father
Just Another Birthday by Casting Crowns – Christian Music Video
“Just Another Birthday” by Casting Crowns – Christian Music Video
“Just Another Birthday” by Casting Crowns
“Just Another Birthday” by Casting Crowns
from the album Come to the Well
Casting Crowns sings “Just Another Birthday” from their album Come to the Well in this music video.
“Just Another Birthday” Song Lyrics
Sixteen finds me
Blowing out candles and making wishes
And all around me
Is everyone but the one I’m wishing for
And he sent me flowers
And gift-wrapped excuses
From a daddy whose daughter
Wants to see him again
And I know, I know
It’s just another birthday
But I guess I thought
This would be the one
When he would call me, see me
Hold me and free me
But it’s just another birthday
And I’ll be fine
I’ll be fine
Nineteen finds me
And I’m wild-eyed and wide open
I gave myself away to love
But backseat promises fade like a mist
I’m screaming at the midnight air
Everyone hears me but I don’t care
My heart’s clenched just like a fist
‘Cause, people, I didn’t ask for any of this
And I’m not fine
I’m not fine
In the company of strangers
In a cold and sterile room
All alone with a child inside me
And I don’t know what to do
Jesus, can You hear me
Come and heal my brokenness
Put the pieces back together
And be a Father to the fatherless
Twenty-one finds me
Blowing out candles and making wishes
And all around me
My barefoot princess twirls and sings
It’s so amazing
Looking back at all God’s brought us through
You are my happy birthday
And you were born to break the chains
Now I know, I know
It’s not just another birthday
‘Cause I’m here, she’s here
And look how far we’ve come
Since you’ve called me, saw me
Held me and freed me
Thank you, Lord, for another birthday
And we’ll be fine
We’ll be fine
“A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.”
— Psalm 68:5 NIV“But You, O God, do see trouble and grief; You consider it to take it in hand. The victim commits himself to You; You are the helper of the fatherless.”
— Psalm 10:14 NIV“And above all things have fervent love among yourselves: for love shall cover a multitude of sins.”
— 1 Peter 4:8“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
— Romans 5:8 NIV
Have you been hurt by a loved one? Or maybe you have caused hurt to a loved one… either way, I pray that you find peace through God’s amazing grace and that His healing love overwhelm you!
Enjoy this song and music video and have a blessed day!
God bless you & be with you always,
Brenda
Inspiration – How to Almost Guarantee Yourself a Great Day Every Day!
Inspiration – How to Almost Guarantee Yourself a Great Day Every Day!
Dramatically Improve Your Chances to Have a Great Day
Inspiration to make your day great;
you can just about guarantee yourself
a great day every day.
Sound impossible?
Well, it’s not.
The way in which we begin a day largely determines how the day is going to go.
5 Techniques to Inspire You and Dramatically Improve Your Chances for a Great Day:
1. Remind Yourself You Are NOT Alone
Discover for yourself, what a wonderful way it is to wake up each morning with the reminder you are not alone. When you return to a semi-conscious state after a night of sleep, and while still in bed, repeat Psalm 139:18.
“When I awake, I am still with you.”
— Psalm 139:18
What does it mean? All night long while sleeping, we have been under the watchful care of our Heavenly Father. But now the day has come with all its potential problems, responsibilities, disappointments, and struggles. So it helps to be reminded that when we are awake God remains with us.
The eight comforting words in the above verse emphasize one of the greatest truths known to man – that we are not alone. Take time to memorize this verse. Then jumpstart your day and fill your waking moments with this reminder.
2. Pray for Others and Yourself
Next, pray for your loved ones, friends, and other people you have promised to pray for. Also pray for God’s guidance, wisdom, and protection over yourself as you go about your day.
3. Acknowledge Today as a Gift
Then, before leaving your bedside, repeat this inspiring Bible passage.
“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
— Psalm 118:24
God made this precious, opportunity-filled day; He gives it to you as a gift. And, as time passes, each day becomes more precious (or at least it should).
Keep in mind: You and I are very responsive to the moods of nature. Consider how you feel if you open your eyes and it is raining, or snowing, or the sky is overcast and the wind is blowing? This can be enough to start our day off on the wrong foot.
However, we can overcome any mood of nature, or any negative mood of human nature, by filling our minds with the realization that there is this precious thing called a day.
4. Visualize and Anticipate a Great Day
As you arise, mentally picture the good day you want and expect, visualize it clearly, and strongly affirm that mental picture. Practicing such awakening techniques can change your whole approach to life and help you see the good in every day.
For many, the moment their eyes open on a new day their thoughts begin to focus on all the awful things that might happen; and that is usually what they get. Why? Because what we project in our mind as a probability, is likely to result in fact.
To change apprehension, gloomy thoughts, and depressive attitudes to anticipation, repeat Genesis 1:1 and Psalm 118:24 three times in the morning, and then say them to yourself during the day.
Let your confession and affirmation be something such as: ‘In the beginning God created the heaven and earth and today is the day that the Lord has made. No other day just like it was ever made. This is it! I will rejoice and be glad in it. Thank you, Lord, for being with me this day. It’s going to be a great day!’
5. Let Go of the Past
Did it ever occur to you that yesterday ended last night? Every morning, you face a new beginning, so put the past behind you. Take the good memories you want to remember from the past along with you; as well as the lessons you’ve learned from your mistakes. But all the other things – leave them at the door of the new day.
One reason people have nervous breakdowns and are mentally sick is because they don’t shake themselves free of the past. Let it go!
Did you make mistakes last week? I did. What are we going to do about those mistakes? Start each day adventuring with God, and let the past be past. Do the best we can today with God’s help. Anticipate a great day, and it will be.
Do yourself a favor: Start putting these five techniques into practice. Habits and negative attitudes don’t change overnight. But if you can shift from apprehension to letting the thought of anticipation surge through your mind, your life will change and you’ll almost guarantee yourself a great day every day!
May your days be great and your life full of growing prosperity!
Be blessed to be a blessing –
Cheers,
Brenda
P.S. Enjoy the following: Have a Great Day Affirmation – Free Christian Meditation Download
Spiritual Prosperity – Walking Out God’s Good Plan For Your Life!
Spiritual Prosperity – Walking Out God’s Good Plan For Your Life!
Are You Following God One Step at a Time?
Spiritual prosperity is the result of
walking out God’s plan for your life.
In order to do this you need to allow the Lord
to direct your path one step at a time.
If I had known many years ago
what I was going to be doing today,
I would have said, “No way, God. That is impossible.”
But keep in mind, the Lord does not show us the whole picture of our life all at once, because we would quit before we got started. Instead, God leads us one step at a time.
“In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.”
— Proverbs 3:6
Following God One Step at a Time
Have you wondered why you are not further along in the plan for your life?
Let me ask you a question: Are you following God one step at a time?
Consider how excited parents are when their children take their first steps. They start out by taking one step and falling down. The parents then pick them up and put them back on their feet; encouraging them to take another step.
Inspired by the words of encouragement, the children try again and take two or three steps this time, before falling down. The parents continue to repeatedly pick them up, encourage, and help them try again until they finally conquer the task of walking.
The fact is: An infant would never learn to walk if he did not start by taking that first step. And just as infants learn to walk by taking one step at a time, so it is with the plan of our life. God leads us one step at a time.
Maybe you have taken the first step in your plan and fallen down. You may still be lying on the ground, having decided to never take another step. However, keep in mind that just as a parent encourages their children to get up and try again, so the Heavenly Father is encouraging you to get up and take another step!
The Steps of a Good Man Are Ordered by the Lord
If you will delight in the Lord, He will order your steps; and they will be steps of success and not failure.
“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and He delights in his way.”
— Psalm 37:23
Keep in mind, when opportunity knocks, you must answer! And you must walk through that door with confidence, knowing you can do it with the help of the Lord.
Of course there will be various disappointments and difficult circumstances along the way. We all face them and that is to be expected. Just remember there is help and you are not facing anything alone.
“I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.”
— Philippians 4:13
Allow this verse to help you have confidence in your ability, knowing you are not doing anything alone, but that it is Christ who strengthens you.
I think you get the point: You can make it through every circumstance of your life – regardless of what it is – if you will simply place your hand in God’s hand. He will direct your path and lead you to victory and spiritual prosperity; one step at a time.
May you walk out God’s good plan one step at a time and experience His growing prosperity!
Be blessed to be a blessing –
Cheers,
Brenda
Spiritual Growth – Striving To Love With The God Kind Of Love
Spiritual Growth – Striving To Love With The God Kind Of Love
Develop Great Spiritual Growth With
the God Kind of Love Flowing In Your Life!
The God kind of love is a love
that goes beyond words.
There are of course, many kinds of love,
but living a life that strives to love with
the God kind of love,
develops great spiritual growth within us.
Many Kinds of Love
From the time we are born, we begin to experience the love between parents and children. Then there is the love shared between family members, friends, and neighbors. There is also love shared between sweethearts and lovers.
These are just a handful of the many kinds of love, but the most important to mention, is the love shared between God and each one of us as human beings.
Putting the God Kind of Love in Action
Jesus teaches us to model the love between people, based on the way God loves us; God loves the righteous and the unrighteous alike. The entire essence of the law can be wrapped up in the commandments to love our neighbors and love our God.
“You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous.”
— Matthew 5:43-45
Loving our spouse, family, friends, and others who love us is a no brainer. But it’s an altogether thing to love an enemy that hates us and who may have it as a goal to destroy us.
When Christ tells us to love, do good, bless, and pray for our enemies, He is telling us to take action. In fact, the God kind of love isn’t about warm, fuzzy feelings; it is about taking action.
How Do We Take Actions of Love?
Well what we don’t do, is wait for emotions of love, because they may never come. Rather we start with actions of love, and the emotions of love may follow later.
How do we do it? Start with the things Jesus taught us (Luke 6:27-28):
Do Good –
Search for a way to do something good for your worst enemy. Maybe send a card with a gift certificate to a restaurant and wish him or her a great day. Keep in mind: We are not trying to cause shame, we are striving to love with the God kind of love that loved us even in our evil condition.
Bless –
Our goal is to speak and think blessings about our enemies even when they speak untrue, mean, and nasty things about us. When around others, try to actively speak well about your enemies instead of complaining about unjust treatment received from them.
Pray –
Actively pray and intercede for your enemies. Why not ask God to help heal their hearts and turn them toward His light and truth? Pray that God show them mercy and bless them. Again, keep in mind the abundant mercy and blessings God had shown to us while we were yet sinners.
Self-love seeks something in return and the sooner the better. Not so with the God kind of love; it seeks no repayment.
The truth is: Jesus is out to change you and me into an army of servants that love and care for people (even our enemies) just as He does. He wants to see spiritual growth in our lives.
Make no mistake about it: Once we start to take actions of love, spiritual growth begins to develop. Selfless love is not easy to do, but powerful when put into action. And it allows God to continue to transform us more and more into His image, so our actions will reflect His work and His presence in our hearts.
May the God kind of love abound in your heart and your life be continually blessed with growing prosperity!
Be blessed to be a blessing!
God bless you always,
Brenda
National Day of Prayer – A Mighty Fortress Is Our God!
National Day of Prayer – A Mighty Fortress Is Our God!
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God! 2011 National Day of Prayer
May 5th is the day designated as the National Day of Prayer in the USA. 2011 is the 60th Annual Observance.
Prayer has always been used in this country for guidance, protection, and strength. Our founding fathers acknowledged our freedoms as a direct gift from God and the only way to insure protection was through prayer.
This year’s theme for the National Day of Prayer is:
A Mighty Fortress is Our God!
“I will say to the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress, my GOD in whom I trust.”
— Psalm 91:2
Additional Prayer resources are available on the Official National Day of Prayer Site:
What is Prayer?
For true Christians, prayer is “Communion with God.”… read more
Why Pray?
1. We pray because we love God. We spend time with God in prayer and communion because we love him. Just as a …
How to Begin
If you are not sure how to pray, don’t despair! Everyone had to begin sometime. Just … read more
Preparing Yourself to Pray
1. Prepare your heart for fellowship with God (Psalm 24:3-5) – Confess known sin in your life … read more
Principles in Prayer
1. Depend on the Holy Spirit. In prayer, you should look to the Holy Spirit to help you to pray effectively. He can give you … read more
Steps Following Prayer
Usually Satan will try to suggest to you that your prayers were not heard. He will encourage you to … read more
Types of Prayer
As mentioned before, there are different forms of prayer. The Holy Spirit wants to lead us into a … read more
Praying the Word
Since God’s Word commands us to give constant attention to the Word and to meditate on it night and day, (Proverbs 4:20-22; Joshua 1:8), it is clear that … read more
Dedication to Prayer
God says, “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.” (Colossians 4:2). “Men ought always to pray and not lose heart.” (Luke 18:1)… read more
Key Bible Verses on Prayer
PRAYER CONTENT : GOOD GOVERNMENT 1Tim 2.1 2.2; GOSPEL WORKERS Mt 9.38; THE LORD’S PRAYER Mt 6.9-6.13; ALL CONCERNS Php 4.6 Eph 6.18… read more
Enjoy these resources, take time to pray, and give the Almighty God the praise, glory, and honor He deserves!
God bless you always,
Brenda
Children of God Christian Music Video by Third Day
“Children of God” by Third Day – Christian Music Video
from the album “Move”
This is the music video for Third Day’s new song “Children of God.”
“Children of God” Song Lyrics:
Praise to the Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ
Our God and our King, to Him we will sing
In His great mercy, He has given us life
Now we can be called the children of God
Great is the Love that the Father has given us
He has delivered us
He has delivered us
Children of God, sing your song and rejoice
For the love that He has given us all
Children of God, by the blood of His Son
We have been redeemed and we can be called
Children of God
Children of God
A mystery is revealed to the universe
The Father above has proven His love
Now we are free from the judgment that we deserve
And so we are called the children of God
We are the saints
We are the children
We’ve been redeemed
We’ve been forgiven
We are the sons and the daughters of our God
“I will receive you, and will be a Father to you,
and you shall be my sons and daughters, said the LORD Almighty.”
— 2 Corinthians 6:17-18“For you are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.”
— Galatians 3:26“Having predestined us to the adoption of children by
Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure
of His will.”
— Ephesians 1:5“But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to
be sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.”
— John 1:12“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us,
that we should be called the sons of God.”
— 1 John 1:2“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear;
but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.”
— Romans 8:14-16
Enjoy this song and video and God bless you always!
Cheers,
Brenda
Powerful Prayers – 10 Tips Help Reveal How to Uncover the Hidden Power in Your Prayer Life!
Powerful Prayers – 10 Tips Help Reveal How to Uncover the Hidden Power in Your Prayer Life!
How to Uncover the Hidden Power of Prayer
Prayer is simple and powerful.
In fact, the believer’s most powerful God-given
means for affecting change is prayer.
Yet we find it hard to practice and get results at times.
Have you tried praying different ways, but still feel frustrated and wonder if your prayers are having any effect?
God wants His children to ask for what is on their heart because He delights to give. But even more than that, he wants to fellowship with us.
Praying the Bible way, God’s way, is something we should continually seek to learn, if we want to uncover the hidden power in our prayer lives.
10 Tips Help Reveal How to Uncover the Hidden Power in Your Prayer Life!
1. A Lifestyle of Asking, Seeking, and Knocking
Prayer is more than asking God to meet the needs of our prayer list. It takes progressive action.
Prayer should progress from asking, to seeking after God’s will to guide our requests, and then to further action. It means ‘knocking on doors’ by exploring different solutions and acquiring godly counsel to help determine the Lord’s will.
“Every one that asks receives; and he that seeks finds; and to him that knocks it shall be opened.”
— Matthew 7:8
2. Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread
God’s will is that we pray daily, declaring our trust, for Him to supply what is needed. By doing so, we acknowledge that He is the source of all our physical, material, emotional, and spiritual needs.
Of course God already knows we lack and have need, but in asking, we place ourselves in position of dependence, like a child to a father.
3. Pray with Confidence
Prayer is a privilege for those who are part of God’s family. When we receive Jesus as our Savior, God becomes our heavenly Father. (John 1:12) Because of this, we can be confident and absolutely sure He will hear our prayers. (Matthew 6:6)
You see, God invites his children to pray because He is delighted to provide for them, and He stands ready to do so. We have the assurance that the Lord will respond and that what He does is good.
4. Pray According to God’s Will
We can change our prayers from timid to bold by aligning our prayers with God’s will and remembering He wants to say ‘yes’ to His children.
Some things are obviously not in God’s will, like lying and cheating. For clarity on other things we need to study the Scriptures to find God’s general will revealed through commands and principles. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Our spirit must also be submitted to God. Before we even receive an answer, we should release our grip on the outcome be willing to say ‘yes’ to His plan.
5. Power of Jesus’ Name
Praying in Jesus’ name declares both our relationship with Christ and our right and authority, through Him, to approach the Father directly. Jesus told us of the power attached to asking in His name.
“The Father will give you whatever you ask in My name.”
— John 15:16
6. Forgiveness
We need to ask God’s forgiveness daily and we should also forgive others every single time. Unforgiveness hinders prayers and creates tension between us and God. Forgiveness is meant to insure that everything is right between us and our Father.
7. Patience and Timing
God has included delays as part of the believer’s prayer life. Sometimes He answers our first request; but many times it takes several petitions. We need to trust in God’s timetable.
Delays can test our faith and deepen our relationship with the Lord. Our attitudes and behaviors may need adjusted before we are ready to receive. We may need to grow spiritually before He gives us a gift.
8. Faith
God is waiting for us to petition Him with specific prayers, free of doubt, filled with faith, and aligned with His will. Low expectations and uncertainty only short-circuit faith and the power of prayer.
To deal with doubt we must learn God’s ways. When we center our prayers in line with the Word, faith rises and doubt decreases.
9. Prayer and Fasting
Fasting with prayer can bring a heightened spiritual awareness and more intimate fellowship with the Lord.
God is willing to give us clear direction, but for some things, fasting as well as prayer is required. As we place our body’s physical desires under the Spirit’s control, we let go of our grip on the material in order to embrace the spiritual.
We gain a cleansed mind, which is needed to hear what God is saying, and a submitted spirit ready to accept His instructions.
10. Focus on God Himself
The most important part of prayer is focusing on God Himself; loving and worshipping Him. Don’t make prayers just a checklist of needs. We should give honor to His name, His kingdom, and His will.
“Our Father who is in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done.”
— Matthew 6:9-10
Our words are to bring us humbly into God’s presence with praise and thanksgiving, and with a willing spirit that God’s will rule in our lives.
Uncover powerful prayers: Prayers that reach the heavens and get answered. Keep in mind, God wants us to come in faith and ask Him to accomplish His divine plan in our situation. Ask the Lord to teach you more about biblical praying; put into practice what you learn, and wait in assurance for His answers!
May you use the mighty power of prayer well and enjoy a life of growing prosperity!
God bless you always,
Brenda
7 Scripture Based Affirmations – Why Not Confess and Share the Love? It’s a Beautiful Thing!
7 Scripture Based Affirmations – Why Not Confess and Share the Love? It’s a Beautiful Thing!
How to Draw on the Power of the Word to Increase Your Love Walk
Scripture-based affirmations can be a…
powerful influencing force in your life.
They help put you in the scriptures and draw
on the power of the Word in a more focused way.
Making these confessions a regular part of your day will bless you BIG time.
What about love? Well we all know love is a powerful force itself and when abundant in our lives it brings great peace and helps manifest growing prosperity.
What about God? God is love. He is pure, holy, good, and righteous. Every promise in His Word is rooted in knowing and sharing His great love. Take time to meditate the Word of God and get to know His great love.
CONFESS and SHARE the LOVE!
1. I love You, God, because You first loved me. (1 John 4:19)
2. I love You, Lord, with all my heart, all my understanding, and all my strength. And I will love my neighbor more than I love myself. (Mark 12:33)
3. I remain in God’s love and I love my enemies and pray for those who persecute me. (John 15:10, Matthew 5:44)
4. The love of God matters most and I imitate my heavenly Father and walk in love toward others daily. I love others deeply because love covers a multitude of sins. (1 Corinthians 13:1-3, 1 Peter 4:8)
5. God has given me a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind. Love helps me to rejoice in truth and to always protect, trust, hope, and persevere! (1 Corinthians 13:4-7, 2 Timothy 1:7)
6. I am rooted and established in love. I gain power to grasp the abundance of God’s love as I seek to discover how deep and how wide His love is. (Ephesians 3:17-19)
7. God is love and I make my life in Him. God’s great love is being perfected in me day-to-day. I have a life of love! (1 John 4:16-17)
Let these scripture-based affirmations be only the beginning; a place to start. As you continue to study, meditate, and confess the Word of God, you’ll empower yourself with an increased source of love affirmations to speak daily.
Love is in the Air
As the confessions of your heart and mind overflow with love, that same love will manifest in your life and positively affect the lives of all those around you. Love is the greatest gift that has been given to us and the greatest gift we can give. Let it flow abundantly in you and through you!
Start today: Build your faith in God’s love and His loving way of living by confessing scripture-based affirmations like these.
May you confess and share the love of God and live a life of growing prosperity!
Be blessed to be a blessing –
Love in Christ,
Brenda