FIND YOU ON MY KNEES

"Find You On My Knees"

Troubles chasing me again,
Breaking down my best defense,
I'm looking, God, I'm looking for you
Weary just won't let me rest and fear is filling up my head.
I'm longing, God I'm longing for you

But I will find you in the place I'm in, find you when I'm at my end,
Find you when there's nothing left of me to offer you except for brokenness.
You lift me up, you'll never leave me thirsty,
When I am weak, when I am lost and searching
I'll find you on my knees.

So what if sorrow shakes my faith,
What if heartache still remains,
I'll trust you, my god I'll trust you.
'Cause You are faithful and

I will find you in the place I'm in, find you when I'm at my end,
Find you when there's nothing left of me to offer you except for brokenness.
You lift me up, you'll never leave me thirsty,
When I am weak, when I am lost and searching
I'll find you on my knees, my knees.
When my hope is gone, when the fear is strong
When the pain is real, when it's hard to heal
When my faith is shaken and my heart is broken and my joy is stolen, God I know that

You lift me up, you'll never leave me thirsty,

Find you in the place I'm in, find you when I'm at my end,
Find you when there's nothing left of me to offer you except for brokenness.
You lift me up, you'll never leave me thirsty,
When I am weak, when I am lost and searching
I'll find you on my knees.

 

~By Kari Jobe

 

Had to simply share one of the most amazing songs that expresses how I feel at times.  Thank you Kari Jobe for allowing the Lord to always use you through your gifts that He has given you.  May He forever bless you!  :)

JUST PASSING THROUGH

Going through a storm right now? 

 

Are the winds blowing so hard that you're trying to hold onto anything that will keep you from going with the wind?

 

Are those waves rocking your boat so hard that your sick to your stomach?

 

Is the water your on ready to turn your boat over?

 

Are you drowning and feeling lonely on your ship?

 

Sometimes we often wonder why life has dealt us such a rocky sail on the sea.  We hold on, we swim, we fight, we try to look at the other side for a glimpse of hope. 

 Mark 4:35-41

³⁵ That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” ³⁶ Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. ³⁷ A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. ³⁸ Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”
³⁹ He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.
⁴⁰ He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
⁴¹ They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

Cross references:

1. Mark 4:35 : 4:35-41pp — Mt 8:18, 23-27; Lk 8:22-25
2. Mark 4:36 : ver 1; Mk 3:9; 5:2, 21; 6:32, 45
3. Mark 4:40 : Mt 14:31; Mk 16:14

 

The one good thing about being in a storm is that we know that we are not alone!  Have you ever thought about how you have made it this far, even in the midst of the storm?  Our all powerful God is Mighty, so Mighty that with one word He could calm the storms.  The Lord awaits for you to call out to Him in the good and bad times of life.  He will never separate Himself from you.

Deuteronomy 31:8

 

⁸ The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

 

God's hand is not to short to reach you.  Cry out to the Lord for help.  He will rescue you from all your fears, trials, and hurts.  When all is coming against you, take a stand and have faith in the Almighty God. 

 

Storms come but in due time, they cease.  This may be just a season, and perhaps at this moment it's a long season, just know that God will hold you strong through it all.  Continue to keep your eyes focused on Him. 

 

Tell your storm that you are "just passing through."  You are not staying on rough waters forever.  Claim and decree that you will not be stagnet , you will not drown but you will swim. 

Matthew 14:25-33

²⁵ Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. ²⁶ When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.
²⁷ But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
²⁸ “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
²⁹ “Come,” he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. ³⁰ But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
³¹ Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
³² And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. ³³ Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

 

Although fear tries to trap us into believing we will sink, the Lord reminds us to have faith and hold on just a little longer.  Even if things look impossible, encourage yourself just as David did and know that He is God and all things will come together for the glory of God. 

 

1 Samuel 30:1-6

 

30 And it came to pass, when David and his men were come to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the south, and Ziklag, and smitten Ziklag, and burned it with fire;

² And had taken the women captives, that were therein: they slew not any, either great or small, but carried them away, and went on their way.

³ So David and his men came to the city, and, behold, it was burned with fire; and their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, were taken captives.

⁴ Then David and the people that were with him lifted up their voice and wept, until they had no more power to weep.

⁵ And David's two wives were taken captives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite.

⁶ And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.

 

No matter what is going on in your life right now, tell that storm that your "just passing through."  Although David was in distressed, he knew where his help would come from.  His hope was in Christ alone. 

 

God has called us to be Victorious.  How can you fight if your walking around defeated.?  NO!  Stand up and rise to the occasion.  God has equipped us with the proper tools to Fight, Swim, and hold on.  Do what is necessary to make it! 

Ephesians 6:10-18

 

¹⁰ A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. ¹² For we^[c] are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

¹³ Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. ¹⁴ Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. ¹⁵ For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.^{[d] 16} In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.^{[e] 17} Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
¹⁸ Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.^[f]

 

Put on the whole armor!  Don't let your boat sink!  If God is for you, Who can be against you?  Tell that storm your "just passing through!"  It can not keep you from where God is bringing you.  Have faith friends and believe that God is still working in the midst of it all.  Be encouraged today!

 

STRIPPED & SHAKEN......BUT GOD

Have you ever been stripped?  Whether stripped from loved ones, material things, hope, or needed things?  Have things ever gotten to the point that you just don't know if you could recover from it?  Has being stripped brought you to the point that it has shaken or rocked your world?  

I'm not to sure about you, but it has definitely happen to me.  You see, although I am a Christian and try to live a life that is pleasing to the Lord, I still get rocked.  Being a Christian doesn't necessarily mean that everything is smooth sailing and challenges will not exist.  That is far from the truth!  Truth be told, sometimes we are the ones that get the big hits.  

Many things have happened in my 39 years of life.  But the one thing that rocked me the most.......... The death of my three year old daughter.  Who would of thought?  Why me?  Lord I have been serving you faithfully, I love my kids, I have a strong family support system, and I live to worship you...... Why me?  The life of my three year old daughter gone, without reason, I just don't understand why me of all people to choose from. 

There came a point and time that I questioned God so much because I wanted answers!  I even told Him, "there are so many people that abuse their kids, and don't love them.  Why would you take mine?  I love my daughters and take very good care of them.  Why my little girl?"  

Julie was her name, Julie Yvette Gonzalez!  Our second daughter.  She was the funniest character.  She definitely was one to give me a run for my money.  She was a spit fire, observant, talkative, attitude (a good one, ha), and just plain real.  She impacted many people by simply being herself.  She would play with all the other kids and would act like little mother goose.  

One thing that I would say about Julie is that her worship for God was so pure. Every service, she would be the first one in the front dancing before the Lord. Giving honor to the King is what my baby girl would do continuously.  What a joy for me to see her honor God, I was a proud mom! :)

Julie, after she was about 1 year old, she would continually get sick.  Sick, as in cold symptoms.... runny nose, fever, some vomiting, puffy eyes, etc.  We would take her to the hospital and they would never find anything wrong with her.  "Oh she's fine, just give her some Tylenol, and pedia-lite."  But this went on for way to long.  It was getting so bad that doctors would check her and still "nothing is wrong."  Then they would check her veins.... and guess what?  Her veins would be collapsed due to the lack of liquids not being held down.  

One day, on August 18, 1997, our daughter, Julie Yvette Gonzalez, never made it through the night.  Julie was resting in my room because she didn't feel well,(mind you she had a doctor's appt in the morning).  I walked into my room and as she was laying down on my floor in my room, she was taking her last breath........... I started freaking out.... I ran out screaming my mothers name... MOMMMMMMM......  She was foaming at the mouth, my mother picked her up and brought her to the kitchen floor.  Our neighbor, Amy, who happened to be at our house, was on the phone with 911, and my mother was trying to revive her.  This had to be the longest hours of my life.  

Paramedics arrive..... I'm huddled in the corner sobbing, my father bust through the back door to try and help, and my husband had just gotten home from work.  The blank stare in her eyes...... No words!  We rushed to the hospital in the ambulance and as were both(my husband & I) were wondering if she was going to make it.  After at least 2 hours of the doctors trying to bring our Julie back, the doctors came in to our room to give us the news.  Mr. and Mrs. Gonzalez, we are truly sorry, but your daughter did not make it.  We did everything we could.  If you would like to see her and spend time with her, we will gladly provide a room for your family and friends.  
Wailing, hearts crushed, heavy and hollowed hearts, hurt, stripped and shaken!

Disbelief!  My heart is still heavy just writing about it.... my eyes are full of tears... Our little girl will not go to high school, college, marry, or give us grand children.  Our little girl has left us, how do we live without her?  I wanted to shout out to the WORLD....."EVERYBODY STOP TALKING, WALKING, GOING TO WORK, AND LIVING, OUR LITTLE GIRL HAS PASSED.  DON'T MOVE!!!!!!!"  My mind was everywhere...... Why me?  

I know that this is not everyone's story, but it is my story.  We never knew what happened?  We had an autopsy done and the results..... UNDETERMINED!  Why me Lord?  Everything came back normal in the autopsy.  I couldn't wrap my head around what had taken place.  My Lord, help me.  

I understand now that her mission in this life was accomplished and she is with the eternal Father.  When I think of what we went through during that time, I can't help but think of Job in the Bible.  Job lost everything, his family, his crops, his livestock, land, health, etc.  But even through all that, Job was a man of faith, patience and endurance.  Through his loss, he still believed in the Almighty God and trusted that the Lord would not forsake him, nor leave him.  Job suffered intense emotional and physical pain.  And he too, didn't know why he was suffering.  

In the end, God gave Job more and abundant.  Job was a blessed man, he stood faithful to God regardless of what had taken place and there was no answer.  

Often we suffer consequences for bad decisions and actions.  Job's willingness to repent and confess known wrongs is a good guideline for us.  Sometimes suffering shapes us for special service to others.  Sometimes suffering is an attack by satan on our lives.  And sometimes we don't know why we suffer.  At those times, are we willing to trust God in spite of unanswered questions? 

I know I am!  It was a hard, long process for our family.  But GOD!!!  He restored us, and although Julie can NEVER be replaced, He gave us a double portion.  The Lord granted us two more daughters, in which are 11 months apart.  They are now 13 and 12, and of course our oldest, which is 22 now. The Lord gave us the strength to carry on and fill us up again.  If it hadn't been for God..... I'm SO sure that I would have been stripped, shaken and destroyed!  BUT GOD!  

James 5:10,11
For examples of patience in suffering, dear brothers and sisters, look at the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.  We give great honor to those who endure under suffering.  For instance, you know about Job, a man of great endurance.  You can see how the Lord was kind to him at the end, for the Lord is full of tenderness and mercy.

This was rather big for our family..... What are you stripped and shaken about? Are you really trusting God to pull you through?  

Julie Yvette Gonzalez
2/10/94 - 8/18/97 RIP...... Until we meet again! Never forgotten!

FORGIVENESS IS POSSIBLE

I have found that many people turn up their nose when they hear the word forgive or forgiveness.  Anything that has to do with forgiving is frowned upon. 

Understanding that when you are hurt repeatedly, it is much more difficult to let go of what has been done to you.  You begin to build walls and not allow anyone to enter into your circle.  You have caution signs all around you as if you are untouchable.  Your heart becomes solid as a rock and there is no moving that heart of stone! 

Unforgiveness does not play in its circle by itself.  Unforgiveness has important components to help it work more effectively.  Once unforgiveness begins... bitterness, resentment, anger, hate, rage, and low self-esteem, to name a few, begin to work hand in hand.  You become blind to see any good of many other people, or rather all you see is bad.  Life shouldn't be this way. 

John 10:10
The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.  I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly

You see..... the reality is that we have given into having an unforgiving heart.  We have allowed the enemy to come in and steal our joy, kill our spirit, and destroy our mission, ministry, and life that God has set in place for us. 

There have been many things that have happened in our lives that simply seem unforgivable.  There are many people that often wonder how can I carry on when so much damage has been done to me?  Physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, mental abuse, rejection, abandonment, neglect, and the list goes on and on.  Some cases more severe then others.  The pain and agony of why me?  Why did I have to suffer such things?  What did I do to deserve this?   

The truth is that you didn't deserve any of the pain and suffering that you have endured.  I know that there is nothing that I could say to make anything easier for you.  However, I do serve a God that can heal your heart and bring you comfort.   You will probably never forget what has taken place in your life, but the God that I serve will give you a peace that surpasses all understanding so that you can carry on in life without torment.  You can have the victory!

The enemy doesn't want you to be free from the bondage of unforgiveness.  It probably feels good to hold the grudge against the other person, but you need to realize that they are keeping you hostage to the things they have done to you.  God has called us to be free. 

John 8:36
So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free. 

When you forgive the other person, freedom takes place, and anger, bitterness, resentment, etc begin to cease.  When God is in the midst of your life and you have surrendered, there is no room for unforgiveness and its components. 

Furthermore, the Bible says:

Matthew 6:15
But if you refuse to forgive others, your father will not forgive your sins.

Forgive others that have wronged you, cheated, hurt, and or abused you.  There is freedom in forgiveness!  God wants you to be free and delivered.  It is easy to ask God for forgiveness but difficult to grant it to others.  Whenever we ask God to forgive us for sin, we should ask, Have I forgiven the people who have wronged me?

Ephesians 4:32
Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

I understand that this is easier said then done, but it's not impossible.  Allow God to heal you, forgive you, show you unconditional love, set you free, and remind you of His grace that is sufficient.  God is waiting for you to give Him your burdens.... Be set free today.  Run to Him!  Forgiveness is Possible, In Jesus Name! 

MAKE A CHANGE FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Well, it's that time of year again.  Many are with family, friends, and loved ones during this time.  The holiday season's are filled with family gatherings, love, gifts, unity, and friendship. We as people need love, unity and a sense to be apart. 

What about those that are without friends, family, and loved ones?  What do they do when there is no love for them?  Do we think of others during this time of year when they do not have?  Or are we thinking of just our family? 

There is a need in this Holiday Season, and that need is simply to spread Holiday Love, Cheer, and to be united.  As we go about our lives during this time, we need to remember the REAL meaning of Christmas, which is the Birth of Christ.  As we come together and love one another, let's celebrate His birth.  Christ came to this earth, to save us and show us what unconditional love is.  Let us spread the Love of Christ everywhere we go. 

As 2012 approaches, think of some of the things you would like to change.  Make a plan/goal and just do it. 

If you have not forgiven someone this year, make a change and forgive them. 

Give to others that are in need.  If there is someone without and you could be of help to them, please give. 

If you're blessed with finances and you know someone that is struggling, give to them.  You will be blessed in return. 

If you have been a negative example to others, make that change and be a positive example. 

Do you want to get closer to Christ?  Make that change, go to church and read your Bible.  (Start there)

Do you want to build a better relationship with your kids?  Stop what your doing and make time to get to know them better.   Communicate with them and allow them to communicate with you.  Their thoughts need to be heard and are just as important as yours.    

Have you been eating unhealthy?  Make a change to eat healthier so that you can live longer and help make great changes in this world that is in need. 

Lets build better relationships and healthier lives for ourselves.  Allow God to guide you in every step you take.  Make God number one and all things will be in place. 

This 2012 is the beginning of new things to come..... but you have to make the ultimate choice..... How bad do you want to make changes for your life?? 

Proverbs 16:3
Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed. 

Psalm 32:8
The Lord says, "I will guide you along the best pathway fo your life.  I will advise you and watch over you. 


Make a change for the better.  It's not too late.  Let God light the way for you.  You can do it! :)  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours. 

Peace and Grace be unto you this New Year.  Blessings from the Gonzalez Family

DEATH ~VS~THE PASSION OF CHRIST

The Passion of Christ has so many different meanings...............

Here's a list of what the Passion of Christ means to me:

1).  Love was met at the Cross

2).  A perfect sacrifice, for my sins

3).  Death took place in exchange for life

4).  Blood was shed for my shame

5).  Salvation Thru Christ

6).  Victory was won

The Passion of Christ was revealed.  His unconditional love for you and for me.  A man that lived blameless, righteous, holy, without blemish.  An example to us all. 

There are times when I just think of God's mercy..... and WOW!  God gave His Son......... To die for you and for me........... Who on this earth do you know would do something so selfless?  Take a few minutes and really think about this! 

For example, You are blessed with ONE child, and because this world is so out of order, you decide to allow the people of this world to take your ONLY son or daughter, and sacrifice him or her.  Let me be blunt..... You allow them to KILL your child.................  Do we really know anyone that would sacrifice their children so that the world could be saved? 

The reality is that no one in their right mind would do something so painful like this.  I look at my beautiful daughters and just can't imagine giving their life so that everyone else would not have to pay a heavier price.  My God, I thank you Lord, because even still, I do not deserve that mercy.  This world is full of sin, shame, lust, hate, etc..... the list goes on and on..... But there is a God that has shed His blood to cover our sins. 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

John 3:16
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that who so ever believeth in Him, shall not perish but have everlasting life. 

His love is so GREAT, and UNCONDITIONAL.  He proved His love for me when He exemplified the true meaning of Love for His people when He died on the cross. 

Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. 

He died so that we would have eternal life.  Eternal life is a gift from God.  If it is a gift, then it is not something that we earn, nor something that must be paid back. 
Ephesians 2:8-9
God saved you by His grace when you believed.  And you can't take credit for this;  it is a gift from God.  Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 

Our salvation is a gift of God, not something of our own doing.  (When someone gives you a gift, do you say, "That's very nice..... so how much do I owe you for that?"  No, the appropriate response to a gift is "thank you."  Yet and still many Christians, even after they have been given the gift of salvation, feel obligated to try to work their way to God.  We simply need to respond with gratitude, praise and joy. 

Psalm 68:18
When you ascended to the heights, you led a crowd of captives.  You received gifts from the people, even from those who rebelled against you.  Now the Lord God will live among us there.

God is pictured as a conqueror marching to the gates and taking tribute from the fallen city.  Christ, in His crucifixion and resurrection, was victorious over Satan.  When Christ ascended to heaven, He gave gifts to the church. 

Love was met, the price was paid, the blood was shed, life was exchanged, sins were erased, salvation was given, and the VICTORY was WON!  That's enough passion to last a life time and then some.  I wouldn't trade my Lord and Savior for the things of this world.  He gave His all for me...... and besides, what does it profit a man to gain the world and lose his soul????  There is no benefit in gaining the world. 

Search your heart of Passion..... Do you strive to have the Passion of Christ?  Was the price He paid enough for you?  The shedding of His blood certainly can not be replaced and I am eternally grateful for the Almighty God I serve.  Search the heart of God, and allow Him to be your Passion.  We are no longer dead but Alive in Him.  Blessings :)

A HOPE ONCE AND FOR ALL

Are you hurting?

Have you been betrayed?

Do you feel lonely?

Are you looking for acceptance?

Is your struggle bigger then you?

Are you overwhelmed?

Has anxiety taken over your life?

I'm not sure who this particular blog is for........ But I have good news for you!  I have an answer to your need.  I know someone that can take the hurt away and heal your wound.  I adore a man that is for me and not against me.  I met a man that promises to never leave me nor forsake me.  I honor a man that embraces me through my good times and bad times.  I acknowledge a man that stands in front of my struggle and reminds me that He is in control.  I know a man that can provide a peace that will surpass all understanding.  I have found someone that SPEAKS peace to the storm surrounding me, and that storm has to cease. 

Has your heart been broken?

Have your dreams been stolen or shattered?

Is there fear in your life that you just can't explain?

Is there any room for love anymore?

Are you hopeless?

I have good news for you!  I have an answer to your need.  I know someone that can mend your broken heart.  I know a man that restores your visions and dreams.  I acknowledge a man that says I can trust in Him for all things.  I have found someone, and His name is LOVE and HE has so much of it to give.  I met the MASTER of HOPE! 

This man's name is JESUS!  He is my Savior, Master, Lord, Lover of my Soul, Redeemer, Lifter of my Head, Shelter, Comforter, Healer, Provider, and Joy!  He's everything I want, everything I hope in.  He has done a work in me and I'm ever grateful.  When I look at how far the Lord has brought me, I can't help but be thankful for His mercies that are new every morning.  

I want to encourage you today to come to the Father!  If you are in need of healing, love, peace, comfort, etc.... God is waiting to hear from you.  This life is not a perfect life, and no one has a perfect story.  But I know a God that is perfect and doesn't make mistakes.  When God made you..... He made perfection thru Jesus.  We are not perfect, but perfect through His Son Jesus Christ. 


His word says you can stand.  He'll cover you with His grace.  Everything you need is in your hand, so lift up your head and say.......

All things are working for me.  Even things I can't see.  Your ways are so beyond me.  But you said that you would let it be for my good.  So I'll rest and just believe. 

~Fred Hammond~

1 Timothy 1:15-17
This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it.  "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners" and I am the worst of them all.  But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of His great patience with even the worst sinners.  Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in Him and receive eternal life.  All honor and glory to God forever and ever!  He is the eternal King, the unseen one who never dies; He alone is God.  Amen.