Galatians 6: 7Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature[a]will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
How many of us get so tired with the busyness of our schedules and almost get to the point where you don't want to do anything at all? i am one!! I run a lot, and my boys come along for the ride. Our nights are filled with friends and activities (normally church, Bible study, fellowship, meeting with a lost one, encouraging a sister in Christ, etc). I know where and when God calls me to serve, these meetings are from Him and I need to make sure that I am prepared for each one His way!! How am I able to maintain this crazy schedule from 6:30AM til sometimes 10PM every night of the week and weekends are even more jammed packed? God sustains me through it all!! I literally carve out time to spend with Him!! The Holy Spirit needs to be filled and my heart needs to be in the right spot to serve God, His children, and the lost!!
i have learned several ways to carve time out for God through out my day!! I used to be surrounded by God's Word in my little cube (my new desk has Scripture on it). Now I get to listen to worship music all day long!! my dear sister gave me an MP3 player for my birthday and loaded sermons on it for me to listen to - whenever! I have a devotional in the bathroom! I have a Bible on my desk! Another devotional on the work bench, and I have just purchased another Bible study series to work on in my quiet time. My eldest son has to read 30 minutes each day - guess what he reads - the New Testament! My younger son wants to be home schooled, so we have home school Bible lessons after he goes to public school. And this all happens outside of the Bible studies that I attend or host.
I am eating and satisfying my hunger for God's Word, drinking in time with Him, and talking with Him all day long!! I remember I used to wait until I had a few hours to do my Bible study homework (which rarely happened) I would push the boys away when I wanted my quiet time, just reading His Word, because they distracted me. God does not want me to wait until I think I have time, He wants to be with me NOW! In my everyday run of the mill routine. He wants to be the focus of my life and whole day. He wants to saturate every part of my being, and I welcome His type of immersion!!! As a result of keeping open lines of communication with Him, the Holy Spirit inside me is always fed, ready and willing to serve where ever God calls us!!
Honestly, it isn't "always", there are days that I desire more Jesus than other days, but I think that the events of the day are what depict my level of craving. There are days where I don't want to see anyone - I want to be with God and only God for hours, until I am able to face the public. Its like i am either healing from an event or God is preparing me for something!! Either way, I love how He clears my schedule so that we can have that face time!!!
Monday, September 28, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Pride
Proverbs 29: 23 A man's pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honor.
Pride - I take pride in the work that I do! I want to do a good job regardless of what I am working at: whether it is dishes, laundry, cleaning the house, doing a Bible study, actually going to work and putting my best foot forward!! Is this the kind of pride mentioned in this Scripture? I don't believe so because of where my heart is. My motives are to complete a task with talents God has blessed me with, so that He receives all the honor and glory!! I am able to sing His praises as I am washing dishes, thank Him for providing the cloths to wash and the soap to clean them, I am grateful for the home He has planted us in! The job I hold, comes from Him too!! I can not do anything with out God! He has given all of these things to me because He loves me!!!
Now, the moment I try to do any of these things with my own power - I am toast. I need God's help to do the dishes, otherwise I loose my grip with the soapy slippery plates or glasses and end up breaking them. Laundry, God helps me to go the extra mile by shaking the shirts and pants out before putting them in the dryer to minimize wrinkles, I would never consider opening His Word without talking with Him first!! I need the Holy Spirit to reveal truths to me!!! Otherwise it is in one ear and out the other!!
What are your motives behind everything you do? Think about it...
Pride - I take pride in the work that I do! I want to do a good job regardless of what I am working at: whether it is dishes, laundry, cleaning the house, doing a Bible study, actually going to work and putting my best foot forward!! Is this the kind of pride mentioned in this Scripture? I don't believe so because of where my heart is. My motives are to complete a task with talents God has blessed me with, so that He receives all the honor and glory!! I am able to sing His praises as I am washing dishes, thank Him for providing the cloths to wash and the soap to clean them, I am grateful for the home He has planted us in! The job I hold, comes from Him too!! I can not do anything with out God! He has given all of these things to me because He loves me!!!
Now, the moment I try to do any of these things with my own power - I am toast. I need God's help to do the dishes, otherwise I loose my grip with the soapy slippery plates or glasses and end up breaking them. Laundry, God helps me to go the extra mile by shaking the shirts and pants out before putting them in the dryer to minimize wrinkles, I would never consider opening His Word without talking with Him first!! I need the Holy Spirit to reveal truths to me!!! Otherwise it is in one ear and out the other!!
What are your motives behind everything you do? Think about it...
Monday, September 21, 2009
Resisting
James 4
7Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
What do these verses mean to you? To me they remind me of the wonderful power God has granted me access to when my human limitations are worthless...through my weakness He is able to shine through and His strength is revealed!! God gets all the glory, because there isn't any possible way that I could have conquered on my own!! Which brings God's Awesome power and knowledge to the front of my mind so that I am able to submit to His commands - because He is faithful, trustworthy, and in control of my life!!
Submission is not a bad thing - if it is done God's way!! What does Scripture say about submission? It is surrendering to God's authority. Matthew 11 28"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
I gladly turn to Him for His perfect insight, guidance, comfort, and direction when facing life on this planet!!!
7Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
What do these verses mean to you? To me they remind me of the wonderful power God has granted me access to when my human limitations are worthless...through my weakness He is able to shine through and His strength is revealed!! God gets all the glory, because there isn't any possible way that I could have conquered on my own!! Which brings God's Awesome power and knowledge to the front of my mind so that I am able to submit to His commands - because He is faithful, trustworthy, and in control of my life!!
Submission is not a bad thing - if it is done God's way!! What does Scripture say about submission? It is surrendering to God's authority. Matthew 11 28"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
I gladly turn to Him for His perfect insight, guidance, comfort, and direction when facing life on this planet!!!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Proverbs 23: 15 My son, if your heart is wise, then my heart will be glad; 16 my inmost being will rejoice when your lips speak what is right. 17 Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD. 18 There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.
I have noticed lately that I have been asking a lot of questions and not necessarily interesting in the answer given to me. Normally I am able to focus and keep my attention on the person in front of me - especially if I love them!! I do not believe that my heart is currently being wise, and I know that my heart has not been its normal zealous self.
A very dear friend asked me if I would "retreat"? At the time I was going strong!! God had just done a tune up on me and I had a full tank of gas. Now, I am sucking fumes and there is a good 600 miles to go. I believe God is calling me to His gas station for some fuel, a little walk outside, maybe a milk shake!!! So, my very dear sweet friend - I am taking you up on your offer!!!! You tell me when it will be convenient for me to "retreat"!!!!!
I have noticed lately that I have been asking a lot of questions and not necessarily interesting in the answer given to me. Normally I am able to focus and keep my attention on the person in front of me - especially if I love them!! I do not believe that my heart is currently being wise, and I know that my heart has not been its normal zealous self.
A very dear friend asked me if I would "retreat"? At the time I was going strong!! God had just done a tune up on me and I had a full tank of gas. Now, I am sucking fumes and there is a good 600 miles to go. I believe God is calling me to His gas station for some fuel, a little walk outside, maybe a milk shake!!! So, my very dear sweet friend - I am taking you up on your offer!!!! You tell me when it will be convenient for me to "retreat"!!!!!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Living for God
1 Peter 4
Living for God
1Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. 2As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 3For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you. 5But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to men in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.
7The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. 8Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. 11If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Living for God
1Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. 2As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 3For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you. 5But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to men in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.
7The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. 8Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. 11If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Praise!!
Praise ye the Lord: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely. Psalm 147:1 KJV
Praise the LORD. How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him! Psalm 147:1 NIV
How do you praise our LORD and Savior? Jumping up and down screaming is pure and utter delight! Arms stretching upward to give God all that you have! Singing along with worship music! Maybe it is smiling uncontrollably and His light just shines through you! Whatever way you Praise our LORD, do it with an open heart and without any inhibitions!!Praise God just for the joy of Praising His Holy, Precious, Glorious, Mighty, Wonderful, Awesome, Lovely Name!!!
God has blessed you today, I know that He has. If you can't see it ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you what those blessings are - and then you can begin Praising Him with thanksgiving!!!!
Praise the LORD. How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him! Psalm 147:1 NIV
How do you praise our LORD and Savior? Jumping up and down screaming is pure and utter delight! Arms stretching upward to give God all that you have! Singing along with worship music! Maybe it is smiling uncontrollably and His light just shines through you! Whatever way you Praise our LORD, do it with an open heart and without any inhibitions!!Praise God just for the joy of Praising His Holy, Precious, Glorious, Mighty, Wonderful, Awesome, Lovely Name!!!
God has blessed you today, I know that He has. If you can't see it ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you what those blessings are - and then you can begin Praising Him with thanksgiving!!!!
Monday, September 14, 2009
Fear of the Lord!
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
Proverbs 9:10 KJV
What does it mean to "fear" the Lord? Majority of first thoughts would probably resemble being scared. This is kind of fear is no way near the definition God intends for His children to comprehend.
Fear is like an intense love that goes beyond the human boundaries and limitations that we establish. My desire to please my ABBA goes so much further than my human response to loving my dad! This love from God doesn't waver either, it is consistent. Humans have a tendency to rely on their feelings thus that is how they treat their loved ones. Not the love that God has instilled in us!! Feelings do not apply!!
It is almost like being a pitcher that springs a leak. God continues to pour love in me to the point of overflowing, but He doesn't turn off the faucet!! Then because I am not invincible, I spring leaks and His love begins flowing through me to those around me!! Pretty Cool!!
We are aware that the more time we spend with a person, especially one that is easy to love/like/get along with, the more we open up and become vulnerable with them, and in turn they do the same. This is where friendships truly begin! When 2 people are at a point wherein they can honestly learn about each other on a completely deeper level.
Our relationship with God is the same way. The more time we spend with Him, the more we allow ourselves to be vulnerable with Him, the more we allow ourselves to fall in love with Him, the deeper our relationship goes and grows!!!
Do you crave time with God? I can honestly say that I do!! and I have even posted a Big Brother Bear at the cave door to make sure I get that time!!!
Love you All!!!
Proverbs 9:10 KJV
What does it mean to "fear" the Lord? Majority of first thoughts would probably resemble being scared. This is kind of fear is no way near the definition God intends for His children to comprehend.
Fear is like an intense love that goes beyond the human boundaries and limitations that we establish. My desire to please my ABBA goes so much further than my human response to loving my dad! This love from God doesn't waver either, it is consistent. Humans have a tendency to rely on their feelings thus that is how they treat their loved ones. Not the love that God has instilled in us!! Feelings do not apply!!
It is almost like being a pitcher that springs a leak. God continues to pour love in me to the point of overflowing, but He doesn't turn off the faucet!! Then because I am not invincible, I spring leaks and His love begins flowing through me to those around me!! Pretty Cool!!
We are aware that the more time we spend with a person, especially one that is easy to love/like/get along with, the more we open up and become vulnerable with them, and in turn they do the same. This is where friendships truly begin! When 2 people are at a point wherein they can honestly learn about each other on a completely deeper level.
Our relationship with God is the same way. The more time we spend with Him, the more we allow ourselves to be vulnerable with Him, the more we allow ourselves to fall in love with Him, the deeper our relationship goes and grows!!!
Do you crave time with God? I can honestly say that I do!! and I have even posted a Big Brother Bear at the cave door to make sure I get that time!!!
Love you All!!!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Little Eyes
1 Corinthians 11
1Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.
Have you ever really stopped to think about this? Yes the obvious answer is our children! OK but what about all the people who witness what you are doing through out your day that don't even register on your radar?
I worked for a company nearly 4 years, during this time I had been advanced and worked on all 3 shifts. Here is the cool part. One of my co-workers, a young man, had actually watched me for 2 years and finally saw an opportunity to stop me and talk with me. I didn't know him from Adam, so if you can imagine the scene of a 6 foot something young buff and good looking man walking toward me with purpose, I was kind of intimidated!! The first thing out of him mouth was "How are you so happy all the time? I have seen you for 2 years, working all kinds of hours, and I have never seen you anything but happy!" I looked at him with a huge smile on my face and said simply "JESUS!!" Hallelujah!! Here's that opportunity as believers we pray for and jump at when it presents itself!!
God presents people and situations to us daily for us to just BEAM for HIM!! Granted it is His light shining through us, but we still have a choice to let Him reign!!
Love you all!!!
1Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.
Have you ever really stopped to think about this? Yes the obvious answer is our children! OK but what about all the people who witness what you are doing through out your day that don't even register on your radar?
I worked for a company nearly 4 years, during this time I had been advanced and worked on all 3 shifts. Here is the cool part. One of my co-workers, a young man, had actually watched me for 2 years and finally saw an opportunity to stop me and talk with me. I didn't know him from Adam, so if you can imagine the scene of a 6 foot something young buff and good looking man walking toward me with purpose, I was kind of intimidated!! The first thing out of him mouth was "How are you so happy all the time? I have seen you for 2 years, working all kinds of hours, and I have never seen you anything but happy!" I looked at him with a huge smile on my face and said simply "JESUS!!" Hallelujah!! Here's that opportunity as believers we pray for and jump at when it presents itself!!
God presents people and situations to us daily for us to just BEAM for HIM!! Granted it is His light shining through us, but we still have a choice to let Him reign!!
Love you all!!!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Challenges for God?
Is any thing too hard for the Lord?
Genesis 18:14 KJV
What do you honestly, even subconsiously think it too hard for God to handle? Is it your relationship with your kid? maybe a co-worker? maybe a financial issue? maybe it is all the balls that you have been juggling for so long that your afraid of one dropping...This image was me before God got a hold of me!! And I have tried juggling after He began living within me, and I am here to say "It is not worth it!!" Depending on God completely is the most amazing freedom, regardless of circumstances!! I urge you to take a moment and pray with me:
Heavenly Father! You are my ABBA!! My Daddy in good and bad times and I know that You are in complete control of the situation that I am currently dealling with and You have blessed me with a wonderful peace! It is so wonderful that I know that it can only be from You!! Thank You so very much!!!! Father, I lift this situation up to You as an offering and an invitation to You. I ask that You use this as an opportunity for You to grow, mature, refine, and mold me into a better reflection of YOU!!! God let Your Heavenly Light warm the spot where I stand!! I feel Your presence and I thank You for coming closer to me!!! Stay with me a little longer!!! I love You so much!!! Thank You for my big brother and his wife!!! I love them very much and I know that You have orchastrated this relationship to grow all of us and continue to bless us!!! In Jesus Holy and Precious Name!! Amen!
Genesis 18:14 KJV
What do you honestly, even subconsiously think it too hard for God to handle? Is it your relationship with your kid? maybe a co-worker? maybe a financial issue? maybe it is all the balls that you have been juggling for so long that your afraid of one dropping...This image was me before God got a hold of me!! And I have tried juggling after He began living within me, and I am here to say "It is not worth it!!" Depending on God completely is the most amazing freedom, regardless of circumstances!! I urge you to take a moment and pray with me:
Heavenly Father! You are my ABBA!! My Daddy in good and bad times and I know that You are in complete control of the situation that I am currently dealling with and You have blessed me with a wonderful peace! It is so wonderful that I know that it can only be from You!! Thank You so very much!!!! Father, I lift this situation up to You as an offering and an invitation to You. I ask that You use this as an opportunity for You to grow, mature, refine, and mold me into a better reflection of YOU!!! God let Your Heavenly Light warm the spot where I stand!! I feel Your presence and I thank You for coming closer to me!!! Stay with me a little longer!!! I love You so much!!! Thank You for my big brother and his wife!!! I love them very much and I know that You have orchastrated this relationship to grow all of us and continue to bless us!!! In Jesus Holy and Precious Name!! Amen!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Loving One Another
If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and His love is perfected in us.
1 John 4:12 KJV
Heavenly Father, place Your children in my path today to just love them as You have designed me to. Father, help me to love them the way You love them!! Have Your love overflow through me, as Your light shines through me too!!! Please use me to further Your kingdom!! In Jesus Holy and Precious Name!! Amen!!
1 John 4:12 KJV
Heavenly Father, place Your children in my path today to just love them as You have designed me to. Father, help me to love them the way You love them!! Have Your love overflow through me, as Your light shines through me too!!! Please use me to further Your kingdom!! In Jesus Holy and Precious Name!! Amen!!
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