I Found God In Snow Shoes...

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GOD & SNOW SHOES

Psalm 51:7 (NIV)

Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

When it snows, everything looks clean, beautiful, and bright. All of the imperfections of the earth are covered with a white blanket, and everything appears new and reborn.
When you accept Jesus into your heart and life, you are, in essence, reborn. He removes your sins from you as far as the east is from the west. And there is more! The Christian has the promises of ongoing forgiveness. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9 NIV)

I Found God In Black Shoes...

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GOD & BLACK SHOES

John 14:6 (NIV)

Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father
except through me.”

A pair of good black shoes is a fashion and practical necessity. They match just about everything. They almost always look sharp. You can adapt them to many different types of looks – jeans, skirts, shorts, pants, dresses. You can find black shoes in an assortment of styles: sandals, flats, heels, boots, athletic, clogs, Crocs, flip-flops, etc. They are one of the staples of any wardrobe.

But what is the BIGGEST necessity in your life? Jesus is the rock… the foundation of everything else in your life. Jesus is the key, the way, the truth, the light, the beacon, the Savior.

I Found God In Animal-Print Shoes...

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GOD & ANIMAL-PRINT SHOES

Isaiah 11:6 (NIV)

The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them.

Since the beginning of time, men have found animals (one of the masterpieces of God’s creation) to be a source of comfort, provision, protection, and companionship. They are sometimes known for their strength, their speed, their cunning and their power. But as important a role as animals may have played in the world, they pale in significance to the Child who came to lead them:
“Then one of the elders aid to me, ‘Do not weep! See the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed!’” (Revelation 5:5).

Thank God for Jesus, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world!

I Found God In Roller Blades...

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GOD & ROLLER BLADES

Colossians 3:23 (NIV)

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.

Are you just skating by doing the minimum? Do you find yourself not doing anything for Christ? Are you using your talents for His glory? Perhaps you’ve never gotten involved, or you’ve been burned out, or just haven’t participated in things like you used to. Is there something you can do to use your gifts and talents for the Lord? Teaching a Sunday school class, preparing meals for the sick, or just mentoring another woman? In order for the body of Christ to work effectively, every member must be active. So, roll on!

I Found God in Flippers...

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GOD & FLIPPERS

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

One of the most dramatic things that happens when a person accepts Christ is a total change of life. The old person has gone! A new person has come! Non-Christians might look at a woman who has changed lifestyles, commitments, and priorities and think, “She’s really flipped out!” And in reality, it’s a fairly accurate description because the believer is willing to make radical changes.

One picture of repentance is of someone who is going in one direction but who suddenly turns and goes in the exact opposite direction . . . perhaps it could be said that there is a complete flip!

Are there still areas in your life where you may need to do some “flipping?”

*This text was written by Kay Moll

I Found God In Ballet Shoes...

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GOD & BALLET SHOES

Psalm 37:23 (New King James)

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delights in his way.”

Ballet is a beautiful and intricate dance with complex choreography and performers who practically eat, breathe, and sleep their craft. Just as we delight in ballet performances, God delights when we follow the life-path - the earthly choreography - He has set before us.

I Found God In Hiking Boots...

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GOD & HIKING BOOTS

Deuteronomy 34:1-4 (NIV)

Then Moses climbed Mount Nebo from the plains of Moab to the top of Pisgah, across from Jericho. There the LORD showed him the whole land—from Gilead to Dan, all of Naphtali, the territory of Ephraim and Manasseh, all the land of Judah as far as the western sea, the Negev and the whole region from the Valley of Jericho, the City of Palms, as far as Zoar. Then the LORD said to him, "This is the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob when I said, 'I will give it to your descendants.

Hiking is hard work – but the view at the top is usually worth it. Do you find yourself working and doing all you can do for God’s glory? It all boils down to serving Christ and following Him. If you are following Him and obeying His Word, you will bear much fruit for Him. And the view from the top (Heaven) will be breathtaking!

I Found God In Moccasins...

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GOD & MOCCASINS

Matthew 7:1-2

Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

A Roman soldier could compel any Jew to carry his gear one mile. Jesus said that His followers should go beyond what was required and carry the gear two miles! Imagine the surprise of the soldier who met someone who did more than was expected!

It is so easy to judge others, to form opinions without really knowing the circumstances. Remember the old proverb: “Don’t judge a man until you have walked a mile in his shoes (or moccasins).”

*This particular "Shoe"-sipration was written by Kay Moll.

I Found God In Blue Suede Shoes...

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GOD & BLUE SUEDE SHOES

1 Peter 2:9 (NIV)

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

How many pairs blue suede shoes have YOU owned? Likely none – because they are different, rare, hard-to-find. Likewise, Christians are called to be different. In order to live the Christian life, we must think and behave in a manner consistent with Christian principles. This sets us apart from other people; but our behaviors and actions may lead another to Christ. This is one of our responsibilities as Christians: to witness to others so that they might learn the miracle of Christ.

I Found God In Gladiator Sandals...

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GOD & GLADIATOR SANDALS

Ephesians 6:10-11 (NIV)

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.

Life is hard; and some days are way worse than others. But God is empowering and faithful. He will not leave your side when the going gets rough, and He will infuse you with strength to get through the hardships. Like a gladiator charging through an opponent or an obstacle, you will be made stronger with God.

I Found God In Red Shoes...

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GOD & RED SHOES

Ephesians 2:13 (NIV)

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away

have been brought near though the blood of Christ.

The color red has many meanings; it is the color of fire and blood. It is associated with energy, war, danger, strength, power, determination, passion, desire, and love. It has very high visibility, which is why stop signs, stoplights, and fire equipment are usually painted red. Red is used to symbolize courage. Because it is the color of fire, it symbolizes the presence of God. The color of blood also reminds us of Jesus’ sacrifice of Himself for our sins.

I Found God In Plaster Casts...

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GOD & CASTS

Revelation 21:4 (NIV)
He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.

God is the ultimate Healer. On earth, we may be plagued with disease, injury, or illness. We may be, at times, broken in body, mind, or spirit. But, we know that in Heaven, God will make us healthy and whole again. “Even so, COME, LORD JESUS!” (Revelations 22:20)

I Found God In Combat Boots...

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GOD & COMBAT BOOTS

2 Timothy 2:3 (NIV)

Endure hardship with us
like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

We are in indebted to the brave men and women who serve in the US military forces and defend our country … placing their very lives on the line to defend our freedoms. Just as our soldiers suffer hardships and are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for our country, we, as Christians, should joyfully serve our Commander and King at any cost.

I Found God in Penny Loafers...

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GOD & PENNY LOAFERS

Corinthians 9:6-7 (NIV)
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

All of the money in the world belongs to God; we are merely stewards of the money that is in our possession. By tithing, we return to God that which was already his in the first place. When we are moved to give more, we bring glory to Him. Do we give with a joyful heart? Are we generous with the blessings bestowed on us?

I Found God In High Heels...

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GOD & HIGH HEELS

Isaiah 5:8-9 (NIV)
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD.
As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Have you ever looked around at shoes with really high heels and wondered, “How can anyone possibly walk in these shoes?!” That’s the way it is with life sometimes. God’s way seems too hard … too difficult … too high.

But the Word reminds us that His ways are higher than our ways. He does not demand that we understand, just that we obey. Take the HIGH road… and keep walking. Stand tall! Look above and beyond the things of this world and see ahead to God’s promises.

I Found God in Firefighter Boots...

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GOD & FIREFIGHTER BOOTS

John 3:16 (NIV)

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

The world honors those who risk their lives to save others… and rightly so. But God is the ULTIMATE RESCUE HERO! He allowed His Son to sacrifice His life on Calvary so that those who believe in Him might be saved: saved from death and promised eternal Life in Heaven.

I Found God In Wedding Shoes...

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GOD & WEDDING SHOES

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NIV)

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.

A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.When you wore your wedding shoes, you were at the starting point of a whole new life … one where you were no longer traveling the road of life alone, but with your partner, your soul mate. If you also invited God to your wedding, then you have infused your marriage with a third bond and your marriage is between you, your spouse, AND God … this cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

I Found God In Sandals...

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GOD & SANDALS

Philippians 1:27-29 (NIV)

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved — and that by God.

Sandals are comfortable … and while it’s certainly nice to be comfortable, do you find yourself too comfortable with your Christian life? Could you be doing more for Christ? Sometimes it’s easy to get comfortable with what you’re doing and not really do all that you have the potential and ability to do. Take hold of life, and live it the way God intended. Don’t be satisfied with being a mediocre Christian, but remember for Whom you are living!

I Found God In Hospital Shoes...

Today is my birthday! :) It seems fitting in this series on God and Shoes to insert part of my personal testimony on this day... especially since it involves shoes...

GOD & HOSPITAL SHOES

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

I had had dizzy/weakness spells since high school, but no doctor had ever taken them seriously. In December 2001, I held my son, Jack (who was 11 months old at the time), and I had one so strong that my entire left side went numb, and I dropped Jack on the kitchen floor.

An MRI yielded an answer: a quarter-sized “benign cystic glioma” growing in the rear, right-hand part of my brain. It was causing seizures (those dizzy-things) that were gaining in strength as it grew. Scarily enough, a Google search of "cystic glioma" revealed that I had only 18 months to live. As you can imagine, I was hysterical. I remember calling my family doctor and telling the receptionist, "This is Maggie. I have a brain tumor, and I need to talk to my doctor NOW!!!" I think that was the first and only time where I’ve ever gotten through to a doctor on the phone. Fortunately the World Wide Web was wrong (the key word missing in my search was “benign.”) But the tumor still had to come out.

So in February, I settled in at University Hospital. I required two surgeries about four days apart... TWO surgeries because the neurosurgeon didn’t get it all the first time around. Both times, as I went into the operating room, I held a photo of Jack in my hand… all the while murmuring that “A year (with my son) was not enough” and hoping that God felt the same way. I was scared to death! My husband and parents sat in the waiting room for several hours waiting to hear reports from the surgical nurses.

After I awoke from the 2nd surgery, I was in for a shock. No feeling on my left side. I couldn’t hold a pen, I couldn’t walk… my left side was useless. I was completely disoriented and apparently quite disagreeable. I don’t remember much of the first few days except for snippets here and there; I’m sure my brain was somewhat scrambled! I remember asking for my best friend, Debbie, a lot – that was the only person I wanted to see. I remember getting my arm stuck in the bars of my hospital bed and calling out for help seemingly forever. I vaguely remember begging a nurse to let me call my husband, David – even though it was 2AM – and when she finally gave me the phone, apparently, I cried and told him to come and get me, that the nurses were hurting me. At 2AM, with Jack sleeping down the hall, what was David going to do? He talked to the nurse getting her assurances that I was totally out-of-my-mind and they were not, in fact, hurting me; He planned to return to the hospital first thing in the morning.

Sometimes, in your life, you come to a point where you hit a wall: a crisis of faith. You realize that the event facing you is bigger than you… monstrous, UN-scale-able. You realize that you have absolutely NO CONTROL – and to get through it, you must turn to the One who is “big” enough to help you through this. At the moment of that frantic, wild, middle-of-the-night phone call, there was nothing David could do except pray. Pray for strength for himself. Pray for healing for me. Pray that I was not surrounded by a bunch of sadistic hospital personnel. Pray that he wouldn’t be left a single-father.

Before each of my surgeries, there was nothing I could do but pray. Pray for strength… pray for healing. Pray that the surgeons would successfully remove the tumor (although apparently I should have prayed that it only took one surgery!). Pray that God would allow me to be David’s wife and Jack’s mother a while longer. I had left letters for David and Jack… “just in case” I didn’t make it… praying fervently the whole time that they wouldn’t have cause to read them.

What do you do in this kind of situation if you don’t have faith? How do you go into surgery on your brain, no less, if you don’t believe that a higher power is watching over you… One who had your best interests at heart? How do you sit in a waiting room while your wife has part of her skull removed and her brain dissected, to remove a tumor?

David and I both released control of our lives to an entity we cannot see, hear, smell, or touch – believing in God’s love and power to help us through this. Whatever you face, whatever your wall – nothing is too big for God. Two surgeries and a few months of rehab later, I am healed. I can walk. I can move my left side. I am alive. Hospital booties are some scary shoes to wear… and the last thing you want to do is GIVE UP control of anything. But God “has your back” – and He is big enough to help you navigate even the scariest of paths.

Karaoke Tuesday: "I'm Not Who I Was"

It's interesting... I had an entire post about this song ready in my head based on what I thought this song was about (what I had gotten from it, at least!). Then I read the lyrics - and saw a video from the artist on his intentions, and I realized that we were on different paths...!

But isn't that the great thing about music? That it can inspire different feelings in different people?!

Today's song is "I'm Not Who I Was" by Brandon Heath. I took from it the changes that occur inside you when you start to really "feel" Christian (or for those people who felt a sudden transformation: who are "born again.") The person that I am now is so much different from the person people knew in elementary school, or high school, or even college.

I smile to myself because a feed to this blog shows up on my Facebook page, and I figure that people who haven't seen me in a while will be rolling their eyes and saying, "When did Maggie get all religious?" or "Was Maggie always some religious weirdo?!" They know the girl who could cuss like a sailor and who was known to say (regarding the midnight Christmas Eve service), "It's the same old story... WHY can't they liven it up with a laser light show or something?!?!"

*sigh*

It is funny though, how transformed you feel inside when you finally find your Faith... And those changes in your heart and mind inevitably lead to changes on the outside as well. Some things are slower to change than others... I still have to work on my potty mouth sometimes. I'm still impatient. Judgemental. Prideful. But I feel like a different person than I was then... and it's not just the increase in grey hairs! :)

Now apparently Brandon Heath was leaning in a different direction when he wrote this song:


He was looking back at people from his past - people who may have wronged him in some way and against whom he still held a grudge. I can identify with that too! :)
I think I've mentioned before that I was a "kick-me" kid in elementary school. A year behind everyone age/maturity-wise, a year ahead academic-wise... not a good combination for surviving the social game of high school! It's easy, when you've been a target, to hold onto hostility and anger towards those who made you feel inferior... small... unloved. Lord knows that I've got some residual hostility, but allowing yourself to forgive others is a blessing from God. Brandon Heath mentions that his favorite line of the song is this:

Well the thing I find most amazing In "amazing grace" ... Is the chance to give it out

Is there someone in your life who needs your grace? Or do you need to extend a little grace inward and forgive yourself for something? Take the opportunity to be "Christ-like" and to give it out. Because if you have felt the transformation of your Faith, then you are like a new person, and this new person can forgive.

Song: I'm Not Who I Was
Artist: Brandon Heath (http://brandonheath.net/)
Album: Don't Get Comfortable
LYRICS
Listen to this song and other by Brandon Heath here: http://brandonheath.net/music.php

I Found God In Nursing Shoes...

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GOD & NURSING SHOES

Psalm 103:3-4 (NIV)
Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits- who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion.

Jeremiah 30:17 (NIV)
But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds," declares the LORD.

A good nurse will care for you, offer compassion, and provide healing. Just as nurses can help heal your body, God will heal your soul. Turn to Him when you are in pain, in hardship, in trouble. He will help.

I Found God In Platform Shoes...

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GOD & PLATFORM SHOES

John 8:31-36 (NIV)

To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

There are many “platforms” out there – many causes and political issues that need the Christian’s attention! Have you searched for the truth about these issues as described in the Bible? And have you taken a stand on what’s important?

Let your voice (and God’s!) be heard!

I Found God In Pumps...

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GOD & PUMPS

Hebrews 10:23-25 (The Message)

So let's do it—full of belief, confident that we're presentable inside and out. Let's keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let's see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.

Are you an encourager?
Do you find yourself pumping people up?
Everyone needs to be encouraged at one time or another. It is important to give it as well as receive it. Encourage others with your words and deeds – that is pleasing to God!

I Found God in Slippers...

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GOD & SLIPPERS

Psalm 18:2 (NIV)

The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

When your life is a mess, when your plate is full, when you are at the end of your rope, God is there. Just like a cozy, comfy pair of your favorite slippers, God will envelop you in warmth and heal your heart.

I Found God in "That Parent..."

Today I became "That Parent."

Sometimes at the bus stops, I see a Mom who has loaded her elementary-age kids into her minivan, driven down the driveway (or up the street 3 houses away), and waited for the school bus. Maybe it was raining, or snowing, or cold, but I always laughed to myself because it seemed so insane that an adult just couldn't get out an umbrella (or boots... or a coat!) and WALK the 50 feet to the bus stop with their child. It's not like we are going to melt, you know?!

But, like with all things that I've rolled my "superior" eyes at, it came back to bite me.

Today is was raining sideways. And the only umbrellas I could unearth were the kid-sized ones with Diego or Spiderman (both snatched out of my hands by my kids with a whiney "THAT'S MINE!"). We did attempt to walk 4 houses up to the official bus stop, but before I even got out of my driveway, I stopped the kids, returned them to the garage, and grabbed my car keys.

And yes... we DROVE up the street, parked, and waited for the bus!

Matthew 7:1 says "Judge not, that ye be not judged."

The Message (7:1-5) version phrases it a little differently:

"Don't pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It's easy to see a smudge on your neighbor's face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, 'Let me wash your face for you,' when your own face is distorted by contempt? It's this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor."

Ouch! Painful words... but so true! In "Maggie's World," it'd be phrased like this:

"Everytime you judge someone else, it will always comes back to bite you in the arse!"

Just as quickly as I might jump upon my "high horse," I will inevitably be knocked off by the realization that I have (or soon will) do the very same behavior! God reminds us not to judge others because we are full of flaws ourselves. I sure felt that lesson today as I sat in my car peeking at the amused glances of three of my neighbors standing nearby... with their umbrellas, of course! :)

I Found God in Flip-Flops...

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GOD & FLIP-FLOPS

Matthew 7:24-27 (NIV)

Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.

Is your spiritual foundation strong? Or is it as flimsy as your pair of flip-flops? There are thousands of things that chip away at faith all of the time – you need to have a strong foundation in your mind, body, and soul to keep your eyes on God.

I Found God In Gym Shoes...

Wednesday night, our church had a Women's Event: If The Shoe Fits. It included a catered dinner, some fun entertainment, four testimonies of people who had walked unusual life paths, and a TON of unique and interesting shoes! I was the go-to gal for this event -working with the Women's Ministry team to plan out the evening, hustle up the shoes, the table hosts, etc.

If you google "women's ministry" and "shoes," you will get hundreds of websites from churches or groups who have worked with this theme before, so when I was trying to match different types of shoes with a Godly message, I didn't always have to reinvent the wheel! Over the next few weeks, I'll be posting the Shoe-spirations one step at a time - Some I wrote myself, others were re-vamped by my friend Kay, still others were borrowed from other sites who had so eloquently written a devotional already.* I hope it will cause you to look at your own Christian walk a little bit differently!

GOD AND GYM SHOES...

Luke 15:20-24 (The Message)
When he was still a long way off, his father saw him. His heart pounding, he ran out, embraced him, and kissed him. The son started his speech: 'Father, I've sinned against God, I've sinned before you; I don't deserve to be called your son ever again.' "But the father wasn't listening. He was calling to the servants, 'Quick. Bring a clean set of clothes and dress him. Put the family ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Then get a grain-fed heifer and roast it. We're going to feast! We're going to have a wonderful time! My son is here—given up for dead and now alive! Given up for lost and now found!'

God wears running shoes. He is always eager & willing to RUN to his lost children. He has no pride in being “right” nor does He gloat over our failures or mistakes. He always rejoices and celebrates our return to His flock – no matter the circumstances.

*Most of the text for the gym shoe table was found HERE.

I Found God In Fortune-Telling...

Have you ever wondered about those carnival fortune-tellers? Or remember playing with a Magic 8 ball in your childhood? Do you just shake your head at the 1-900-numbers flashed on TV urging you to connect with a psychic who will "see" your future?

Those aren't going to give you authentic prophecies. But for those yearning to find out more about Jesus as God's Son and our Savior, you can look to the Bible for your answers.

Personally, wading through the entire Bible is a bit daunting. Several posts back, I commented that I was starting to read the Bible start-to-finish. Just FYI, I'm beginning Exodus. So I can't just pop out all of the prophecy information, and lay it out for you.

BUT... with the miracles of the Internet, I don't have to do all of the work!
I found this fantastic Bible verse site while I was looking for links between "God" and "shoes" (for an upcoming Women's Event at my church... soon to be blogged about, of course!), and it sets up the Old Testament Prophecies with the New Testament fruition in an easy to read table!

Here is the link:
http://encouragingbiblequotes.com/versesmessiaha.html

While you're there, you may want to pop by other pages on Encouraging Bible Quotes.com - a great resource!

Happy reading!
:) Mags