Tag Archives: worship

You get what you give?

You get what you give?

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Words for Worship – You get what you give?

”Give, and it will be given to you.  A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.  For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”  —Like 6:38

You get what you give? …and more!  You may have heard it said, “give and you shall receive.”  Well according to the rest of the passage, giving certainly reaps grand rewards…

”Give, and it will be given to you.  A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.  For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”  —Like 6:38

When it comes to giving, it would be disingenuous to expect something in return…certainly our motives have a lot to do with giving and receiving.  Surely, when we give to others in an attitude of love, what we receive in return is immeasurable. We get that “warm and fuzzy” feeling when we’ve made someone smile by surprising them with a gift, “just because.”  Or we get a satisfying night’s sleep after spending the day cooking, cleaning and running errands for a sick friend or relative…(I know what that feels like!).

I am sure you would agree, nothing can warm our hearts more than knowing that our efforts to help someone else can never be returned…but are genuinely appreciated.

We can’t place a value on certain things in life…and what we from others when we give out of love, is one of them.  In fact, when we give in this way, we receive so much more than we give.  Try giving of yourself today…but be sure to prepare your heart for the love you’ll receive in return!

Peace and love,

Felecia

*The text was adapted from the “Did You Know” series, used by permission from North Coast Christian Fellowship, North East, PA , www.northcoastcf.com

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Beauty Is In the Eye of the Beholder

Words for Worship - Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder

Photograph by Linh Le on Unsplash

Words for Worship – Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder

”Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” — Margaret Wolfe Hungerford

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder – As an artist, I’ve certainly learned this to be true.  What one person views as a masterpiece can be an atrocity in the eyes of another.  Today’s society certainly has an opinion on what beauty is and what it is not.  And the focus is overwhelmingly placed on outward appearance.  The problem is, in many cases, the beauty we see on the outside does not reflect what is on the inside.

In fact, when we place such a fierce emphasis on outward beauty, it may signal that we are hiding something not so beautiful inside.

Like a painting after awhile, the vibrancy of the pigments tends to fade and we rely on our initial impression, (our vision of what the image looked like before), for the true beauty that attracted our eye in the first place.  At that point, we can honestly say that the beauty is in the eye of the beholder.  The Bible tells us,

“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him.  The Lord does not look at the things people look at.  People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” —1 Samuel 16:7 NIV

Isn’t it far better to direct our efforts on beauty that doesn’t fade, but is only enhanced by the flaws of life?  Indeed, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.  When God looks upon us, the beauty of an obedient heart is a work of art whose value is priceless.  To him, it is a treasure worth dying for.

Peace and love,

Felecia

*The text was adapted from the “Did You Know” series, used by permission form North Coast Christian Fellowship, North East, PA, www.northcoastcf.com

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Words for Worship – God’s timing is perfect

God’s Timing is Perfect

Photograph property of www.onthewingofadove.com

Words for Worship – God’s timing is perfect

”At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is ready.’” —Luke 14:17 

God’s timing is perfect – Although David was anointed at a young ages, he would wait several years before taking over as King of Israel.  God knew David’s heart and selected him over all his brothers to lead his people as king. Even though David was chosen by God, he was subject to God’s perfect timing before what was promised to him would be fulfilled.

Sometimes God requires us to wait before he allows those things that he has already intended for us to actually happen.

When we enter into those times of waiting, it can be  discouraging and we are tempted to “help God speed things up.” We must remember that God’s timing is perfect and his purpose is always sure. Instead of giving into frustration, use those times of anticipation wisely…trust in God and rest in knowing that he’s always right on time.

How do you spend your time when God requires you to wait?

Peace and love.,

Felecia

The text was adapted from the “Did You Know “ series, courtesy of North Coast Christian Fellowship, North East, PA, http://www.northcoastcf.com

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It’s All Right

It's All Right

“After the Ball,” (Detail), 1874, Alfred Stevens. Image from a page of the 2014 Desk Calendar, courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art Store

It’s all right…when we feel vulnerable, when we are afraid or just unsure; that is when we can become the most secure.

A  mental image came to mind when I was singing praises during our worship time at a recent church service.  I can’t quite remember now what it was in the songs that made me think of it; perhaps I was just feeling a little misunderstood and insecure that morning.  We all have days and periods in our lives when we are just not at our best.  When those times come, I feel anything but “all right.”

My faith in God and my eternal salvation are the most important things in the world to me..for without that hope, that truth, I am nothing.  At the same time, I am in this world and I live my life uniquely.  I interpret the world through my own vision, and what I see is filtered through the eyes of the abiding love that God showers upon me.  Still, I don’t always make the right choices. I make mistakes everyday.  Sometimes I feel so lost and so not knowing what to do…so not “all right.”

Whenever I feel vulnerable and insecure, the same mental image plays over in my mind; as if I am watching a movie.  I am on a stage, like an actress playing the part of that moment in my life.  I tremble as I peer out into the audience, until my eyes search out the familiar faces of my family and friends clapping, cheering me on and mouthing the words,”You’re doing fine!” and “We love you!”  That same image played out in my mind on that Sunday morning, but the face that I saw in the audience was that of Jesus…and he said, “I love you no matter what.  I will never leave you, nor forsake you.  Abide in me and I will abide in you.  For I have already paid the price. “Indeed, when I focus on these promises, it is then that I know, it’s all right.

“Here is what I am commanding you to do.  Be strong and brave.  Do not be terrified.  Do not lose hope.  I am the Lord your God.  I will be with you everywhere you go.” Joshua 1:9

Peace,

Felecia

 

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