His Eye Is On The Sparrow

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Brainwashed?

When I heard people accuse us Christians of being brainwashed, my first reaction was that we have been heartwashed, not brainwashed :). But then my next reaction was: maybe I want to be...maybe I am brainwashed because I want to have the mind of Christ! "The Lord knows the thoughts of man; He knows that they are futile." Psalm 94:11 I don't want to think as the world thinks. I don't want to think as I (sinner living in the flesh) used to think. I am now a new creation. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" 2 Corinthians 5:17 My old way of thinking and living has gone, being replaced with the new way of thinking and living according to God's standard.

I believe being heartwashed (repenting, asking Jesus to wash away all our sins, giving our heart to Him, being filled with His love and the Holy Spirit) is/should be followed by being brainwashed (having the mind and the attitudes of Christ, being filled with Philippians 4:8 kind of thoughts, knowing God as the Creator of the universe, meditating day and night on God's Word, choosing/protecting human life no matter how small or how old, putting others above ourselves, etc.) The ways of God are mostly opposite of the ways of this world. The world thinks:- earth came into existence out of the Big Bang, men evolved from apes, killing unborn babies is a matter of choice (exercising women's rights), looking out for ourselves is the wisest thing to do, a white lie is okay, sleeping around is acceptable, young people don't need to obey or listen to their parents because their peers' opinions are more important, the goal in life should be getting rich, successful, and/or famous, women can dress as seductively as they want because they own their body and nothing's wrong with enjoying their "power" over men (playing with their lust and their visual-sensitive mind), couples should get a divorce when they no longer love each other or they fall in love with someone else, or they discover that they are not compatible, etc. From now on, if I were to be accused of having been brainwashed, I would gladly take it as a compliment :)!

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--His good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2

"For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

P.S. "Brainwashing" can be a very bad thing. Here I'm talking about the kind that is washed by only God's Word and His Holy Spirit. Being brainwashed by man-made religions, cults, false teachings, or anything that goes against God's Word is detrimental. You need to be aware of that and be like the Bereans (comparing everything to the Scriptures) so that you may be able to detect any lies immediately and won't be brainwashed the wrong way.

Please visit here for the links to other Spiritual Sundays posts. Have a blessed day in the Lord, everyone!

Friday, October 9, 2009

Best Brothers...Best Buddies

Friday Photo Flashback 



Tomorrow, my son, Josiah, will turn 11 and on Sunday, my youngest son, Isaiah, will turn 8.  The pictures above were taken in Oct., 2004.  Can you tell they were "King" Josiah and "Prophet" Isaiah? :)  I am so thankful that my boys are each other's best buddies.  They both can't wait to celebrate their birthday's party together tomorrow.

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

P.S. I just spent hours making a Smilebox (slideshow) with my boys' pictures (72 total) but then the computer froze up on me and all that I did was gone.  I will try again when I get a chance :).

Previous Friday Photo Flashback:
- Harvest Festival
- I Love Mommy & Daddy
- Corn Roast Festival
- A Taste of Thailand
- I Could Never Promise You
- In Father's Hands
- Thai Version of Wipe Out
- My Graduation Day in Thailand

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Where Does My Help Come From?



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When we are struggling or going through a difficult time, what do we focus our heart, mind, and attention on?  Most often than not...our problems, our trials, or people involved, etc.  That usually makes matters worse because we become occupied with our troubles, focus on self-pity, play a blame game, and/or lose the right perspectives (eternal/Biblical perspectives).  Instead, we need to remind ourselves to look to the Lord for help because He knows what's best for us.  We want His will (not ours) to be done, anyway.

"We wait in hope for the Lord; He is our Help and our Shield." Psalm 33:20

"God is our Refuge and Strength, and ever-present Help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging." Psalm 46:1-3

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12:2-3

Bonus: I know I'm supposed to post just a picture with a Bible verse(s). I think that this song goes so well with my WFW; therefore, I would like to share it here with you as a bonus :). Hope you will be encouraged by it! Note: Please turn off my music playlist at the bottom of this page before you start the video.



Remember...through fire and storm, the Lord never leaves us nor forsakes us.  I will choose to praise Him in the storm; I know where my help comes from.

Previous WFW:
- Jubilant, Joy, and Judge
- Rooted in Love
- Who Daily Bears Our Burdens?
- Reflecting the Lord's Glory
- The Rock Eternal
- His Eye Is On The Sparrow

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Who Daily Bears Our Burdens?


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The Lord, God Almighty, the Creator of the universe, daily (not occasionally or weekly or monthly or annually, but DAILY) bears my and your burdens. Let that sink in our mind and heart and soul. Is there any burden too great for our Lord? NO! Are we bearing our burdens alone? NO! Praise God for His unending love and care for us!

"Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30


Previous WFW:

- Reflecting the Lord's Glory

- The Rock Eternal

- His Eye Is On The Sparrow

A Must-See Video for Every Christian