Your love is as beautiful as a rose
Sweetness flowing from a gentle heart
You look for ways to bless me
Though I do not deserve your kindness
You're honest through and through
You always let me know how you feel
Sometimes we disagree
And tempers rise
But we always find our way
Back into each other's arms
The Lord is the Shepherd of our union
He brought us together
He is the One who keeps us as one
Today we celebrate our Anniversary
Eight years of marriage
I'm a better man because of you
I love you
My Angel
Monday, June 28, 2010
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Our God is Faithful
For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. 2 Corinthians 1:19-21
When a man or woman makes a promise, it is the character of that individual that determines if they can be trusted to keep their word. If we are flippant in making commitments, we will disappoint others often, because we will find it hard to do what we said we would do. Abraham Lincoln once said, “We must not promise what we ought not, lest we be called on to perform what we cannot.” But what about God, can He be trusted?
After the fall God made a promise. He said to the serpent, “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” This was fulfilled when Jesus died and rose again for all of us. It was on the cross that He defeated the enemy. God kept his word. There are numerous other prophesies found in the Bible that the Lord has fulfilled. And there are others that Christians believe will come to pass in the future. God has shown that He fulfills His promises over time.
The Scripture says that Great is His faithfulness. Our Father is full of mercy and truth, and Christ is called the way, the truth, and the life. God cannot lie. He is the solid rock that we can build our lives upon. He never makes a casual promise. No, He will see His word come to pass. As we cooperate with Him, He will prove faithful to His word. If we will trust Him and learn to be patient, we will see the Lord perform many wonders.
This does not mean God will do anything we ask Him to. He is sovereign, and He knows what is best for His children. He will only give to us what He has clearly promised. In His time, He will bring His will for us to pass. We can trust our Lord completely. We can believe Him for great things knowing that He will always give us all we need.
Dear Father God,
Thank you for Your faithfulness to me. I choose to believe your promises. I know You will only give what is best for me and what brings you the greatest glory. Lord, I choose to stand upon Your word. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
When a man or woman makes a promise, it is the character of that individual that determines if they can be trusted to keep their word. If we are flippant in making commitments, we will disappoint others often, because we will find it hard to do what we said we would do. Abraham Lincoln once said, “We must not promise what we ought not, lest we be called on to perform what we cannot.” But what about God, can He be trusted?
After the fall God made a promise. He said to the serpent, “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” This was fulfilled when Jesus died and rose again for all of us. It was on the cross that He defeated the enemy. God kept his word. There are numerous other prophesies found in the Bible that the Lord has fulfilled. And there are others that Christians believe will come to pass in the future. God has shown that He fulfills His promises over time.
The Scripture says that Great is His faithfulness. Our Father is full of mercy and truth, and Christ is called the way, the truth, and the life. God cannot lie. He is the solid rock that we can build our lives upon. He never makes a casual promise. No, He will see His word come to pass. As we cooperate with Him, He will prove faithful to His word. If we will trust Him and learn to be patient, we will see the Lord perform many wonders.
This does not mean God will do anything we ask Him to. He is sovereign, and He knows what is best for His children. He will only give to us what He has clearly promised. In His time, He will bring His will for us to pass. We can trust our Lord completely. We can believe Him for great things knowing that He will always give us all we need.
Dear Father God,
Thank you for Your faithfulness to me. I choose to believe your promises. I know You will only give what is best for me and what brings you the greatest glory. Lord, I choose to stand upon Your word. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
A New Song
Sing to Him a new song
Let His praises fill the earth
Sing to Him a new song
As partakers of new birth
He alone is holy
He is worthy of our praise
Altogether holy
Let's lift up His matchless name
We will worship the Lamb
Glorify the Great I Am
We will lift high the cross
Bring the gospel to the lost
He is worthy
Worthy of our praise
He is holy
The Truth, the Life, the only Way
We exalt You
Magnify You
We surrender all
You're our Friend and Mighty Father
We will answer Your holy call
Sing to Him a new song
Let His praise ring all life long
Celebrate the King of Kings
He's our God, our everything
Sing to Him a new song
Let His praises fill the earth
Sing to Him a new song
As partakers of new birth
He alone is holy
He is worthy of our praise
Altogether holy
Let's lift up His matchless name
We will worship the Lamb
Glorify the Great I Am
We will lift high the cross
Bring the gospel to the lost
He is worthy
Worthy of our praise
He is holy
The Truth, the Life, the only Way
We exalt You
Magnify You
We surrender all
You're our Friend and Mighty Father
We will answer Your holy call
Sing to Him a new song
Let His praise ring all life long
Celebrate the King of Kings
He's our God, our everything
Sing to Him a new song
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Committed to Our Success
Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6
Salvation, like being born, is a one-time event in the life of every believer, but sanctification is a lifelong process. When we accept Christ's forgiveness for our sins, we enter into God's family. We all begin this journey as spiritual infants, and we need the Lord to help us grow. Sanctification is the term used to describe this maturing process.
God promises to work alongside us, enabling us to mature as His children. He is committed to our success. As co-laborers with the Lord, we are to work out the salvation that He has already placed within us. He assures us that He will work with us to bring us to spiritual completion. While we are alive here on earth, we are to grow from glory to glory. Even so, we will never reach the apex of spiritual maturity in this life, but when we enter heaven's gates, we will finally be like Jesus.
When we struggle with sinful habits or negative emotions, we can run to the Lord, who is always willing to help us. He began a good work in us, and we can be confident that He will strengthen us and give us all we need to overcome our many imperfections. It is comforting to know that the God of the Universe is intimately acquainted with us. He does not want us to despair in the face of our failures. Instead, He desires to love us into victory.
Let's surrender our lives afresh to the Lord and allow Him to continue to sanctify us by His grace. We are like clay in the hand of the Potter. He is molding us and making us more like Himself. Praise the Lord! Jesus loves us far too much to leave us the way we are.
Potter of my soul,
Come and make me whole. Breathe your breath in me. Make me more like Thee. Mold this heart of clay. Help me go your way. As I behold Your face, change me by your grace. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
Salvation, like being born, is a one-time event in the life of every believer, but sanctification is a lifelong process. When we accept Christ's forgiveness for our sins, we enter into God's family. We all begin this journey as spiritual infants, and we need the Lord to help us grow. Sanctification is the term used to describe this maturing process.
God promises to work alongside us, enabling us to mature as His children. He is committed to our success. As co-laborers with the Lord, we are to work out the salvation that He has already placed within us. He assures us that He will work with us to bring us to spiritual completion. While we are alive here on earth, we are to grow from glory to glory. Even so, we will never reach the apex of spiritual maturity in this life, but when we enter heaven's gates, we will finally be like Jesus.
When we struggle with sinful habits or negative emotions, we can run to the Lord, who is always willing to help us. He began a good work in us, and we can be confident that He will strengthen us and give us all we need to overcome our many imperfections. It is comforting to know that the God of the Universe is intimately acquainted with us. He does not want us to despair in the face of our failures. Instead, He desires to love us into victory.
Let's surrender our lives afresh to the Lord and allow Him to continue to sanctify us by His grace. We are like clay in the hand of the Potter. He is molding us and making us more like Himself. Praise the Lord! Jesus loves us far too much to leave us the way we are.
Potter of my soul,
Come and make me whole. Breathe your breath in me. Make me more like Thee. Mold this heart of clay. Help me go your way. As I behold Your face, change me by your grace. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Mercy Reaches
Mercy reaches down
Nail-pierced hands
Touch this prodigal town
Its people drown in sin's tempestuous wake
Engaging evil when eternity's at stake
But God hears the cry deep inside the heart
For another way, for the sea to part
Mercy's hands extend
He longs to put the suffering to an end
A pounding on the doors of hearts is heard
Invite Christ in and victory is sure
Can Mercy change this wayward city?
Yes, if prayerful hearts beseech Thee
Lord of Lords
Yes, if willing feet will greet thee
Folks who mourn
Yes, if loving words be spoken
Then sin's cycle can be broken
Mercy reaches down with nail-pierced hands
Saviour save our sin-stained land
Nail-pierced hands
Touch this prodigal town
Its people drown in sin's tempestuous wake
Engaging evil when eternity's at stake
But God hears the cry deep inside the heart
For another way, for the sea to part
Mercy's hands extend
He longs to put the suffering to an end
A pounding on the doors of hearts is heard
Invite Christ in and victory is sure
Can Mercy change this wayward city?
Yes, if prayerful hearts beseech Thee
Lord of Lords
Yes, if willing feet will greet thee
Folks who mourn
Yes, if loving words be spoken
Then sin's cycle can be broken
Mercy reaches down with nail-pierced hands
Saviour save our sin-stained land
Friday, June 11, 2010
Something to Think and Act Upon
Have you ever wondered if there was more to this life than what you've experienced? Are we just destined to grow up, meet someone, and live out our days pursuing a dream of our choosing? What about after we die – is there life beyond the grave?
The Bible has many things to say about the reason for our existence. Jesus Christ, who many consider as being the most influential person in history, told us that there is life after death. He spoke of a place called heaven, where everyone who puts their trust in Him will go when they die. It is a place of peace, joy and love. It is also a place of great beauty. Jesus said that He was the way, the truth, and the life. He said that no one could come to God without placing their trust in Him (John 14:6).
God desires to have a relationship with every one of us. The Scripture says that we have all sinned and fallen short of God's glory (Romans 3:23). Though we may not realize it, we are separated from God because of our disobedience. God is holy and we are not, and we desperately need His forgiveness.
This is why Jesus died on the cross. He, who knew no sin, died for the sins of the whole world to make us right with God (2 Corinthians 5:21). Then He rose from the dead. He truly is alive and He has power to change our lives.
Jesus wants to save us from hell and take us to heaven. He desires to give us a new life here on earth. When we ask Jesus to forgive us for our sins and when we surrender to His Lordship, we find great freedom and we begin a wonderful relationship with God the Father, who loves us.
When a person lives for God, he or she finds a great sense of significance and purpose. This person understands that they have a destiny to fulfill. When an individual chooses to serve the Lord, they find joy, contentment, peace, and unconditional love.
Jesus said that in this world we would have trouble, but He also said to take heart because He has overcome the world (John 16:33). Life here on earth can be confusing and difficult, but as we draw near to Jesus, we find that He helps us in every circumstance. The Lord is faithful to His own. He will give us His peace and comfort, and He will ultimately bring victory out of our defeat.
You may have read literature like this before. And it may be your tendency to want to disregard what you are reading. Let me ask you to reconsider. Perhaps you don't believe that Jesus is who He said He was, but have you ever taken the time to read what He said? I would encourage you to read through the gospel of John. Ask God to reveal Himself to you. He will if you sincerely want to know Him.
If you are ready to ask Christ into your life, then pray the prayer on the following page. It is not some magical mantra. It is a simple prayer, where you can invite Christ to be your Lord and Savior.
Dear God,
I realize that I'm a sinner. I am sorry for my disobedience to You. I thank you for sending Jesus to die on the cross for my sins. I ask You to forgive me. Jesus, I believe that You rose from the dead and I choose to follow You all the days of my life. I declare that You are my Lord and Savior. I thank You that I have a home in heaven. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.
If you prayed this prayer from your heart, know that you are now a member of God's family. Here is a list of things that will help you to get started in your new relationship with Christ.
Read the Bible – Start in the New Testament.
Pray – Prayer is talking and listening to God. Thank Him for His blessings and ask Him to work in Your life and in the lives of others.
When you fall, know that if you ask for forgiveness, God will forgive you (1 John 1:9).
Go to church regularly – Find a congregation where the Bible is taught in a clear and compassionate way.
Tell others of your newfound faith in Christ – Make it your aim to faithfully tell others about the Lord.
© Copyright 2010 by Tom Toya. All rights reserved.
The Bible has many things to say about the reason for our existence. Jesus Christ, who many consider as being the most influential person in history, told us that there is life after death. He spoke of a place called heaven, where everyone who puts their trust in Him will go when they die. It is a place of peace, joy and love. It is also a place of great beauty. Jesus said that He was the way, the truth, and the life. He said that no one could come to God without placing their trust in Him (John 14:6).
God desires to have a relationship with every one of us. The Scripture says that we have all sinned and fallen short of God's glory (Romans 3:23). Though we may not realize it, we are separated from God because of our disobedience. God is holy and we are not, and we desperately need His forgiveness.
This is why Jesus died on the cross. He, who knew no sin, died for the sins of the whole world to make us right with God (2 Corinthians 5:21). Then He rose from the dead. He truly is alive and He has power to change our lives.
Jesus wants to save us from hell and take us to heaven. He desires to give us a new life here on earth. When we ask Jesus to forgive us for our sins and when we surrender to His Lordship, we find great freedom and we begin a wonderful relationship with God the Father, who loves us.
When a person lives for God, he or she finds a great sense of significance and purpose. This person understands that they have a destiny to fulfill. When an individual chooses to serve the Lord, they find joy, contentment, peace, and unconditional love.
Jesus said that in this world we would have trouble, but He also said to take heart because He has overcome the world (John 16:33). Life here on earth can be confusing and difficult, but as we draw near to Jesus, we find that He helps us in every circumstance. The Lord is faithful to His own. He will give us His peace and comfort, and He will ultimately bring victory out of our defeat.
You may have read literature like this before. And it may be your tendency to want to disregard what you are reading. Let me ask you to reconsider. Perhaps you don't believe that Jesus is who He said He was, but have you ever taken the time to read what He said? I would encourage you to read through the gospel of John. Ask God to reveal Himself to you. He will if you sincerely want to know Him.
If you are ready to ask Christ into your life, then pray the prayer on the following page. It is not some magical mantra. It is a simple prayer, where you can invite Christ to be your Lord and Savior.
Dear God,
I realize that I'm a sinner. I am sorry for my disobedience to You. I thank you for sending Jesus to die on the cross for my sins. I ask You to forgive me. Jesus, I believe that You rose from the dead and I choose to follow You all the days of my life. I declare that You are my Lord and Savior. I thank You that I have a home in heaven. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.
If you prayed this prayer from your heart, know that you are now a member of God's family. Here is a list of things that will help you to get started in your new relationship with Christ.
Read the Bible – Start in the New Testament.
Pray – Prayer is talking and listening to God. Thank Him for His blessings and ask Him to work in Your life and in the lives of others.
When you fall, know that if you ask for forgiveness, God will forgive you (1 John 1:9).
Go to church regularly – Find a congregation where the Bible is taught in a clear and compassionate way.
Tell others of your newfound faith in Christ – Make it your aim to faithfully tell others about the Lord.
© Copyright 2010 by Tom Toya. All rights reserved.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Fishers of Men
“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men. At once they left their nets and followed him. Matthew 4:19-20
What would you do if Christ spoke to you and told you leave your life's pursuit and follow Him? Would you go if He sent you to a foreign nation? Would you alter the course of your life to meet His command or would you pretend you didn't hear?
Peter and his brother Andrew were faced with such a decision. Jesus asked them to leave their fishing business and follow after Him. Their obedience was radical – they dropped their nets and became disciples of the Lord.
Though not all of us are called to full-time ministry, each of us have been commissioned by the Master to win men, women, and children to the Lord. The Father desires for us to be open to the Spirit's call to go and make disciples. We are to have a radical obedience that propels us to reach out to those in darkness. We each have been given different gifts, talents, abilities, and personalities. If we seek to follow the Master, He will show us how we can do our part to influence others for the kingdom.
It all starts with a change of focus. We must be intentional about seeing others come to know Jesus. Evangelism must become a consuming priority in our lives. As we pray for those that do not know the Lord and as we reach out to them, God will use us. He will make us fishers of men. We do not have to be full-time ministers for God to effectively use us. No, we can be ministers for God no matter our vocation in life. Have you heard the Spirit's call? If so, what will you now do about it?
Dear Master,
I know You are calling me to reach out to the unsaved. Open my eyes to see who I can minister to. Reveal to me the unique gifts I have, and show me how to influence others for Christ. Lord, I choose to obey You. Help me to make evangelism an integral part of my life. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
What would you do if Christ spoke to you and told you leave your life's pursuit and follow Him? Would you go if He sent you to a foreign nation? Would you alter the course of your life to meet His command or would you pretend you didn't hear?
Peter and his brother Andrew were faced with such a decision. Jesus asked them to leave their fishing business and follow after Him. Their obedience was radical – they dropped their nets and became disciples of the Lord.
Though not all of us are called to full-time ministry, each of us have been commissioned by the Master to win men, women, and children to the Lord. The Father desires for us to be open to the Spirit's call to go and make disciples. We are to have a radical obedience that propels us to reach out to those in darkness. We each have been given different gifts, talents, abilities, and personalities. If we seek to follow the Master, He will show us how we can do our part to influence others for the kingdom.
It all starts with a change of focus. We must be intentional about seeing others come to know Jesus. Evangelism must become a consuming priority in our lives. As we pray for those that do not know the Lord and as we reach out to them, God will use us. He will make us fishers of men. We do not have to be full-time ministers for God to effectively use us. No, we can be ministers for God no matter our vocation in life. Have you heard the Spirit's call? If so, what will you now do about it?
Dear Master,
I know You are calling me to reach out to the unsaved. Open my eyes to see who I can minister to. Reveal to me the unique gifts I have, and show me how to influence others for Christ. Lord, I choose to obey You. Help me to make evangelism an integral part of my life. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
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