Thou art good, and doest good; teach me Thy statutes.
Psalm 119:68
Dear Father, help me to be open to Your purpose for my life and please give me the desire to fulfill that purpose – starting today. Amen.
<><
Psalm 119
X Teth
65 Do good to your servant
according to your word, O LORD.
66 Teach me knowledge and good judgment,
for I believe in your commands.
67 Before I was afflicted I went astray,
but now I obey your word.
68 You are good, and what you do is good;
teach me your decrees.
69 Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies,
I keep your precepts with all my heart.
70 Their hearts are callous and unfeeling,
but I delight in your law.
71 It was good for me to be afflicted
so that I might learn your decrees.
72 The law from your mouth is more precious to me
than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Power of Words
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
James 3:17
Dear Lord, help me to be courteous and loving towards others today. Amen.
<><
This whole chapter is a lovely reminder – me especially – lately God is revealing all the times I have said something that just didn’t come out the way I intended. And the last thing I want to do is offend my family, friends or spectators. I have become focused on developing relationships, and not balancing the rest of my life very well. Granted, this is something that I have always struggled with. I am “task oriented” which is why projects are usually accomplished quickly, because I can narrow my sights to just this task, the daily stuff gets pushed aside to be dealt with later. During this process I see my boys vying for my attention, and as a result I am irritated by them because they interrupt a fascinating conversation, Bible study, prayer time, or house work, or I get upset that the task is not progressing on schedule. [(God’s timing is perfect, and I know this, I have seen that God is faithful, and the results are so much better if I just wait on Him!!) OK – that is another Morning Truth!!]
Abba, You are the One I turn to, the One I trust, please help me to build and cultivate my relationship with those beautiful boys You have blessed me with. God I know that I have not been doing a very good job of loving them well, treating them like You treat me, or speaking with them in love. I have stumbled and fallen short of building them up. God, help me and teach me to balance this life better, I want to bring You honor and glory with everything I say and do. In Jesus Holy Name. Amen.
James 3
Taming the Tongue
1Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.
3When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
7All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, 8but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
9With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. 10Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. 11Can both fresh water and salt[a] water flow from the same spring? 12My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.
Two Kinds of Wisdom
13Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. 16For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
17But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
James 3:17
Dear Lord, help me to be courteous and loving towards others today. Amen.
<><
This whole chapter is a lovely reminder – me especially – lately God is revealing all the times I have said something that just didn’t come out the way I intended. And the last thing I want to do is offend my family, friends or spectators. I have become focused on developing relationships, and not balancing the rest of my life very well. Granted, this is something that I have always struggled with. I am “task oriented” which is why projects are usually accomplished quickly, because I can narrow my sights to just this task, the daily stuff gets pushed aside to be dealt with later. During this process I see my boys vying for my attention, and as a result I am irritated by them because they interrupt a fascinating conversation, Bible study, prayer time, or house work, or I get upset that the task is not progressing on schedule. [(God’s timing is perfect, and I know this, I have seen that God is faithful, and the results are so much better if I just wait on Him!!) OK – that is another Morning Truth!!]
Abba, You are the One I turn to, the One I trust, please help me to build and cultivate my relationship with those beautiful boys You have blessed me with. God I know that I have not been doing a very good job of loving them well, treating them like You treat me, or speaking with them in love. I have stumbled and fallen short of building them up. God, help me and teach me to balance this life better, I want to bring You honor and glory with everything I say and do. In Jesus Holy Name. Amen.
James 3
Taming the Tongue
1Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.
3When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
7All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, 8but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
9With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. 10Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. 11Can both fresh water and salt[a] water flow from the same spring? 12My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.
Two Kinds of Wisdom
13Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. 16For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
17But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
Love on another
Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us.
Ephesians 5:1-2
Lord, make me aware of someone today who could use my encouragement or helping hand. Help me to take the time to be Your messenger. Amen.
<><
O Father, Your Ways are just so Amazing!!! Lord, You touch my heart so effortlessly and I am in Awe of You and Your Majesty!! Abba, please continue to keep me alert to those who are in need!! God, help me to heed Your call, listen to Your voice, feel Your presence, and realize when the Holy Spirit wants me to move please give me the courage to MOVE!! In Your Son’s Holy and Precious Name. Amen.
Ephesians 5:1-2
Lord, make me aware of someone today who could use my encouragement or helping hand. Help me to take the time to be Your messenger. Amen.
<><
O Father, Your Ways are just so Amazing!!! Lord, You touch my heart so effortlessly and I am in Awe of You and Your Majesty!! Abba, please continue to keep me alert to those who are in need!! God, help me to heed Your call, listen to Your voice, feel Your presence, and realize when the Holy Spirit wants me to move please give me the courage to MOVE!! In Your Son’s Holy and Precious Name. Amen.
Refuge
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.
Psalm 46: 1-2
Lord, we know that You are always with us and that we don’t have to be afraid. Help us to keep our eyes on You. Amen.
<><
O Heavenly Father, You are so Amazing and Loving. Thank You for loving me so well and so much!! You sustain me in so many ways, and I am grateful for all that You do. Abba, my Father, thank You for being there for me this morning and helping me through the last few days. I can not do anything good or right without You!! God I do not want to do anything without You!! Lord, please continue to provide opportunities to further Your kingdom and bring You honor and glory!!! In Your Son’s Precious and Holy Name!! Amen!
Psalm 46: 1-2
Lord, we know that You are always with us and that we don’t have to be afraid. Help us to keep our eyes on You. Amen.
<><
O Heavenly Father, You are so Amazing and Loving. Thank You for loving me so well and so much!! You sustain me in so many ways, and I am grateful for all that You do. Abba, my Father, thank You for being there for me this morning and helping me through the last few days. I can not do anything good or right without You!! God I do not want to do anything without You!! Lord, please continue to provide opportunities to further Your kingdom and bring You honor and glory!!! In Your Son’s Precious and Holy Name!! Amen!
Spiritual Blessings
Praise ye the Lord. Praise the Lord, O my soul. While I live will I praise the Lord: I will sing praises unto my God.
Psalm 146: 1-2
When morning gilds the skies, My heart awakening cries, May Jesus Christ be praised. – Tr. Edward Caswall
<><
OK – I am suggesting that we dive into the word “praise”. There are 351 times the word praise is used in the NIV. I am going to challenge you to find the one that you enjoy the most. Then write it on a card and place it somewhere around you so that you may have it as a constant reminder to “Praise God” in rain or shine.
I have to write it several times, and place it in several places!!
Deuteronomy 10
Fear the LORD
12 And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, 13 and to observe the LORD's commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?
14 To the LORD your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, the earth and everything in it. 15 Yet the LORD set his affection on your forefathers and loved them, and he chose you, their descendants, above all the nations, as it is today. 16 Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and do not be stiff-necked any longer. 17 For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. 18 He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the alien, giving him food and clothing. 19 And you are to love those who are aliens, for you yourselves were aliens in Egypt. 20 Fear the LORD your God and serve him. Hold fast to him and take your oaths in his name. 21 He is your praise; he is your God, who performed for you those great and awesome wonders you saw with your own eyes. 22 Your forefathers who went down into Egypt were seventy in all, and now the LORD your God has made you as numerous as the stars in the sky.
2 Samuel 22
47 "The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock!
Exalted be God, the Rock, my Savior!
Ephesians 1
Spiritual Blessings in Christ
3Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5he[c] predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. 7In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace 8that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. 9And he[d] made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.
11In him we were also chosen,[e] having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory.
Psalm 146: 1-2
When morning gilds the skies, My heart awakening cries, May Jesus Christ be praised. – Tr. Edward Caswall
<><
OK – I am suggesting that we dive into the word “praise”. There are 351 times the word praise is used in the NIV. I am going to challenge you to find the one that you enjoy the most. Then write it on a card and place it somewhere around you so that you may have it as a constant reminder to “Praise God” in rain or shine.
I have to write it several times, and place it in several places!!
Deuteronomy 10
Fear the LORD
12 And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, 13 and to observe the LORD's commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?
14 To the LORD your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, the earth and everything in it. 15 Yet the LORD set his affection on your forefathers and loved them, and he chose you, their descendants, above all the nations, as it is today. 16 Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and do not be stiff-necked any longer. 17 For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. 18 He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the alien, giving him food and clothing. 19 And you are to love those who are aliens, for you yourselves were aliens in Egypt. 20 Fear the LORD your God and serve him. Hold fast to him and take your oaths in his name. 21 He is your praise; he is your God, who performed for you those great and awesome wonders you saw with your own eyes. 22 Your forefathers who went down into Egypt were seventy in all, and now the LORD your God has made you as numerous as the stars in the sky.
2 Samuel 22
47 "The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock!
Exalted be God, the Rock, my Savior!
Ephesians 1
Spiritual Blessings in Christ
3Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5he[c] predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. 7In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace 8that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. 9And he[d] made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.
11In him we were also chosen,[e] having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory.
Kindness
Blessed be the Lord: for He hath shown me His marvelous kindness.
Psalm 31:21
Lord, enlighten me with Your goodness, so that in the secrets of my heart, no dark desires may abide. Amen.
<><.
Psalm 31 - NIV
21 Praise be to the LORD,
for he showed his wonderful love to me
when I was in a besieged city.
Psalm 31 - NASB
21(A)Blessed be the LORD,
For He has made (B)marvelous His lovingkindness to me in a besieged (C)city.
Psalm 31 – Amplified
21Blessed be the Lord! For He has shown me His marvelous loving favor when I was beset as in a besieged city.
Oh Father, help me show the wonderful love to others, as You have shown me. God I am imperfect but I want others to know You – and whatever way I can help further Your kingdom, please Lord, let me help. In Jesus Holy Name. Amen.
Psalm 31:21
Lord, enlighten me with Your goodness, so that in the secrets of my heart, no dark desires may abide. Amen.
<><.
Psalm 31 - NIV
21 Praise be to the LORD,
for he showed his wonderful love to me
when I was in a besieged city.
Psalm 31 - NASB
21(A)Blessed be the LORD,
For He has made (B)marvelous His lovingkindness to me in a besieged (C)city.
Psalm 31 – Amplified
21Blessed be the Lord! For He has shown me His marvelous loving favor when I was beset as in a besieged city.
Oh Father, help me show the wonderful love to others, as You have shown me. God I am imperfect but I want others to know You – and whatever way I can help further Your kingdom, please Lord, let me help. In Jesus Holy Name. Amen.
Mercy
Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me and answer me.
Psalm 27:7
Lord, I don’t pray for tranquility, or that my problems may cease; I pray that Your Spirit and love would give me the strength to abide in You during adversity. Amen.
<><
How true is this? I remember being in the midst of a storm, crying out to God, and I wasn’t asking for the storm to stop – I was crying out for help to get through the storm. Then as I felt the Holy Spirit moving within me, and as I grew stronger, I was able to ask for the tools to further His kingdom. What was the last storm you were in – maybe you are in it right now – what are you praying for? He is my Refuge, my Rock, and my Savior!! I don’t need anything else; I would not want anything that does not come of Him.
Psalm 27:7
Lord, I don’t pray for tranquility, or that my problems may cease; I pray that Your Spirit and love would give me the strength to abide in You during adversity. Amen.
<><
How true is this? I remember being in the midst of a storm, crying out to God, and I wasn’t asking for the storm to stop – I was crying out for help to get through the storm. Then as I felt the Holy Spirit moving within me, and as I grew stronger, I was able to ask for the tools to further His kingdom. What was the last storm you were in – maybe you are in it right now – what are you praying for? He is my Refuge, my Rock, and my Savior!! I don’t need anything else; I would not want anything that does not come of Him.
Forgiveness
Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
Psalm 32:1
Thank You for giving me relief that my sins are forgiven and remembered no more. Amen.
<><
There are 2 very distinct points God has laid on my heart – I hope this makes sense!
I remember taking a long time to forgive those who have hurt me the deepest. Those wounds have taken a lot to heal – and some God and I are still dealing with – but at least they are dressed and under proper medical supervision. Sometimes people don’t even realize that they have hurt another, and if they do realize it may not register how deeply the injury may be. From a broken perspective, I know how angry, vengeful and resentful I was. And it took a lot to not guard myself from risk of another injury when I had to deal with that individual. I have to pray that my heart would not grow cold, and to forget the transgression and begin with a fresh slate. My mind likes to keep bringing up the past, especially when I am in an emotional state. Having an open like with God, resting in His wisdom, has helped me get through some rough situations.
I know that I probably hurt my kids more than anyone else on the planet. This is sad, because I love them more than anyone else on the planet. God has revealed a lot to me lately – and it is not necessarily a pretty picture. How often do we forgive and forget our friend’s transgressions, and not our spouses or children? God knows that we have some work to do – so I have invited Him in to help me to work these out His way!
Nothing like diving right into a heart issue! Try to be honest with yourself.
Psalm 32:1
Thank You for giving me relief that my sins are forgiven and remembered no more. Amen.
<><
There are 2 very distinct points God has laid on my heart – I hope this makes sense!
I remember taking a long time to forgive those who have hurt me the deepest. Those wounds have taken a lot to heal – and some God and I are still dealing with – but at least they are dressed and under proper medical supervision. Sometimes people don’t even realize that they have hurt another, and if they do realize it may not register how deeply the injury may be. From a broken perspective, I know how angry, vengeful and resentful I was. And it took a lot to not guard myself from risk of another injury when I had to deal with that individual. I have to pray that my heart would not grow cold, and to forget the transgression and begin with a fresh slate. My mind likes to keep bringing up the past, especially when I am in an emotional state. Having an open like with God, resting in His wisdom, has helped me get through some rough situations.
I know that I probably hurt my kids more than anyone else on the planet. This is sad, because I love them more than anyone else on the planet. God has revealed a lot to me lately – and it is not necessarily a pretty picture. How often do we forgive and forget our friend’s transgressions, and not our spouses or children? God knows that we have some work to do – so I have invited Him in to help me to work these out His way!
Nothing like diving right into a heart issue! Try to be honest with yourself.
God's Presence
The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and His ears are open unto their cry.
Psalm 34:15
How comforting it is, Father, to know that You watch over me. May I live confidently in a sense of Your presence. Amen.
<><
You read how Moses would not budge and inch without God, if He was not coming, then Moses wasn’t going. I struggle with keeping my eyes, mind, heart fixed on God through out my day. I am so human, I am easily distracted with the fast paced world around me, the noise just gets louder and louder, and I feel like I am in a whirl pool getting twisted around going down the drain. I only cry to God, when I think of it, and then He pulls me out of the vortex and plants me on a rock to dry off and catch my breath. Only to do it again, what a vicious cycle I seem to get myself into. Do you think God gets tired of saving me? I know that He doesn’t but you would think that I would recognize the writing on the wall by now.
Little by little – I know that God is placing my priorities on my heart – I know that He is having me re-evaluate our family activities. This summer is going to be a great time for us to renew our family bonds and dry off and catch our breath. What does God have you evaluating?
Psalm 34:15
How comforting it is, Father, to know that You watch over me. May I live confidently in a sense of Your presence. Amen.
<><
You read how Moses would not budge and inch without God, if He was not coming, then Moses wasn’t going. I struggle with keeping my eyes, mind, heart fixed on God through out my day. I am so human, I am easily distracted with the fast paced world around me, the noise just gets louder and louder, and I feel like I am in a whirl pool getting twisted around going down the drain. I only cry to God, when I think of it, and then He pulls me out of the vortex and plants me on a rock to dry off and catch my breath. Only to do it again, what a vicious cycle I seem to get myself into. Do you think God gets tired of saving me? I know that He doesn’t but you would think that I would recognize the writing on the wall by now.
Little by little – I know that God is placing my priorities on my heart – I know that He is having me re-evaluate our family activities. This summer is going to be a great time for us to renew our family bonds and dry off and catch our breath. What does God have you evaluating?
Nurishment
Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation.
Psalm 68:19
God won’t send us where He is unable to sustain us!
<><
Genesis 22
Abraham Tested
1 Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, "Abraham!"
"Here I am," he replied.
2 Then God said, "Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about."
3 Early the next morning Abraham got up and saddled his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about. 4 On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. 5 He said to his servants, "Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you."
6 Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together, 7 Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, "Father?"
"Yes, my son?" Abraham replied.
"The fire and wood are here," Isaac said, "but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?"
8 Abraham answered, "God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son." And the two of them went on together.
9 When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. 10 Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. 11 But the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven, "Abraham! Abraham!"
"Here I am," he replied.
12 "Do not lay a hand on the boy," he said. "Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son."
13 Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram [a] caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. 14 So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, "On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided."
15 The angel of the LORD called to Abraham from heaven a second time 16 and said, "I swear by myself, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17 I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, 18 and through your offspring [b] all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me."
19 Then Abraham returned to his servants, and they set off together for Beersheba. And Abraham stayed in Beersheba.
My God is faithful and mighty, He is the only One capable of providing everything I could possibly need. I have learned in the recent months how to be an obedient child. What blessings God has given me, for just being obedient. What has God blessed you with lately?
Psalm 68:19
God won’t send us where He is unable to sustain us!
<><
Genesis 22
Abraham Tested
1 Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, "Abraham!"
"Here I am," he replied.
2 Then God said, "Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about."
3 Early the next morning Abraham got up and saddled his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about. 4 On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. 5 He said to his servants, "Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you."
6 Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together, 7 Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, "Father?"
"Yes, my son?" Abraham replied.
"The fire and wood are here," Isaac said, "but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?"
8 Abraham answered, "God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son." And the two of them went on together.
9 When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. 10 Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. 11 But the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven, "Abraham! Abraham!"
"Here I am," he replied.
12 "Do not lay a hand on the boy," he said. "Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son."
13 Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram [a] caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. 14 So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, "On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided."
15 The angel of the LORD called to Abraham from heaven a second time 16 and said, "I swear by myself, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17 I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, 18 and through your offspring [b] all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me."
19 Then Abraham returned to his servants, and they set off together for Beersheba. And Abraham stayed in Beersheba.
My God is faithful and mighty, He is the only One capable of providing everything I could possibly need. I have learned in the recent months how to be an obedient child. What blessings God has given me, for just being obedient. What has God blessed you with lately?
God's Ways
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
2 Peter 1:3
We are called to live in the presence of God, under the authority of God and to the glory of God. – R. C. Sproul
2 Peter 1:3
We are called to live in the presence of God, under the authority of God and to the glory of God. – R. C. Sproul
Power of words
The lips of the righteous feed many.
Proverbs 10:21
Father, what power is available in a few simple words of encouragement. Remind me to be an encourager in the lives of others. Amen.
<><
Do you know what your Spiritual gift is? Are you cultivating these gifts with the Master Farmer? Are you bearing fruit for His kingdom? There are so many different ways to be an encouragement to God’s children, please don’t limit your encouragement to just words. Have a wonderful time displaying God’s love to those around you.
Proverbs 10:21
Father, what power is available in a few simple words of encouragement. Remind me to be an encourager in the lives of others. Amen.
<><
Do you know what your Spiritual gift is? Are you cultivating these gifts with the Master Farmer? Are you bearing fruit for His kingdom? There are so many different ways to be an encouragement to God’s children, please don’t limit your encouragement to just words. Have a wonderful time displaying God’s love to those around you.
Only One God
For I know that the Lord is great, and that our Lord is above all gods.
Psalm 135:5
Dear Lord, help me to recognize Your working in my life and to give You thanks for whatever comes my way. Amen.
<><
Dear Heavenly Father, please help me to balance my life. Help me to determine which activities You wish for me to keep and which ones You want placed on the back burner. You are so very gracious and wise; help me to get my priorities straight. I want to bring You honor and glory in all that I say and do. You have brought me so far from where You found me, help me to serve You and Your children. Lord, I can’t do this alone, I need Your love and guidance. Lord, bless me with Your Holy presence. In Jesus Precious Name. Amen.
Psalm 135:5
Dear Lord, help me to recognize Your working in my life and to give You thanks for whatever comes my way. Amen.
<><
Dear Heavenly Father, please help me to balance my life. Help me to determine which activities You wish for me to keep and which ones You want placed on the back burner. You are so very gracious and wise; help me to get my priorities straight. I want to bring You honor and glory in all that I say and do. You have brought me so far from where You found me, help me to serve You and Your children. Lord, I can’t do this alone, I need Your love and guidance. Lord, bless me with Your Holy presence. In Jesus Precious Name. Amen.
Power of our Words
He that refraineth his lips is wise.
Proverbs 10:19
Dear Lord, take control of my tongue so that I may speak only words of wisdom when necessary. Amen.
<><
Also Lord, help me not to laugh inappropriately too. Love You God!!!
Proverbs 10:19
Dear Lord, take control of my tongue so that I may speak only words of wisdom when necessary. Amen.
<><
Also Lord, help me not to laugh inappropriately too. Love You God!!!
Peace
I just wanted to share this.
May the God of peace, that great Shepherd, equip you with everything good for His will.
Hebrews 13:20-21
Every day, seek to lose yourself more in Christ, to live more completely in Him, by Him, for Him, with Him.
-Charles H Spurgeon
May the God of peace, that great Shepherd, equip you with everything good for His will.
Hebrews 13:20-21
Every day, seek to lose yourself more in Christ, to live more completely in Him, by Him, for Him, with Him.
-Charles H Spurgeon
Waiting on our LORD
I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in His Word do I hope.
Psalm 130:5
Lord, help me to learn to wait in confidence for You. I give You my impatience this day. May I rest in Your love. Amen.
<><
Isaiah 40
28 Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
Psalm 130:5
Lord, help me to learn to wait in confidence for You. I give You my impatience this day. May I rest in Your love. Amen.
<><
Isaiah 40
28 Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
God's Light
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Matthew 5:16
Lord, I pray that I can shine brightly with good deeds today so that someone may see You in me. Amen.
<><
I am so very thankful to be cracked that You have an opportunity to strengthen me and shine through me. God I pray to bring You honor and glory in everything that I do. God You are wondrous and magnificent!! I long to be in Your presence and I seek Your face. I hunger for Your Word. God, thank You for all Your children that You have blessed me with – I learn and grow in You with them. I am so very grateful!!! In Jesus’ Holy and Precious Name! Amen.
Matthew 5:16
Lord, I pray that I can shine brightly with good deeds today so that someone may see You in me. Amen.
<><
I am so very thankful to be cracked that You have an opportunity to strengthen me and shine through me. God I pray to bring You honor and glory in everything that I do. God You are wondrous and magnificent!! I long to be in Your presence and I seek Your face. I hunger for Your Word. God, thank You for all Your children that You have blessed me with – I learn and grow in You with them. I am so very grateful!!! In Jesus’ Holy and Precious Name! Amen.
Eyes on God
So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.
Psalm 90:12
O Lord, You know how busy I get every day; often I lose sight of what is really important. Help me spend the day according to Your plan. Amen.
<><
Oh God, help me to keep my eyes, heart and mind fixed on You. There are so many distractions, and compromises that I make through out the day. God please help me to stand for You, in all that I do, to bring me closer to You. Keep me hungry, I want to stay thirsty, keep me close to You!! God, I want to seek You always!! I Jesus Precious Name. Amen.
Psalm 90:12
O Lord, You know how busy I get every day; often I lose sight of what is really important. Help me spend the day according to Your plan. Amen.
<><
Oh God, help me to keep my eyes, heart and mind fixed on You. There are so many distractions, and compromises that I make through out the day. God please help me to stand for You, in all that I do, to bring me closer to You. Keep me hungry, I want to stay thirsty, keep me close to You!! God, I want to seek You always!! I Jesus Precious Name. Amen.
Negative thinking
Do all things without murmurings and disputings.
Philippians 2:14
Treat arguments like weeds…nip them in the bud.
<><
I am not quite sure what the “nip in the bud” means; only because if a plant is budding or blooming then the roots are pretty deep already. Shouldn’t it say “as it sprouts”? That way it has just broken the surface so you are able to recognize it. Also you won’t have to dig so deep to get all the roots, plus there won’t be so much scaring after everything is said and done.
As that negative thought pops into your brain – get rid of it – that way the thought doesn’t float around your mind on its way to your mouth!!
Philippians 2:14
Treat arguments like weeds…nip them in the bud.
<><
I am not quite sure what the “nip in the bud” means; only because if a plant is budding or blooming then the roots are pretty deep already. Shouldn’t it say “as it sprouts”? That way it has just broken the surface so you are able to recognize it. Also you won’t have to dig so deep to get all the roots, plus there won’t be so much scaring after everything is said and done.
As that negative thought pops into your brain – get rid of it – that way the thought doesn’t float around your mind on its way to your mouth!!
Wisdom
Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed Thy commandments.
Psalm 119:66
Dear Lord, please give me good judgment in my words and deeds today, so that I may please You. Amen.
<><
Psalm 119
b Beth
9 How can a young man keep his way pure?
By living according to your word.
10 I seek you with all my heart;
do not let me stray from your commands.
11 I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.
12 Praise be to you, O LORD;
teach me your decrees.
13 With my lips I recount
all the laws that come from your mouth.
14 I rejoice in following your statutes
as one rejoices in great riches.
15 I meditate on your precepts
and consider your ways.
16 I delight in your decrees;
I will not neglect your word.
X Teth
65 Do good to your servant
according to your word, O LORD.
66 Teach me knowledge and good judgment,
for I believe in your commands.
67 Before I was afflicted I went astray,
but now I obey your word.
68 You are good, and what you do is good;
teach me your decrees.
69 Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies,
I keep your precepts with all my heart.
70 Their hearts are callous and unfeeling,
but I delight in your law.
71 It was good for me to be afflicted
so that I might learn your decrees.
72 The law from your mouth is more precious to me
than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.
Psalm 119:66
Dear Lord, please give me good judgment in my words and deeds today, so that I may please You. Amen.
<><
Psalm 119
b Beth
9 How can a young man keep his way pure?
By living according to your word.
10 I seek you with all my heart;
do not let me stray from your commands.
11 I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.
12 Praise be to you, O LORD;
teach me your decrees.
13 With my lips I recount
all the laws that come from your mouth.
14 I rejoice in following your statutes
as one rejoices in great riches.
15 I meditate on your precepts
and consider your ways.
16 I delight in your decrees;
I will not neglect your word.
X Teth
65 Do good to your servant
according to your word, O LORD.
66 Teach me knowledge and good judgment,
for I believe in your commands.
67 Before I was afflicted I went astray,
but now I obey your word.
68 You are good, and what you do is good;
teach me your decrees.
69 Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies,
I keep your precepts with all my heart.
70 Their hearts are callous and unfeeling,
but I delight in your law.
71 It was good for me to be afflicted
so that I might learn your decrees.
72 The law from your mouth is more precious to me
than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.
June 2, 2008 – Monday
And there is hope in thine end, saith the Lord.
Jeremiah 31:17
Father, help me to glean Your benefits from the past and move forward with confidence. Amen.
<><
Jeremiah 31
1 "At that time," declares the LORD, "I will be the God of all the clans of Israel, and they will be my people."
2 This is what the LORD says:
"The people who survive the sword
will find favor in the desert;
I will come to give rest to Israel."
3 The LORD appeared to us in the past, [a] saying:
"I have loved you with an everlasting love;
I have drawn you with loving-kindness.
4 I will build you up again
and you will be rebuilt, O Virgin Israel.
Again you will take up your tambourines
and go out to dance with the joyful.
5 Again you will plant vineyards
on the hills of Samaria;
the farmers will plant them
and enjoy their fruit.
6 There will be a day when watchmen cry out
on the hills of Ephraim,
'Come, let us go up to Zion,
to the LORD our God.' "
7 This is what the LORD says:
"Sing with joy for Jacob;
shout for the foremost of the nations.
Make your praises heard, and say,
'O LORD, save your people,
the remnant of Israel.'
8 See, I will bring them from the land of the north
and gather them from the ends of the earth.
Among them will be the blind and the lame,
expectant mothers and women in labor;
a great throng will return.
9 They will come with weeping;
they will pray as I bring them back.
I will lead them beside streams of water
on a level path where they will not stumble,
because I am Israel's father,
and Ephraim is my firstborn son.
10 "Hear the word of the LORD, O nations;
proclaim it in distant coastlands:
'He who scattered Israel will gather them
and will watch over his flock like a shepherd.'
11 For the LORD will ransom Jacob
and redeem them from the hand of those stronger than they.
12 They will come and shout for joy on the heights of Zion;
they will rejoice in the bounty of the LORD—
the grain, the new wine and the oil,
the young of the flocks and herds.
They will be like a well-watered garden,
and they will sorrow no more.
13 Then maidens will dance and be glad,
young men and old as well.
I will turn their mourning into gladness;
I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.
14 I will satisfy the priests with abundance,
and my people will be filled with my bounty,"
declares the LORD.
15 This is what the LORD says:
"A voice is heard in Ramah,
mourning and great weeping,
Rachel weeping for her children
and refusing to be comforted,
because her children are no more."
16 This is what the LORD says:
"Restrain your voice from weeping
and your eyes from tears,
for your work will be rewarded,"
declares the LORD.
"They will return from the land of the enemy.
17 So there is hope for your future,"
declares the LORD.
"Your children will return to their own land.
18 "I have surely heard Ephraim's moaning:
'You disciplined me like an unruly calf,
and I have been disciplined.
Restore me, and I will return,
because you are the LORD my God.
19 After I strayed,
I repented;
after I came to understand,
I beat my breast.
I was ashamed and humiliated
because I bore the disgrace of my youth.'
20 Is not Ephraim my dear son,
the child in whom I delight?
Though I often speak against him,
I still remember him.
Therefore my heart yearns for him;
I have great compassion for him,"
declares the LORD.
21 "Set up road signs;
put up guideposts.
Take note of the highway,
the road that you take.
Return, O Virgin Israel,
return to your towns.
22 How long will you wander,
O unfaithful daughter?
The LORD will create a new thing on earth—
a woman will surround [b] a man."
23 This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: "When I bring them back from captivity, [c] the people in the land of Judah and in its towns will once again use these words: 'The LORD bless you, O righteous dwelling, O sacred mountain.' 24 People will live together in Judah and all its towns—farmers and those who move about with their flocks. 25 I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint."
26 At this I awoke and looked around. My sleep had been pleasant to me.
27 "The days are coming," declares the LORD, "when I will plant the house of Israel and the house of Judah with the offspring of men and of animals. 28 Just as I watched over them to uproot and tear down, and to overthrow, destroy and bring disaster, so I will watch over them to build and to plant," declares the LORD. 29 "In those days people will no longer say,
'The fathers have eaten sour grapes,
and the children's teeth are set on edge.'
30 Instead, everyone will die for his own sin; whoever eats sour grapes—his own teeth will be set on edge.
31 "The time is coming," declares the LORD,
"when I will make a new covenant
with the house of Israel
and with the house of Judah.
32 It will not be like the covenant
I made with their forefathers
when I took them by the hand
to lead them out of Egypt,
because they broke my covenant,
though I was a husband to [d] them, [e] "
declares the LORD.
33 "This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel
after that time," declares the LORD.
"I will put my law in their minds
and write it on their hearts.
I will be their God,
and they will be my people.
34 No longer will a man teach his neighbor,
or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,'
because they will all know me,
from the least of them to the greatest,"
declares the LORD.
"For I will forgive their wickedness
and will remember their sins no more."
35 This is what the LORD says,
he who appoints the sun
to shine by day,
who decrees the moon and stars
to shine by night,
who stirs up the sea
so that its waves roar—
the LORD Almighty is his name:
36 "Only if these decrees vanish from my sight,"
declares the LORD,
"will the descendants of Israel ever cease
to be a nation before me."
37 This is what the LORD says:
"Only if the heavens above can be measured
and the foundations of the earth below be searched out
will I reject all the descendants of Israel
because of all they have done,"
declares the LORD.
38 "The days are coming," declares the LORD, "when this city will be rebuilt for me from the Tower of Hananel to the Corner Gate. 39 The measuring line will stretch from there straight to the hill of Gareb and then turn to Goah. 40 The whole valley where dead bodies and ashes are thrown, and all the terraces out to the Kidron Valley on the east as far as the corner of the Horse Gate, will be holy to the LORD. The city will never again be uprooted or demolished."
And there is hope in thine end, saith the Lord.
Jeremiah 31:17
Father, help me to glean Your benefits from the past and move forward with confidence. Amen.
<><
Jeremiah 31
1 "At that time," declares the LORD, "I will be the God of all the clans of Israel, and they will be my people."
2 This is what the LORD says:
"The people who survive the sword
will find favor in the desert;
I will come to give rest to Israel."
3 The LORD appeared to us in the past, [a] saying:
"I have loved you with an everlasting love;
I have drawn you with loving-kindness.
4 I will build you up again
and you will be rebuilt, O Virgin Israel.
Again you will take up your tambourines
and go out to dance with the joyful.
5 Again you will plant vineyards
on the hills of Samaria;
the farmers will plant them
and enjoy their fruit.
6 There will be a day when watchmen cry out
on the hills of Ephraim,
'Come, let us go up to Zion,
to the LORD our God.' "
7 This is what the LORD says:
"Sing with joy for Jacob;
shout for the foremost of the nations.
Make your praises heard, and say,
'O LORD, save your people,
the remnant of Israel.'
8 See, I will bring them from the land of the north
and gather them from the ends of the earth.
Among them will be the blind and the lame,
expectant mothers and women in labor;
a great throng will return.
9 They will come with weeping;
they will pray as I bring them back.
I will lead them beside streams of water
on a level path where they will not stumble,
because I am Israel's father,
and Ephraim is my firstborn son.
10 "Hear the word of the LORD, O nations;
proclaim it in distant coastlands:
'He who scattered Israel will gather them
and will watch over his flock like a shepherd.'
11 For the LORD will ransom Jacob
and redeem them from the hand of those stronger than they.
12 They will come and shout for joy on the heights of Zion;
they will rejoice in the bounty of the LORD—
the grain, the new wine and the oil,
the young of the flocks and herds.
They will be like a well-watered garden,
and they will sorrow no more.
13 Then maidens will dance and be glad,
young men and old as well.
I will turn their mourning into gladness;
I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.
14 I will satisfy the priests with abundance,
and my people will be filled with my bounty,"
declares the LORD.
15 This is what the LORD says:
"A voice is heard in Ramah,
mourning and great weeping,
Rachel weeping for her children
and refusing to be comforted,
because her children are no more."
16 This is what the LORD says:
"Restrain your voice from weeping
and your eyes from tears,
for your work will be rewarded,"
declares the LORD.
"They will return from the land of the enemy.
17 So there is hope for your future,"
declares the LORD.
"Your children will return to their own land.
18 "I have surely heard Ephraim's moaning:
'You disciplined me like an unruly calf,
and I have been disciplined.
Restore me, and I will return,
because you are the LORD my God.
19 After I strayed,
I repented;
after I came to understand,
I beat my breast.
I was ashamed and humiliated
because I bore the disgrace of my youth.'
20 Is not Ephraim my dear son,
the child in whom I delight?
Though I often speak against him,
I still remember him.
Therefore my heart yearns for him;
I have great compassion for him,"
declares the LORD.
21 "Set up road signs;
put up guideposts.
Take note of the highway,
the road that you take.
Return, O Virgin Israel,
return to your towns.
22 How long will you wander,
O unfaithful daughter?
The LORD will create a new thing on earth—
a woman will surround [b] a man."
23 This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: "When I bring them back from captivity, [c] the people in the land of Judah and in its towns will once again use these words: 'The LORD bless you, O righteous dwelling, O sacred mountain.' 24 People will live together in Judah and all its towns—farmers and those who move about with their flocks. 25 I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint."
26 At this I awoke and looked around. My sleep had been pleasant to me.
27 "The days are coming," declares the LORD, "when I will plant the house of Israel and the house of Judah with the offspring of men and of animals. 28 Just as I watched over them to uproot and tear down, and to overthrow, destroy and bring disaster, so I will watch over them to build and to plant," declares the LORD. 29 "In those days people will no longer say,
'The fathers have eaten sour grapes,
and the children's teeth are set on edge.'
30 Instead, everyone will die for his own sin; whoever eats sour grapes—his own teeth will be set on edge.
31 "The time is coming," declares the LORD,
"when I will make a new covenant
with the house of Israel
and with the house of Judah.
32 It will not be like the covenant
I made with their forefathers
when I took them by the hand
to lead them out of Egypt,
because they broke my covenant,
though I was a husband to [d] them, [e] "
declares the LORD.
33 "This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel
after that time," declares the LORD.
"I will put my law in their minds
and write it on their hearts.
I will be their God,
and they will be my people.
34 No longer will a man teach his neighbor,
or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,'
because they will all know me,
from the least of them to the greatest,"
declares the LORD.
"For I will forgive their wickedness
and will remember their sins no more."
35 This is what the LORD says,
he who appoints the sun
to shine by day,
who decrees the moon and stars
to shine by night,
who stirs up the sea
so that its waves roar—
the LORD Almighty is his name:
36 "Only if these decrees vanish from my sight,"
declares the LORD,
"will the descendants of Israel ever cease
to be a nation before me."
37 This is what the LORD says:
"Only if the heavens above can be measured
and the foundations of the earth below be searched out
will I reject all the descendants of Israel
because of all they have done,"
declares the LORD.
38 "The days are coming," declares the LORD, "when this city will be rebuilt for me from the Tower of Hananel to the Corner Gate. 39 The measuring line will stretch from there straight to the hill of Gareb and then turn to Goah. 40 The whole valley where dead bodies and ashes are thrown, and all the terraces out to the Kidron Valley on the east as far as the corner of the Horse Gate, will be holy to the LORD. The city will never again be uprooted or demolished."
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Feeding the Needy
May 9, 2008 – Friday
If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink.
Proverbs 25:21
Lord, help me to be sensitive to the needs of those around me today. Amen.
<><
Lord, help me to offer my enemy (anyone I don’t seem to like or they don’t like me) food and drink so that they may live to come to know You. Lord, help me mind my tongue and release Your love for them. God, You are the only example I should look to for lovingkindness. Lord, help me to let Your light shine through me and bring You honor and glory in all that I do. In Jesus Precious Name. Amen.
If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink.
Proverbs 25:21
Lord, help me to be sensitive to the needs of those around me today. Amen.
<><
Lord, help me to offer my enemy (anyone I don’t seem to like or they don’t like me) food and drink so that they may live to come to know You. Lord, help me mind my tongue and release Your love for them. God, You are the only example I should look to for lovingkindness. Lord, help me to let Your light shine through me and bring You honor and glory in all that I do. In Jesus Precious Name. Amen.
Perspectives
May 10, 2008 – Saturday
Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.
Matthew 7:12
People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.
<><
I remember being younger and comparing myself with others. If only I was made up of all these other people, maybe then I would be accepted. People pleasing is a dangerous game to be playing. You can spend all your time, money and energy on altering the person God designed you to be. The thing is – I was still unhappy – and so very tired of trying to keep up. Which, maybe I had to go through it in order to appreciate the fact that God has blessed me with true friends.
I want to thank all my friends and family – for being a true friend – and for caring…
Love you All!!
Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.
Matthew 7:12
People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.
<><
I remember being younger and comparing myself with others. If only I was made up of all these other people, maybe then I would be accepted. People pleasing is a dangerous game to be playing. You can spend all your time, money and energy on altering the person God designed you to be. The thing is – I was still unhappy – and so very tired of trying to keep up. Which, maybe I had to go through it in order to appreciate the fact that God has blessed me with true friends.
I want to thank all my friends and family – for being a true friend – and for caring…
Love you All!!
God's Faithfulness
May 11, 2008 – Sunday
Happy Mother’s Day!!
There failed not aught of any good thing which the Lord had spoken…all came to pass.
Joshua 21:45
Father, thank You that You have always kept Your promises. Amen.
<><
Joshua 21
Towns for the Levites
1 Now the family heads of the Levites approached Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the heads of the other tribal families of Israel 2 at Shiloh in Canaan and said to them, "The LORD commanded through Moses that you give us towns to live in, with pasturelands for our livestock." 3 So, as the LORD had commanded, the Israelites gave the Levites the following towns and pasturelands out of their own inheritance:
4 The first lot came out for the Kohathites, clan by clan. The Levites who were descendants of Aaron the priest were allotted thirteen towns from the tribes of Judah, Simeon and Benjamin. 5 The rest of Kohath's descendants were allotted ten towns from the clans of the tribes of Ephraim, Dan and half of Manasseh.
6 The descendants of Gershon were allotted thirteen towns from the clans of the tribes of Issachar, Asher, Naphtali and the half-tribe of Manasseh in Bashan.
7 The descendants of Merari, clan by clan, received twelve towns from the tribes of Reuben, Gad and Zebulun.
8 So the Israelites allotted to the Levites these towns and their pasturelands, as the LORD had commanded through Moses.
9 From the tribes of Judah and Simeon they allotted the following towns by name 10 (these towns were assigned to the descendants of Aaron who were from the Kohathite clans of the Levites, because the first lot fell to them):
11 They gave them Kiriath Arba (that is, Hebron), with its surrounding pastureland, in the hill country of Judah. (Arba was the forefather of Anak.) 12 But the fields and villages around the city they had given to Caleb son of Jephunneh as his possession.
13 So to the descendants of Aaron the priest they gave Hebron (a city of refuge for one accused of murder), Libnah, 14 Jattir, Eshtemoa, 15 Holon, Debir, 16 Ain, Juttah and Beth Shemesh, together with their pasturelands—nine towns from these two tribes.
17 And from the tribe of Benjamin they gave them Gibeon, Geba, 18 Anathoth and Almon, together with their pasturelands—four towns.
19 All the towns for the priests, the descendants of Aaron, were thirteen, together with their pasturelands.
20 The rest of the Kohathite clans of the Levites were allotted towns from the tribe of Ephraim:
21 In the hill country of Ephraim they were given Shechem (a city of refuge for one accused of murder) and Gezer, 22 Kibzaim and Beth Horon, together with their pasturelands—four towns.
23 Also from the tribe of Dan they received Eltekeh, Gibbethon, 24 Aijalon and Gath Rimmon, together with their pasturelands—four towns.
25 From half the tribe of Manasseh they received Taanach and Gath Rimmon, together with their pasturelands—two towns.
26 All these ten towns and their pasturelands were given to the rest of the Kohathite clans.
27 The Levite clans of the Gershonites were given:
from the half-tribe of Manasseh,
Golan in Bashan (a city of refuge for one accused of murder) and Be Eshtarah, together with their pasturelands—two towns;
28 from the tribe of Issachar,
Kishion, Daberath, 29 Jarmuth and En Gannim, together with their pasturelands—four towns;
30 from the tribe of Asher,
Mishal, Abdon, 31 Helkath and Rehob, together with their pasturelands—four towns;
32 from the tribe of Naphtali,
Kedesh in Galilee (a city of refuge for one accused of murder), Hammoth Dor and Kartan, together with their pasturelands—three towns.
33 All the towns of the Gershonite clans were thirteen, together with their pasturelands.
34 The Merarite clans (the rest of the Levites) were given:
from the tribe of Zebulun,
Jokneam, Kartah, 35 Dimnah and Nahalal, together with their pasturelands—four towns;
36 from the tribe of Reuben,
Bezer, Jahaz, 37 Kedemoth and Mephaath, together with their pasturelands—four towns;
38 from the tribe of Gad,
Ramoth in Gilead (a city of refuge for one accused of murder), Mahanaim, 39 Heshbon and Jazer, together with their pasturelands—four towns in all.
40 All the towns allotted to the Merarite clans, who were the rest of the Levites, were twelve.
41 The towns of the Levites in the territory held by the Israelites were forty-eight in all, together with their pasturelands. 42 Each of these towns had pasturelands surrounding it; this was true for all these towns.
43 So the LORD gave Israel all the land he had sworn to give their forefathers, and they took possession of it and settled there. 44 The LORD gave them rest on every side, just as he had sworn to their forefathers. Not one of their enemies withstood them; the LORD handed all their enemies over to them. 45 Not one of all the LORD's good promises to the house of Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.
Happy Mother’s Day!!
There failed not aught of any good thing which the Lord had spoken…all came to pass.
Joshua 21:45
Father, thank You that You have always kept Your promises. Amen.
<><
Joshua 21
Towns for the Levites
1 Now the family heads of the Levites approached Eleazar the priest, Joshua son of Nun, and the heads of the other tribal families of Israel 2 at Shiloh in Canaan and said to them, "The LORD commanded through Moses that you give us towns to live in, with pasturelands for our livestock." 3 So, as the LORD had commanded, the Israelites gave the Levites the following towns and pasturelands out of their own inheritance:
4 The first lot came out for the Kohathites, clan by clan. The Levites who were descendants of Aaron the priest were allotted thirteen towns from the tribes of Judah, Simeon and Benjamin. 5 The rest of Kohath's descendants were allotted ten towns from the clans of the tribes of Ephraim, Dan and half of Manasseh.
6 The descendants of Gershon were allotted thirteen towns from the clans of the tribes of Issachar, Asher, Naphtali and the half-tribe of Manasseh in Bashan.
7 The descendants of Merari, clan by clan, received twelve towns from the tribes of Reuben, Gad and Zebulun.
8 So the Israelites allotted to the Levites these towns and their pasturelands, as the LORD had commanded through Moses.
9 From the tribes of Judah and Simeon they allotted the following towns by name 10 (these towns were assigned to the descendants of Aaron who were from the Kohathite clans of the Levites, because the first lot fell to them):
11 They gave them Kiriath Arba (that is, Hebron), with its surrounding pastureland, in the hill country of Judah. (Arba was the forefather of Anak.) 12 But the fields and villages around the city they had given to Caleb son of Jephunneh as his possession.
13 So to the descendants of Aaron the priest they gave Hebron (a city of refuge for one accused of murder), Libnah, 14 Jattir, Eshtemoa, 15 Holon, Debir, 16 Ain, Juttah and Beth Shemesh, together with their pasturelands—nine towns from these two tribes.
17 And from the tribe of Benjamin they gave them Gibeon, Geba, 18 Anathoth and Almon, together with their pasturelands—four towns.
19 All the towns for the priests, the descendants of Aaron, were thirteen, together with their pasturelands.
20 The rest of the Kohathite clans of the Levites were allotted towns from the tribe of Ephraim:
21 In the hill country of Ephraim they were given Shechem (a city of refuge for one accused of murder) and Gezer, 22 Kibzaim and Beth Horon, together with their pasturelands—four towns.
23 Also from the tribe of Dan they received Eltekeh, Gibbethon, 24 Aijalon and Gath Rimmon, together with their pasturelands—four towns.
25 From half the tribe of Manasseh they received Taanach and Gath Rimmon, together with their pasturelands—two towns.
26 All these ten towns and their pasturelands were given to the rest of the Kohathite clans.
27 The Levite clans of the Gershonites were given:
from the half-tribe of Manasseh,
Golan in Bashan (a city of refuge for one accused of murder) and Be Eshtarah, together with their pasturelands—two towns;
28 from the tribe of Issachar,
Kishion, Daberath, 29 Jarmuth and En Gannim, together with their pasturelands—four towns;
30 from the tribe of Asher,
Mishal, Abdon, 31 Helkath and Rehob, together with their pasturelands—four towns;
32 from the tribe of Naphtali,
Kedesh in Galilee (a city of refuge for one accused of murder), Hammoth Dor and Kartan, together with their pasturelands—three towns.
33 All the towns of the Gershonite clans were thirteen, together with their pasturelands.
34 The Merarite clans (the rest of the Levites) were given:
from the tribe of Zebulun,
Jokneam, Kartah, 35 Dimnah and Nahalal, together with their pasturelands—four towns;
36 from the tribe of Reuben,
Bezer, Jahaz, 37 Kedemoth and Mephaath, together with their pasturelands—four towns;
38 from the tribe of Gad,
Ramoth in Gilead (a city of refuge for one accused of murder), Mahanaim, 39 Heshbon and Jazer, together with their pasturelands—four towns in all.
40 All the towns allotted to the Merarite clans, who were the rest of the Levites, were twelve.
41 The towns of the Levites in the territory held by the Israelites were forty-eight in all, together with their pasturelands. 42 Each of these towns had pasturelands surrounding it; this was true for all these towns.
43 So the LORD gave Israel all the land he had sworn to give their forefathers, and they took possession of it and settled there. 44 The LORD gave them rest on every side, just as he had sworn to their forefathers. Not one of their enemies withstood them; the LORD handed all their enemies over to them. 45 Not one of all the LORD's good promises to the house of Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.
Faith
May 12, 2008 – Monday
Let now your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
John 14:1
Thank You Father, for the promise of Your peace in the midst of all circumstances. Help me rest in it. Amen.
<><
God You are so Amazing and Wonderful. You perform miracles everyday evident by the sunrise, sunset and all the moments in between. Lord, I thank You for Your beautiful creation. Help each and everyone of us to take a moment to appreciate Your Wonders!! God bless me with Your comfort and peace today – I am so edgy today and I need help resisting my fleshly impulse to cry and run!! In Jesus Holy and Precious Name. Amen!!
Let now your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
John 14:1
Thank You Father, for the promise of Your peace in the midst of all circumstances. Help me rest in it. Amen.
<><
God You are so Amazing and Wonderful. You perform miracles everyday evident by the sunrise, sunset and all the moments in between. Lord, I thank You for Your beautiful creation. Help each and everyone of us to take a moment to appreciate Your Wonders!! God bless me with Your comfort and peace today – I am so edgy today and I need help resisting my fleshly impulse to cry and run!! In Jesus Holy and Precious Name. Amen!!
Worry
May 14, 2008 – Wednesday
Your Father knoweth that ye have need of…things…See ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Luke 12:30-31
Thank You Father for giving me what I need from day to day. Amen.
<><
Do Not Worry
22Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. 24Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! 25Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life[b]? 26Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?
27"Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 28If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! 29And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.
Your Father knoweth that ye have need of…things…See ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Luke 12:30-31
Thank You Father for giving me what I need from day to day. Amen.
<><
Do Not Worry
22Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. 24Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! 25Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life[b]? 26Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?
27"Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 28If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! 29And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.
Thanksgiving
May 15, 2008 – Thursday
We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you.
Colossians 1:3
Lord, bring to mind anyone You would have me pray for today. Amen.
<><
Colossians 1
1Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,
2To the holy and faithful[a] brothers in Christ at Colosse:
Grace and peace to you from God our Father.[b]
Thanksgiving and Prayer
3We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints— 5the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel 6that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God's grace in all its truth. 7You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our[c] behalf, 8and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.
9For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully 12giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you[d] to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. 13For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14in whom we have redemption,[e] the forgiveness of sins.
We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you.
Colossians 1:3
Lord, bring to mind anyone You would have me pray for today. Amen.
<><
Colossians 1
1Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,
2To the holy and faithful[a] brothers in Christ at Colosse:
Grace and peace to you from God our Father.[b]
Thanksgiving and Prayer
3We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints— 5the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel 6that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God's grace in all its truth. 7You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our[c] behalf, 8and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.
9For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully 12giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you[d] to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. 13For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14in whom we have redemption,[e] the forgiveness of sins.
Wisdom
May 16, 2008 – Friday
With the ancient is wisdom; and in length of days understanding.
Job 12:12
Lord, make me more thoughtful of older people. Let me learn from their wisdom and be enriched by their experience. May I be a comfort, help and joy to them. Amen.
<><
Job 12
Job
1 Then Job replied:
2 "Doubtless you are the people,
and wisdom will die with you!
3 But I have a mind as well as you;
I am not inferior to you.
Who does not know all these things?
4 "I have become a laughingstock to my friends,
though I called upon God and he answered—
a mere laughingstock, though righteous and blameless!
5 Men at ease have contempt for misfortune
as the fate of those whose feet are slipping.
6 The tents of marauders are undisturbed,
and those who provoke God are secure—
those who carry their god in their hands. [a]
7 "But ask the animals, and they will teach you,
or the birds of the air, and they will tell you;
8 or speak to the earth, and it will teach you,
or let the fish of the sea inform you.
9 Which of all these does not know
that the hand of the LORD has done this?
10 In his hand is the life of every creature
and the breath of all mankind.
11 Does not the ear test words
as the tongue tastes food?
12 Is not wisdom found among the aged?
Does not long life bring understanding?
13 "To God belong wisdom and power;
counsel and understanding are his.
14 What he tears down cannot be rebuilt;
the man he imprisons cannot be released.
15 If he holds back the waters, there is drought;
if he lets them loose, they devastate the land.
16 To him belong strength and victory;
both deceived and deceiver are his.
17 He leads counselors away stripped
and makes fools of judges.
18 He takes off the shackles put on by kings
and ties a loincloth [b] around their waist.
19 He leads priests away stripped
and overthrows men long established.
20 He silences the lips of trusted advisers
and takes away the discernment of elders.
21 He pours contempt on nobles
and disarms the mighty.
22 He reveals the deep things of darkness
and brings deep shadows into the light.
23 He makes nations great, and destroys them;
he enlarges nations, and disperses them.
24 He deprives the leaders of the earth of their reason;
he sends them wandering through a trackless waste.
25 They grope in darkness with no light;
he makes them stagger like drunkards.
With the ancient is wisdom; and in length of days understanding.
Job 12:12
Lord, make me more thoughtful of older people. Let me learn from their wisdom and be enriched by their experience. May I be a comfort, help and joy to them. Amen.
<><
Job 12
Job
1 Then Job replied:
2 "Doubtless you are the people,
and wisdom will die with you!
3 But I have a mind as well as you;
I am not inferior to you.
Who does not know all these things?
4 "I have become a laughingstock to my friends,
though I called upon God and he answered—
a mere laughingstock, though righteous and blameless!
5 Men at ease have contempt for misfortune
as the fate of those whose feet are slipping.
6 The tents of marauders are undisturbed,
and those who provoke God are secure—
those who carry their god in their hands. [a]
7 "But ask the animals, and they will teach you,
or the birds of the air, and they will tell you;
8 or speak to the earth, and it will teach you,
or let the fish of the sea inform you.
9 Which of all these does not know
that the hand of the LORD has done this?
10 In his hand is the life of every creature
and the breath of all mankind.
11 Does not the ear test words
as the tongue tastes food?
12 Is not wisdom found among the aged?
Does not long life bring understanding?
13 "To God belong wisdom and power;
counsel and understanding are his.
14 What he tears down cannot be rebuilt;
the man he imprisons cannot be released.
15 If he holds back the waters, there is drought;
if he lets them loose, they devastate the land.
16 To him belong strength and victory;
both deceived and deceiver are his.
17 He leads counselors away stripped
and makes fools of judges.
18 He takes off the shackles put on by kings
and ties a loincloth [b] around their waist.
19 He leads priests away stripped
and overthrows men long established.
20 He silences the lips of trusted advisers
and takes away the discernment of elders.
21 He pours contempt on nobles
and disarms the mighty.
22 He reveals the deep things of darkness
and brings deep shadows into the light.
23 He makes nations great, and destroys them;
he enlarges nations, and disperses them.
24 He deprives the leaders of the earth of their reason;
he sends them wandering through a trackless waste.
25 They grope in darkness with no light;
he makes them stagger like drunkards.
Sabbath
May 17, 2008 – Saturday
Keep the Sabbath day to sanctify it…On it thou shalt not do any work.
Deuteronomy 5:12,14
A world without a Sabbath would be like a man without a smile, like a summer without flowers, and like a homestead without a garden. It is the most joyous day of the whole week. – Henry W Beecher
<><
Deuteronomy 5
The Ten Commandments
12 "Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the LORD your God has commanded you. 13 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 14 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your ox, your donkey or any of your animals, nor the alien within your gates, so that your manservant and maidservant may rest, as you do. 15 Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the LORD your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore the LORD your God has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day.
<><
When was the last time that you really rested on the Sabbath? When have you actually rested the way God intended us to rest?
In my life, there is little time for rest, relaxation and rejuvenation; at least that is how I see it. I do have to tell you that the life that God has placed in front of me, He supplies everything (including rest and sanity) that I need to accomplish the tasks He has set on my path. Sometimes it is a struggle to attempt to do it all, and honestly there are a lot of things that don’t get done because I tend to follow God’s lead. For example, I gave up taking care of the house every single day; I relinquished my control over the spotlessness of the kitchen, the joy of keeping the laundry hampers empty, the garbage taken out nightly, the weekly grocery store visits, the balancing of the checkbook, and the sparkly bathroom. These are the things that have been placed on the back-burner in order to enjoy in-depth Bible study, true fellowship, and intense conversation, building friendships, helping those in need, serving in the church, loving and supporting my children, and keeping my job. Sounds funny, but it is true.
There are those who think this “lifestyle” is not appropriate. Honestly, I don’t care about the opinion of others (don’t get me wrong, I happen to love these others, just not their opinions). I believe that this life I am leading is God centered. I really believe that I am where God wants me, doing what He commands. I am truly blessed by what God has provided – and I have no intention of stopping!!!
Keep the Sabbath day to sanctify it…On it thou shalt not do any work.
Deuteronomy 5:12,14
A world without a Sabbath would be like a man without a smile, like a summer without flowers, and like a homestead without a garden. It is the most joyous day of the whole week. – Henry W Beecher
<><
Deuteronomy 5
The Ten Commandments
12 "Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the LORD your God has commanded you. 13 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 14 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your ox, your donkey or any of your animals, nor the alien within your gates, so that your manservant and maidservant may rest, as you do. 15 Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the LORD your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore the LORD your God has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day.
<><
When was the last time that you really rested on the Sabbath? When have you actually rested the way God intended us to rest?
In my life, there is little time for rest, relaxation and rejuvenation; at least that is how I see it. I do have to tell you that the life that God has placed in front of me, He supplies everything (including rest and sanity) that I need to accomplish the tasks He has set on my path. Sometimes it is a struggle to attempt to do it all, and honestly there are a lot of things that don’t get done because I tend to follow God’s lead. For example, I gave up taking care of the house every single day; I relinquished my control over the spotlessness of the kitchen, the joy of keeping the laundry hampers empty, the garbage taken out nightly, the weekly grocery store visits, the balancing of the checkbook, and the sparkly bathroom. These are the things that have been placed on the back-burner in order to enjoy in-depth Bible study, true fellowship, and intense conversation, building friendships, helping those in need, serving in the church, loving and supporting my children, and keeping my job. Sounds funny, but it is true.
There are those who think this “lifestyle” is not appropriate. Honestly, I don’t care about the opinion of others (don’t get me wrong, I happen to love these others, just not their opinions). I believe that this life I am leading is God centered. I really believe that I am where God wants me, doing what He commands. I am truly blessed by what God has provided – and I have no intention of stopping!!!
Confidence
May 18, 2008 – Sunday
Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord.
Philippians 3:8
Lord, help me to trust You. It is hard to believe I don’t have to perform in a set way to be acceptable to You. Help my unbelief. Amen.
<><
Philippians 3
No Confidence in the Flesh
1Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you.
2Watch out for those dogs, those men who do evil, those mutilators of the flesh. 3For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— 4though I myself have reasons for such confidence.
If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless.
7But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. 10I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.
Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord.
Philippians 3:8
Lord, help me to trust You. It is hard to believe I don’t have to perform in a set way to be acceptable to You. Help my unbelief. Amen.
<><
Philippians 3
No Confidence in the Flesh
1Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you.
2Watch out for those dogs, those men who do evil, those mutilators of the flesh. 3For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— 4though I myself have reasons for such confidence.
If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless.
7But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. 10I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.
Preparing Hearts
May 19, 2008 – Monday
The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the Lord.
Proverbs 16:1
Father, give me Your Holy Spirit so that my heart will be strengthened for the work of this day. Amen.
<><
Oh Heavenly Father, You are so amazing, You refresh my spirit and bless me with excitement and joy!! God, I commit this day to You – I want to bring You honor and glory and further Your kingdom by following the path that You have set before me. Lord, help me let Your light shine, help me to approach situations with confidence, please work with diligence and integrity. Lord, help me love Your children well. In Jesus Holy and Precious Name. Amen.
The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the Lord.
Proverbs 16:1
Father, give me Your Holy Spirit so that my heart will be strengthened for the work of this day. Amen.
<><
Oh Heavenly Father, You are so amazing, You refresh my spirit and bless me with excitement and joy!! God, I commit this day to You – I want to bring You honor and glory and further Your kingdom by following the path that You have set before me. Lord, help me let Your light shine, help me to approach situations with confidence, please work with diligence and integrity. Lord, help me love Your children well. In Jesus Holy and Precious Name. Amen.
Nature
May 20, 2008 – Tuesday
The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come.
Song of Solomon 2:12
Father, please give me ears to hear the music of the wakening world around me. Amen.
<><
OK – I don’t know a lot about this book – but I dare you to read the chapter!
But – I love sleeping all night and having the birds chirping wake me up. That is such a sweeter song that the alarm clock buzzing in my ear.
O Abba, You sustain me in so many ways; breath, food, drink, knowledge, entertainment, work, and fellowship – there are so many things that I am grateful for and so many things that I praise You for. Lord, continue to energize me through communion with You, reading and being in Your Word. Silent meditation with You. Lessons provided to learn and people to help. God, You orchestrate them all – so perfectly – so wisely – and so magnificently!! God You are amazing to me. I love You so very much!! In Jesus Holy and Precious Name!!! Amen.
The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come.
Song of Solomon 2:12
Father, please give me ears to hear the music of the wakening world around me. Amen.
<><
OK – I don’t know a lot about this book – but I dare you to read the chapter!
But – I love sleeping all night and having the birds chirping wake me up. That is such a sweeter song that the alarm clock buzzing in my ear.
O Abba, You sustain me in so many ways; breath, food, drink, knowledge, entertainment, work, and fellowship – there are so many things that I am grateful for and so many things that I praise You for. Lord, continue to energize me through communion with You, reading and being in Your Word. Silent meditation with You. Lessons provided to learn and people to help. God, You orchestrate them all – so perfectly – so wisely – and so magnificently!! God You are amazing to me. I love You so very much!! In Jesus Holy and Precious Name!!! Amen.
1 John
Good Afternoon All!!
I was challenged in my Sunday school class to read 1 John. These are some of the things that really made an impression on me:
1 John 1:5-7
5This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. 7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all[b] sin.
1 John 2:27
27As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him.
1 John 3:1
1How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
1 John 4:7
7Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.
1 John 5:1-5
1Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. 2This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. 3This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, 4for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 5Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
What are your thoughts?
I was challenged in my Sunday school class to read 1 John. These are some of the things that really made an impression on me:
1 John 1:5-7
5This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. 7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all[b] sin.
1 John 2:27
27As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him.
1 John 3:1
1How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
1 John 4:7
7Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.
1 John 5:1-5
1Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. 2This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. 3This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, 4for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 5Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
What are your thoughts?
Jesus
May 21, 2008 – Wednesday
God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.
1 John 5:11
May the beauty of spring remind me of the promise of new life. Amen.
<><
God, Your sacrifice of Your only Son, is too much for me to comprehend. Jesus had to suffer and die for me. This act of love is immeasurable, and my human brain, heart and soul can’t fathom it. I can only be in Awe of You!!!
All children of God know what a gift we have received – being transformed into what God had originally designed – living the full and blessed life that He orchestrated – our only task is to obey His commands and follow Him. Those who have walked with Jesus for several years have learned how to live according to His ways – and can testify to the countless blessings, whether they are in the valley of the shadows or basking in His light. Now I am relatively new to this exciting life, I am eager to please and hungry for His Word and thirsty for His Ways. God has granted me the sustenance at my maturity level – and is faithful through out my learning/pruning – God continues to forgive me and nurture me as I learn enthusiastically!!! I love being able to love others with God’s perfect love!!! I love getting involved and helping out where ever I can!! I love being able to swim in God’s Word and be filled with His wisdom!!! I love that I can tell Him anything and everything – I know that He is interested in me, and wants to listen to what is on my heart! God is just so wonderful – He is uncontainable!!!
God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.
1 John 5:11
May the beauty of spring remind me of the promise of new life. Amen.
<><
God, Your sacrifice of Your only Son, is too much for me to comprehend. Jesus had to suffer and die for me. This act of love is immeasurable, and my human brain, heart and soul can’t fathom it. I can only be in Awe of You!!!
All children of God know what a gift we have received – being transformed into what God had originally designed – living the full and blessed life that He orchestrated – our only task is to obey His commands and follow Him. Those who have walked with Jesus for several years have learned how to live according to His ways – and can testify to the countless blessings, whether they are in the valley of the shadows or basking in His light. Now I am relatively new to this exciting life, I am eager to please and hungry for His Word and thirsty for His Ways. God has granted me the sustenance at my maturity level – and is faithful through out my learning/pruning – God continues to forgive me and nurture me as I learn enthusiastically!!! I love being able to love others with God’s perfect love!!! I love getting involved and helping out where ever I can!! I love being able to swim in God’s Word and be filled with His wisdom!!! I love that I can tell Him anything and everything – I know that He is interested in me, and wants to listen to what is on my heart! God is just so wonderful – He is uncontainable!!!
Words
May 22, 2008 – Thursday
Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
1 Timothy 4:12
Please help me to speak freely with others, speaking with dignity, joy, and purpose. Keep me, Lord, from empty talk. Amen.
<><
Ephesians 4:29:
29Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Oh God, what a wonderful reminder that our words and actions are important to those around us. Words are powerful and the misuse of them can have devastating effects. Lord, please help me keep my tongue in check, my thoughts on You, and let Your love flow freely to those around me. Lord, I know that You are pleased with me – that I have faith in You – God continue working within me so that I may further Your kingdom and bring You honor and glory!! In Jesus Holy and Precious Name. Amen.
Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
1 Timothy 4:12
Please help me to speak freely with others, speaking with dignity, joy, and purpose. Keep me, Lord, from empty talk. Amen.
<><
Ephesians 4:29:
29Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Oh God, what a wonderful reminder that our words and actions are important to those around us. Words are powerful and the misuse of them can have devastating effects. Lord, please help me keep my tongue in check, my thoughts on You, and let Your love flow freely to those around me. Lord, I know that You are pleased with me – that I have faith in You – God continue working within me so that I may further Your kingdom and bring You honor and glory!! In Jesus Holy and Precious Name. Amen.
God's Peace
May 23, 2008 – Friday
And My people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.
Isaiah 32:18
Dear Father, please make within my heart a quiet place where You will always be at home. Amen.
<><
Dear Heavenly Father, You know that our hearts are not quiet places – at least not for very long. God, You have granted me peace in times of trials and suffering. I thank You for Your presence in my life. Your presence should be the first thing that I seek, I know that I fall short, I am constantly getting distracted and unable to settle my thoughts to focus on You. Lord, You are the only One who can help me get through everything. Lord, I pray that You continue to guide my thoughts and actions through out the day in order to further Your kingdom and bring You honor and glory. In Jesus Precious Name. Amen.
And My people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.
Isaiah 32:18
Dear Father, please make within my heart a quiet place where You will always be at home. Amen.
<><
Dear Heavenly Father, You know that our hearts are not quiet places – at least not for very long. God, You have granted me peace in times of trials and suffering. I thank You for Your presence in my life. Your presence should be the first thing that I seek, I know that I fall short, I am constantly getting distracted and unable to settle my thoughts to focus on You. Lord, You are the only One who can help me get through everything. Lord, I pray that You continue to guide my thoughts and actions through out the day in order to further Your kingdom and bring You honor and glory. In Jesus Precious Name. Amen.
Lord's Prayer
May 24, 2008 – Saturday
Jesus said unto them, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
Matthew 22:37
Jesus, I want to follow Your commands by loving the Lord with my entire being. Show me how to love You today. Amen.
<><
" 'Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
11Give us today our daily bread.
12Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.[a]' 14For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Have you prayed this lately? I know I haven’t prayed it enough!!
Jesus said unto them, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
Matthew 22:37
Jesus, I want to follow Your commands by loving the Lord with my entire being. Show me how to love You today. Amen.
<><
" 'Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
11Give us today our daily bread.
12Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.[a]' 14For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Have you prayed this lately? I know I haven’t prayed it enough!!
God's Light
May 25, 2008 – Sunday
For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward them that fear Him.
Psalm 103:11
Lord, may Your beauty reflect through me to others. I pray that Your love will be what others see when they look at me. Amen.
<><
Have you ever been mistaken for Christ? Is this a goal of yours? There is a song that is played on the radio – I wanna be mistaken for Jesus. OK – I understand that you can’t hear me sing (you are the lucky ones). But as we are “being intentional” are we really allowing His light and love shine through? Or is it possibly more like our humanness trying to conform to our idea of Jesus? Something to reflect upon as we enjoy this holiday weekend!!!
For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward them that fear Him.
Psalm 103:11
Lord, may Your beauty reflect through me to others. I pray that Your love will be what others see when they look at me. Amen.
<><
Have you ever been mistaken for Christ? Is this a goal of yours? There is a song that is played on the radio – I wanna be mistaken for Jesus. OK – I understand that you can’t hear me sing (you are the lucky ones). But as we are “being intentional” are we really allowing His light and love shine through? Or is it possibly more like our humanness trying to conform to our idea of Jesus? Something to reflect upon as we enjoy this holiday weekend!!!
Friends
May 26, 2008 – Monday
Abide thou with Me, fear not…but with Me thou shalt be in safeguard.
1 Samuel 22:23
Lord, I thank You for my friends. Bless and keep them, these special people You created and filled with qualities that have meant so much to me. Thank You for all the times we’ve shared together. Bless our friendship. Amen.
<><
If you have true friends – take a moment to appreciate them. Praise them for their attributes and hold them accountable when they stray, you are aware that they do the same for you. Speak in love all the time! You never know who is watching and listening – seeds are sometimes planted without our knowledge!!
Abide thou with Me, fear not…but with Me thou shalt be in safeguard.
1 Samuel 22:23
Lord, I thank You for my friends. Bless and keep them, these special people You created and filled with qualities that have meant so much to me. Thank You for all the times we’ve shared together. Bless our friendship. Amen.
<><
If you have true friends – take a moment to appreciate them. Praise them for their attributes and hold them accountable when they stray, you are aware that they do the same for you. Speak in love all the time! You never know who is watching and listening – seeds are sometimes planted without our knowledge!!
Wisdom
May 27, 2008 – Tuesday
The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever, the thoughts of His heart to all generations.
Psalm 33:11
We would be more grateful if we knew how much of what we take for granted is planned by God.
<><
Oh Heavenly Father, I think that I am dependant on You, and then You show me that I have been relying on my own understanding and bring me back into Your arms and realize Your wisdom in the situation. I am thankful that You have chosen a path for me to walk, and I am so grateful that You have not forsaken me. Lord, I see the positive in each situation, and remain joyful through the storm. I trust You as we walk through the day together!! In Jesus Heavenly Name. Amen.
The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever, the thoughts of His heart to all generations.
Psalm 33:11
We would be more grateful if we knew how much of what we take for granted is planned by God.
<><
Oh Heavenly Father, I think that I am dependant on You, and then You show me that I have been relying on my own understanding and bring me back into Your arms and realize Your wisdom in the situation. I am thankful that You have chosen a path for me to walk, and I am so grateful that You have not forsaken me. Lord, I see the positive in each situation, and remain joyful through the storm. I trust You as we walk through the day together!! In Jesus Heavenly Name. Amen.
Creator
May 28, 2008 – Wednesday
In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
Genesis 1:1
Thank You Father for the reminder that You can make something out of nothing. Amen.
<><
Abba, You are so Awesome and Powerful. There isn’t anyone or thing that can compare to You. God help me to take the focus off of my little life and fix it on You. God, all things just run better when You are in charge. Every little detail is considered and handled with love and grace. Father, I place my entire being in Your hands, and I trust that Your will be done. Lord, I pray for wisdom through this trial, as well as patience, peace and joy. God I am thankful that I am being taught by You. I rejoice in the fact that through this experience I will be closer to You, and hopefully more mature. Lord I pray that I am alert to the Holy Spirit moving within me, guiding and directing me so that Your tasks will be accomplished. In Jesus Precious Name. Amen.
In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
Genesis 1:1
Thank You Father for the reminder that You can make something out of nothing. Amen.
<><
Abba, You are so Awesome and Powerful. There isn’t anyone or thing that can compare to You. God help me to take the focus off of my little life and fix it on You. God, all things just run better when You are in charge. Every little detail is considered and handled with love and grace. Father, I place my entire being in Your hands, and I trust that Your will be done. Lord, I pray for wisdom through this trial, as well as patience, peace and joy. God I am thankful that I am being taught by You. I rejoice in the fact that through this experience I will be closer to You, and hopefully more mature. Lord I pray that I am alert to the Holy Spirit moving within me, guiding and directing me so that Your tasks will be accomplished. In Jesus Precious Name. Amen.
Praising Others
May 29, 2008 – Thursday
Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.
Proverbs 27:2
Help me, Father, to be humble today with my words. Amen.
<><
Oh Heavenly Father, Your Word is Alive and Active in me – and I believe that Your Holy Spirit resides within me and I can feel Your presence and Your guidance. God, when my flesh is weak then my tongue goes wild, You are always strong and I rely on You for everything that I need to get through the day. God – I look to You first and praise You through everything. God, thank You so very much for the rain this morning – You know how much I enjoy the rain and the trees – the wind blowing. God, You are just magnificent. God, You know that I learned about the battle in Joshua 10 last night. And as I was watching the rain come down, I wondered. God, do You tell each rain drop where to go too? I see You in the smallest detail – I know that You are concerned for every little thing on this planet – I am so thankful that You have chosen me as Your child. I am in Awe of You!! In Your Son’s Holy and Precious Name – Jesus!!! Amen!!
Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.
Proverbs 27:2
Help me, Father, to be humble today with my words. Amen.
<><
Oh Heavenly Father, Your Word is Alive and Active in me – and I believe that Your Holy Spirit resides within me and I can feel Your presence and Your guidance. God, when my flesh is weak then my tongue goes wild, You are always strong and I rely on You for everything that I need to get through the day. God – I look to You first and praise You through everything. God, thank You so very much for the rain this morning – You know how much I enjoy the rain and the trees – the wind blowing. God, You are just magnificent. God, You know that I learned about the battle in Joshua 10 last night. And as I was watching the rain come down, I wondered. God, do You tell each rain drop where to go too? I see You in the smallest detail – I know that You are concerned for every little thing on this planet – I am so thankful that You have chosen me as Your child. I am in Awe of You!! In Your Son’s Holy and Precious Name – Jesus!!! Amen!!
God's Light
May 30, 2008 – Friday
Men light a candle, and put it…on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Matthew 5:15
Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves. – James Barrie
<><
Granted, I can testify to this statement but I don’t believe that we can intentionally try to turn those rays of sunshine on ourselves. God’s light must shine through me – He is the source of my Sonshine!!!
My version of this quote would be more like this:
Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others never realize that the affect they have.
Or
Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others can’t contain it. Only God can control the power of the Son.
Men light a candle, and put it…on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Matthew 5:15
Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves. – James Barrie
<><
Granted, I can testify to this statement but I don’t believe that we can intentionally try to turn those rays of sunshine on ourselves. God’s light must shine through me – He is the source of my Sonshine!!!
My version of this quote would be more like this:
Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others never realize that the affect they have.
Or
Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others can’t contain it. Only God can control the power of the Son.
Praise
May 31, 2008 – Saturday
Praise the Lord, call upon His name, declare His doings among the people, make mention that His name is exalted.
Isaiah 12:4
Heavenly Father, when the news reports cause anxieties and fears to surround me, may I pause and remember that You have the final word. Amen.
<><
Isaiah 12
Songs of Praise
1 In that day you will say:
"I will praise you, O LORD.
Although you were angry with me,
your anger has turned away
and you have comforted me.
2 Surely God is my salvation;
I will trust and not be afraid.
The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song;
he has become my salvation."
3 With joy you will draw water
from the wells of salvation.
4 In that day you will say:
"Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name;
make known among the nations what he has done,
and proclaim that his name is exalted.
5 Sing to the LORD, for he has done glorious things;
let this be known to all the world.
6 Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion,
for great is the Holy One of Israel among you."
Praise the Lord, call upon His name, declare His doings among the people, make mention that His name is exalted.
Isaiah 12:4
Heavenly Father, when the news reports cause anxieties and fears to surround me, may I pause and remember that You have the final word. Amen.
<><
Isaiah 12
Songs of Praise
1 In that day you will say:
"I will praise you, O LORD.
Although you were angry with me,
your anger has turned away
and you have comforted me.
2 Surely God is my salvation;
I will trust and not be afraid.
The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my song;
he has become my salvation."
3 With joy you will draw water
from the wells of salvation.
4 In that day you will say:
"Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name;
make known among the nations what he has done,
and proclaim that his name is exalted.
5 Sing to the LORD, for he has done glorious things;
let this be known to all the world.
6 Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion,
for great is the Holy One of Israel among you."
Strength
June 1, 2008 – Sunday
That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man.
Ephesians 3:16
Thank You, Father, for giving me the strength when I am weak. Amen.
<><
A Prayer for the Ephesians
14For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15from whom his whole family[a] in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
20Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man.
Ephesians 3:16
Thank You, Father, for giving me the strength when I am weak. Amen.
<><
A Prayer for the Ephesians
14For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15from whom his whole family[a] in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
20Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Call Upon Our Lord
December 2nd 2007 – Sunday
Call upon Me, and ye shall go and pray unto Me, and I will hearken unto you.
Jeremiah 29:12
If your troubles aren’t big enough to pray about, then they certainly aren’t big enough to worry and fret about.
<><
How often are we faced with a struggle and we either handle with our own wisdom, or turn it over to God to handle but then don’t trust Him to actually help us? I have issues with this – driving in the weather on Saturday – I laid all my trust in my ability to drive and in my car – then I began praying when we slipped, slide and away!! I should have prayed ahead of time and then while I was driving carefully, keep my faith in God to get us to our destination safely. I definitely take driving for granted, “Oh my car is safe”, “the conditions are not that bad”, or “it will be OK if I speed a little, it is the speed the others are going”. Driving is definitely a dangerous and necessary luxury.
I look back on growing up in the Philippines – we walked pretty much every where and I may have grumbled about it, but for the most part I enjoyed walking, I had time to think and express myself along the way and I was able to be surrounded by God’s wonderful creation. If you look how cities are built now – you can’t walk anywhere safely – unless it is on a bike path that you have to drive to, or a tread mill, which if you are like me you have to drive to that too. Our worldly society is slowly killing us in so many different ways. There is another song by Casting Crowns (it’s a slow fade) about giving ourselves away slowly. It is very true – we don’t jump train tracks that are 3 miles away, we just very slowly begin making decisions and compromises in this world that lead us away from the path God had designed for us. The sad thing is a lot of my brothers and sisters in Christ don’t realize that they just switched tracks and will continue to go along with this track for quite some time. Once the evil one has a foot hold, his grip on us just keeps getting stronger and tighter. If the devil has any kind of grip on you, please confess it to your Heavenly Father, be open and honest with Him, He loves you so very much, He will comfort you and take away your pain, you are His very special child and He wants to spend time with you, go home He is waiting for you with open arms.
Oh Heavenly Father, all the sins that I have, am and will commit, you already know what I have done, what I am doing and what I will do for the rest of my life – there is absolutely no reason for me not to admit to You all the stupid and hurtful things that I have done. I know that You love me so very much and pursue me whenever I am not keeping my focus on You. You gave me Your Son, there is nothing greater than that. I have messed up in the past and You have forgiven me, I try to be careful not to bring shame to Your name now, but there are times I slip and I regret it later when I realize what I said or did was wrong. And I know that I will find new ways to screw up in the future. I am just so appreciative that You are able to discipline me in such a way that I feel loved and encouraged during the process. Thank You for being patient with me. Thank You for loving me. I want to bring You honor and glory in everything that I say and do – even my facial expression as I am walking around – let Your light shine through me to further Your kingdom. Please provide the opportunities, guidance and tools necessary to complete the tasks You have assigned for me today. I am eagerly waiting Your call to action. I love you very much…In Jesus’ Precious name. Amen.
Have a great day!!!
Call upon Me, and ye shall go and pray unto Me, and I will hearken unto you.
Jeremiah 29:12
If your troubles aren’t big enough to pray about, then they certainly aren’t big enough to worry and fret about.
<><
How often are we faced with a struggle and we either handle with our own wisdom, or turn it over to God to handle but then don’t trust Him to actually help us? I have issues with this – driving in the weather on Saturday – I laid all my trust in my ability to drive and in my car – then I began praying when we slipped, slide and away!! I should have prayed ahead of time and then while I was driving carefully, keep my faith in God to get us to our destination safely. I definitely take driving for granted, “Oh my car is safe”, “the conditions are not that bad”, or “it will be OK if I speed a little, it is the speed the others are going”. Driving is definitely a dangerous and necessary luxury.
I look back on growing up in the Philippines – we walked pretty much every where and I may have grumbled about it, but for the most part I enjoyed walking, I had time to think and express myself along the way and I was able to be surrounded by God’s wonderful creation. If you look how cities are built now – you can’t walk anywhere safely – unless it is on a bike path that you have to drive to, or a tread mill, which if you are like me you have to drive to that too. Our worldly society is slowly killing us in so many different ways. There is another song by Casting Crowns (it’s a slow fade) about giving ourselves away slowly. It is very true – we don’t jump train tracks that are 3 miles away, we just very slowly begin making decisions and compromises in this world that lead us away from the path God had designed for us. The sad thing is a lot of my brothers and sisters in Christ don’t realize that they just switched tracks and will continue to go along with this track for quite some time. Once the evil one has a foot hold, his grip on us just keeps getting stronger and tighter. If the devil has any kind of grip on you, please confess it to your Heavenly Father, be open and honest with Him, He loves you so very much, He will comfort you and take away your pain, you are His very special child and He wants to spend time with you, go home He is waiting for you with open arms.
Oh Heavenly Father, all the sins that I have, am and will commit, you already know what I have done, what I am doing and what I will do for the rest of my life – there is absolutely no reason for me not to admit to You all the stupid and hurtful things that I have done. I know that You love me so very much and pursue me whenever I am not keeping my focus on You. You gave me Your Son, there is nothing greater than that. I have messed up in the past and You have forgiven me, I try to be careful not to bring shame to Your name now, but there are times I slip and I regret it later when I realize what I said or did was wrong. And I know that I will find new ways to screw up in the future. I am just so appreciative that You are able to discipline me in such a way that I feel loved and encouraged during the process. Thank You for being patient with me. Thank You for loving me. I want to bring You honor and glory in everything that I say and do – even my facial expression as I am walking around – let Your light shine through me to further Your kingdom. Please provide the opportunities, guidance and tools necessary to complete the tasks You have assigned for me today. I am eagerly waiting Your call to action. I love you very much…In Jesus’ Precious name. Amen.
Have a great day!!!
Meditation
December 3rd 2007 – Monday
My meditation of Him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the Lord.
Psalm 104:34
Father, may today be exciting, as You can make everyday things special. Take full control of my life and make it joyous! Amen.
<><
I think that God has blessed with seeing what He makes exciting in my everyday life – what do you think? LOL!!
I have said this before “If you are not having fun, what is the point of doing something?” Now, allow me to define fun for you: it is anything that brings you any kind or amount of enjoyment. For instance, I enjoy reading God’s Word; sometimes I am very intently studying it because I am interested in the topic I am learning about. This brings me closer to God and understanding Him better, I am ecstatic when God’s Word speaks to me, and therefore – FUN!!! I also have fun singing and praising God through music. I also have fun at the grocery store – all the possibilities. I have a blast taking the boys hiking at Starved Rock – reminds me of the Philippines. Oh, talk about bringing me closer to God – that would be my ultimate fun package galore!! Me, my boys, God’s Word surrounded by God’s wonderful creation – Heaven!!! Granted God’s beauty is everywhere we look – but I really like it better when the trees grow where God planted them instead of some high priced landscape artist.
Who has seen the movie “Cars” – there is a scene wherein “Stickers” learns about Carburetor County’s history. He begins to realize how special it is and why the people don’t leave this little town. You are able to see for a moment what the land looked like before the new interstate was built. Sometimes it is great to take the fast and direct route to get to your destination, but when it comes to life it is really important to enjoy the journey.
Oh God, we rush and rush always thinking that when we get caught up we will stop to smell the roses. God remove this instinct in me, I want to absorb Your Word and have You apply it to my life. I want to cherish the children You blessed me with as I am responsible for their growth and development. I want to spend the moments You provide with Your children, for encouragement, support and love. I want to make sure that the time I spend on this earth brings You honor and glory. You are my focus, as long as I keep my eyes on You everything else will fall into place according to Your will. Please help me to take the time to spend time with You deliberately. Help me to recognize the evil one at work in my life so I am not lead astray. Oh Heavenly Father, help me to pray the way I am supposed to, time always seems to be a constraint, reveal the balance so that I am able to devote this time with You. There are so many that I want to pray for properly, there are activities that I know You are drawing me toward, help me to realize the steps and growth that You have in store for me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Love you all,
My meditation of Him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the Lord.
Psalm 104:34
Father, may today be exciting, as You can make everyday things special. Take full control of my life and make it joyous! Amen.
<><
I think that God has blessed with seeing what He makes exciting in my everyday life – what do you think? LOL!!
I have said this before “If you are not having fun, what is the point of doing something?” Now, allow me to define fun for you: it is anything that brings you any kind or amount of enjoyment. For instance, I enjoy reading God’s Word; sometimes I am very intently studying it because I am interested in the topic I am learning about. This brings me closer to God and understanding Him better, I am ecstatic when God’s Word speaks to me, and therefore – FUN!!! I also have fun singing and praising God through music. I also have fun at the grocery store – all the possibilities. I have a blast taking the boys hiking at Starved Rock – reminds me of the Philippines. Oh, talk about bringing me closer to God – that would be my ultimate fun package galore!! Me, my boys, God’s Word surrounded by God’s wonderful creation – Heaven!!! Granted God’s beauty is everywhere we look – but I really like it better when the trees grow where God planted them instead of some high priced landscape artist.
Who has seen the movie “Cars” – there is a scene wherein “Stickers” learns about Carburetor County’s history. He begins to realize how special it is and why the people don’t leave this little town. You are able to see for a moment what the land looked like before the new interstate was built. Sometimes it is great to take the fast and direct route to get to your destination, but when it comes to life it is really important to enjoy the journey.
Oh God, we rush and rush always thinking that when we get caught up we will stop to smell the roses. God remove this instinct in me, I want to absorb Your Word and have You apply it to my life. I want to cherish the children You blessed me with as I am responsible for their growth and development. I want to spend the moments You provide with Your children, for encouragement, support and love. I want to make sure that the time I spend on this earth brings You honor and glory. You are my focus, as long as I keep my eyes on You everything else will fall into place according to Your will. Please help me to take the time to spend time with You deliberately. Help me to recognize the evil one at work in my life so I am not lead astray. Oh Heavenly Father, help me to pray the way I am supposed to, time always seems to be a constraint, reveal the balance so that I am able to devote this time with You. There are so many that I want to pray for properly, there are activities that I know You are drawing me toward, help me to realize the steps and growth that You have in store for me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Love you all,
Belief
December 4th 2007 – Tuesday
These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
1 John 5:13
Thank You for the gift of eternal life to those who believe. Give me the courage to share this promise with someone today. Amen.
<><
We are truly blessed to be chosen as a child of God – I can’t imagine going through life without loving Him!! I can remember what my life was like before Christ – I will not go back there again!!!! Coming to the realization that all people will not be saved is huge, it really saddens me that there will be people who will never know Him, feel His love, receive His comfort, see His joy and worship Him. Our hearts are designed to feel for the lost and hurting, thus prompting us to jump into action in His name. Yeah – what an amazing experience – giving to those around us, planting seeds, encouraging other believers to step out in faith, comforting the lost and witness to them. God gives us so many opportunities to serve one another, and it brings me great joy to see just a glimpse of what Jesus must have seen when He served us, spoke to us, helped us, comforted us, and then saved us. I look forward to seeing His face, to be in the presence of God in all of His glory and majesty. I know that it will be so beautiful; my feeble earthly description would not do the sight justice.
Oh Heavenly Father, thank You for choosing me. There is not anything that I can do or say to express how much You mean to me and how grateful I am for Your selection of a sinner like me. God You knew me before You created the earth that I am standing on, and You loved me then, You love me now, God You are so amazing and wonderful. Your Son is the only Teacher that I require. I am humbled and honored when You place a task in front of me, I am eager to serve You. Lord, I pray that You place someone in my path today that needs to hear Your Truth. Lord, please give me the wisdom and words to further Your kingdom, help me to be compassionate and give me the opportunity to bring You honor in glory in all that I do. In Jesus’ Precious Name. Amen.
These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
1 John 5:13
Thank You for the gift of eternal life to those who believe. Give me the courage to share this promise with someone today. Amen.
<><
We are truly blessed to be chosen as a child of God – I can’t imagine going through life without loving Him!! I can remember what my life was like before Christ – I will not go back there again!!!! Coming to the realization that all people will not be saved is huge, it really saddens me that there will be people who will never know Him, feel His love, receive His comfort, see His joy and worship Him. Our hearts are designed to feel for the lost and hurting, thus prompting us to jump into action in His name. Yeah – what an amazing experience – giving to those around us, planting seeds, encouraging other believers to step out in faith, comforting the lost and witness to them. God gives us so many opportunities to serve one another, and it brings me great joy to see just a glimpse of what Jesus must have seen when He served us, spoke to us, helped us, comforted us, and then saved us. I look forward to seeing His face, to be in the presence of God in all of His glory and majesty. I know that it will be so beautiful; my feeble earthly description would not do the sight justice.
Oh Heavenly Father, thank You for choosing me. There is not anything that I can do or say to express how much You mean to me and how grateful I am for Your selection of a sinner like me. God You knew me before You created the earth that I am standing on, and You loved me then, You love me now, God You are so amazing and wonderful. Your Son is the only Teacher that I require. I am humbled and honored when You place a task in front of me, I am eager to serve You. Lord, I pray that You place someone in my path today that needs to hear Your Truth. Lord, please give me the wisdom and words to further Your kingdom, help me to be compassionate and give me the opportunity to bring You honor in glory in all that I do. In Jesus’ Precious Name. Amen.
Drawing Nearer
December 5th 2007 – Wednesday
Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you.
James 4:8
O God, I humbly come before you. Purify my heart today. Amen.
<><
Hello – knock, knock – is anyone home – I would like to be invited in – Hello anyone there? God knocking at the door of your heart! Are you home to answer Him, or are you preoccupied with worldly things?
OK – so if you are a true believer and you have a hunger and a thirst for Him and His Word – How are you able to resist these impulses to spend time with Him? I have my scheduled devotion time with God every morning, now I can intentionally choose sleep because my flesh is telling me to stay in bed (have done this many times), but then I miss the opportunity to be with Him in complete silence, to be with Him without any interruptions, and I am able to feel His presence and hear His voice; which makes me crave it more!! When I don’t get my time with God (I am such a selfish person – if you don’t already know) I walk around with such an empty feeling, I literally have a physical reaction to this – weird I know. God usually wakes me up around 4AM – don’t have to get ready till 5 – but I am able to be still and know that He is God! I love being filled with His Word and His love!! Alright the tank is full now it is time to face the world!!
Have you ever had a moment where in you were filled with a compelling need to spend time in His Word – you pray and pray until you were able to hold the Bible in your hand and then the joy (maybe a sigh of relief) you felt when you opened it. There are times in my lovely daily schedule that I receive this anxiousness and I have a terrible time concentrating on the earthly task at hand, because I have this over whelming call. Now, granted when I get this feeling, there is a reason behind it – someone around me is in need or it’s me that is in danger. I used to bring my Bible to work with me (on 3rd shift) because I had time to spend in His word and devote to prayer during breaks and in silence. I don’t have this opportunity anymore, sad, I know. LOL, God has given me other opportunities to fellowship, which I enjoy immensely.
Now, please do not misunderstand – I struggle with this too – my time is tight and I can throw every possible excuse at you explaining why I can’t seem to read and learn on a regular basis. But I would not be completely honest with you – there is time in the car, Jordan can read and I can listen. There are opportunities everywhere we just have to look hard enough to see them. I currently have 2 books in my car, patiently waiting for me to read them. The first is Encouragement – I have 10 good minutes every day when I get off work on time (this doesn’t always happen) and pick Jordan up from school – I am deliberately taking this time for this book.
Then I have this wonderful idea of working for the Lord all day long, being able to read the Bible without fear, taking time to pray properly instead of just writing down a name and then trying to do it later, spending time with those in need without having to worry about time constraints and work schedules, but then I think – would I become complacent if I actually had the opportunity to live this ideal life in my head? Would God’s presence and voice diminish because I am with Him all the time? Honestly, I don’t think so; because I am already with Him all the time, I really do not believe that I would loose sight of God! But I do think that I would probably take it for granted. Sometimes I have to force myself to get up and go – once I am up, going is not such a problem. Just food for thought, I hope I got your noodle going.
Love you all!!
Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you.
James 4:8
O God, I humbly come before you. Purify my heart today. Amen.
<><
Hello – knock, knock – is anyone home – I would like to be invited in – Hello anyone there? God knocking at the door of your heart! Are you home to answer Him, or are you preoccupied with worldly things?
OK – so if you are a true believer and you have a hunger and a thirst for Him and His Word – How are you able to resist these impulses to spend time with Him? I have my scheduled devotion time with God every morning, now I can intentionally choose sleep because my flesh is telling me to stay in bed (have done this many times), but then I miss the opportunity to be with Him in complete silence, to be with Him without any interruptions, and I am able to feel His presence and hear His voice; which makes me crave it more!! When I don’t get my time with God (I am such a selfish person – if you don’t already know) I walk around with such an empty feeling, I literally have a physical reaction to this – weird I know. God usually wakes me up around 4AM – don’t have to get ready till 5 – but I am able to be still and know that He is God! I love being filled with His Word and His love!! Alright the tank is full now it is time to face the world!!
Have you ever had a moment where in you were filled with a compelling need to spend time in His Word – you pray and pray until you were able to hold the Bible in your hand and then the joy (maybe a sigh of relief) you felt when you opened it. There are times in my lovely daily schedule that I receive this anxiousness and I have a terrible time concentrating on the earthly task at hand, because I have this over whelming call. Now, granted when I get this feeling, there is a reason behind it – someone around me is in need or it’s me that is in danger. I used to bring my Bible to work with me (on 3rd shift) because I had time to spend in His word and devote to prayer during breaks and in silence. I don’t have this opportunity anymore, sad, I know. LOL, God has given me other opportunities to fellowship, which I enjoy immensely.
Now, please do not misunderstand – I struggle with this too – my time is tight and I can throw every possible excuse at you explaining why I can’t seem to read and learn on a regular basis. But I would not be completely honest with you – there is time in the car, Jordan can read and I can listen. There are opportunities everywhere we just have to look hard enough to see them. I currently have 2 books in my car, patiently waiting for me to read them. The first is Encouragement – I have 10 good minutes every day when I get off work on time (this doesn’t always happen) and pick Jordan up from school – I am deliberately taking this time for this book.
Then I have this wonderful idea of working for the Lord all day long, being able to read the Bible without fear, taking time to pray properly instead of just writing down a name and then trying to do it later, spending time with those in need without having to worry about time constraints and work schedules, but then I think – would I become complacent if I actually had the opportunity to live this ideal life in my head? Would God’s presence and voice diminish because I am with Him all the time? Honestly, I don’t think so; because I am already with Him all the time, I really do not believe that I would loose sight of God! But I do think that I would probably take it for granted. Sometimes I have to force myself to get up and go – once I am up, going is not such a problem. Just food for thought, I hope I got your noodle going.
Love you all!!
Light of the World
December 6th 2007 – Thursday
I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
John 8:12
Thank You Jesus for lighting my path. Guide me in my thoughts and actions today. Amen.
<><
Have you ever been in the situation wherein you are in a strange place when the power goes out? Your other senses perk up to compensate for not being able to see where you are and what is around you, but you are a fish out of water without the ability to see. Chances are you stand there for a minute looking around for any kind of light – your head is spinning trying to see anything, then slowly your eyes begin to adjust to the lack of light.
I remember having frequent power outages in the Philippines during monsoon season – I love the sound of the rain – we always had candles in strategic areas of the house for such an emergency. After the first few storms of the season we (my sisters and I) learned to use the light generated from the lightening to guide our path if we were in a section of the house which wasn’t used often (like the basement). I remember being cold, scared and alone and wanting to hurry up and get upstairs and be with my family. The fact that I was home helped with the familiarity of my surroundings but I can attest that I still knocked things over and stubbed my toe!! So relying on my own knowledge and experience – I still stumbled!!!
Now I would like you to imagine standing on a stage, the auditorium is dark and silent you are unable to see past your nose and your voice echoes from the acoustics. Then all of a sudden there is a spot light, you are able to see where you standing and your immediate surroundings. Since this light has been placed on you, your walk is easier and more fluid and you are less fatigued and not banged up from stumbling over obstacles. As a further bonus you are able to gain ground, confidence, and knowledge and trust while you are in the light. You are also joined by others like you – so the light’s reach is expanded because you are walking together.
Out of these 2 scenarios – which would you prefer? Cold, alone, scared and only able to see in spurts depending on the lightning – Or in the spotlight where you are able to see consistently, have a warm fuzzy feeling most of the time, surrounded by people that love you, being directed by our Almighty Father and knowing that you are protected. The catch is to stay in the light, venturing too far from the light is where we get into trouble (I have this problem). I think I know where God is leading me, so I run ahead, then when I look back to check to see if He is still behind me, I see that look from my Dad’s face! Now, I am 3 as of November 2nd, so parents know what I am talking about. 9 out of 10 times I will run back to Him and we both will have open arms and smiles on our faces. When I did something naughty, I still run back, rushing to be in the arms that love me and then stay there until I confess my sins and am forgiven heal and then behave for a few days. LOL!!!
Oh God, thank You for loving me, for choosing me, for your pursuing me, and for being who You are!!! I have been so lost and now that You have found me, I am so in love with You, You are everything that I could possibly need or want. You provide so much for me, and I am so very grateful. I am amazed that the Creator of all wants me – I am so unworthy of Your love and Your grace but I know that Your love will endure for all eternity and I want to follow You forever. You are so Holy and Wonderful my simple words will never be enough to express Your Majesty. God Your gift of Jesus to bring me closer to You and to teach me Your ways is such a blessing and then You allowed Him to die for my sins, God Your sacrifice was huge. I am dumbfounded at the depth of Your love and grace, I appreciate all that You have done. God, You don’t stop there either, Jesus continues to light the path that You have designed for me, You sent Your Holy Spirit to guide me and then You converse with me too. I am completely humbled by all that You have done. In Jesus’ Precious Name. Amen.
Love you all!!!
I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
John 8:12
Thank You Jesus for lighting my path. Guide me in my thoughts and actions today. Amen.
<><
Have you ever been in the situation wherein you are in a strange place when the power goes out? Your other senses perk up to compensate for not being able to see where you are and what is around you, but you are a fish out of water without the ability to see. Chances are you stand there for a minute looking around for any kind of light – your head is spinning trying to see anything, then slowly your eyes begin to adjust to the lack of light.
I remember having frequent power outages in the Philippines during monsoon season – I love the sound of the rain – we always had candles in strategic areas of the house for such an emergency. After the first few storms of the season we (my sisters and I) learned to use the light generated from the lightening to guide our path if we were in a section of the house which wasn’t used often (like the basement). I remember being cold, scared and alone and wanting to hurry up and get upstairs and be with my family. The fact that I was home helped with the familiarity of my surroundings but I can attest that I still knocked things over and stubbed my toe!! So relying on my own knowledge and experience – I still stumbled!!!
Now I would like you to imagine standing on a stage, the auditorium is dark and silent you are unable to see past your nose and your voice echoes from the acoustics. Then all of a sudden there is a spot light, you are able to see where you standing and your immediate surroundings. Since this light has been placed on you, your walk is easier and more fluid and you are less fatigued and not banged up from stumbling over obstacles. As a further bonus you are able to gain ground, confidence, and knowledge and trust while you are in the light. You are also joined by others like you – so the light’s reach is expanded because you are walking together.
Out of these 2 scenarios – which would you prefer? Cold, alone, scared and only able to see in spurts depending on the lightning – Or in the spotlight where you are able to see consistently, have a warm fuzzy feeling most of the time, surrounded by people that love you, being directed by our Almighty Father and knowing that you are protected. The catch is to stay in the light, venturing too far from the light is where we get into trouble (I have this problem). I think I know where God is leading me, so I run ahead, then when I look back to check to see if He is still behind me, I see that look from my Dad’s face! Now, I am 3 as of November 2nd, so parents know what I am talking about. 9 out of 10 times I will run back to Him and we both will have open arms and smiles on our faces. When I did something naughty, I still run back, rushing to be in the arms that love me and then stay there until I confess my sins and am forgiven heal and then behave for a few days. LOL!!!
Oh God, thank You for loving me, for choosing me, for your pursuing me, and for being who You are!!! I have been so lost and now that You have found me, I am so in love with You, You are everything that I could possibly need or want. You provide so much for me, and I am so very grateful. I am amazed that the Creator of all wants me – I am so unworthy of Your love and Your grace but I know that Your love will endure for all eternity and I want to follow You forever. You are so Holy and Wonderful my simple words will never be enough to express Your Majesty. God Your gift of Jesus to bring me closer to You and to teach me Your ways is such a blessing and then You allowed Him to die for my sins, God Your sacrifice was huge. I am dumbfounded at the depth of Your love and grace, I appreciate all that You have done. God, You don’t stop there either, Jesus continues to light the path that You have designed for me, You sent Your Holy Spirit to guide me and then You converse with me too. I am completely humbled by all that You have done. In Jesus’ Precious Name. Amen.
Love you all!!!
The Word
December 7th 2007 – Friday
The Word of the Lord endureth for ever.
1 Peter 1:25
Thank You, Lord, that Your message of salvation is for all generations! Help me to study Your Word so that it remains in my heart. Amen.
<><
God’s Word is Alive – so it is not like reading any other book on the planet! God reveals a variety of lessons to us, depending on our walk with Him and what direction He has designed for us. I trust Him with whatever I am facing, because I know that I am not facing it alone. If I am troubled my first reaction is to be surrounded by God’s Word – I want to be drowning in it – because I know that He is the only one capable of helping me thorough. God is with me always (happy or sad) and His Word reminds me, encourages me and reinforces this fact in my life. Now when I am happy – I can worship up a storm – and it is infectious – my poor kids!! I am able to lift His name and just glorify Him with everything that I have - to the point of bursting with joy!!! As a direct result of my actions/desire to be in the Word, my children witness this behavior and thus my faith in action is passed down to them. Now, majority of the time the kids and I crank the music and have way too much fun praising God!!! We also have our daily devotionals, and then we have spontaneous and planned prayer. Fellowship is a great opportunity to learn – so the kids are plugged in too. The greatest gift I could possibly give my boys, is a home built with a firm foundation of faith in God’s love!!!
God, You love me so freely and You have provided Your grace and Your Word for me to know You better. You have given me the opportunity to draw closer to You. I am amazed by the depth of Your love and the faithfulness You show me each and every day. Lord, I pray that I follow Your will for my life, and that the fruits of Your Spirit within me is pleasing to You. Lord, bless me with an opportunity to further Your kingdom, encourage Your children and draw closer to You today. In Jesus Holy and Precious Name. Amen.
Love you,
The Word of the Lord endureth for ever.
1 Peter 1:25
Thank You, Lord, that Your message of salvation is for all generations! Help me to study Your Word so that it remains in my heart. Amen.
<><
God’s Word is Alive – so it is not like reading any other book on the planet! God reveals a variety of lessons to us, depending on our walk with Him and what direction He has designed for us. I trust Him with whatever I am facing, because I know that I am not facing it alone. If I am troubled my first reaction is to be surrounded by God’s Word – I want to be drowning in it – because I know that He is the only one capable of helping me thorough. God is with me always (happy or sad) and His Word reminds me, encourages me and reinforces this fact in my life. Now when I am happy – I can worship up a storm – and it is infectious – my poor kids!! I am able to lift His name and just glorify Him with everything that I have - to the point of bursting with joy!!! As a direct result of my actions/desire to be in the Word, my children witness this behavior and thus my faith in action is passed down to them. Now, majority of the time the kids and I crank the music and have way too much fun praising God!!! We also have our daily devotionals, and then we have spontaneous and planned prayer. Fellowship is a great opportunity to learn – so the kids are plugged in too. The greatest gift I could possibly give my boys, is a home built with a firm foundation of faith in God’s love!!!
God, You love me so freely and You have provided Your grace and Your Word for me to know You better. You have given me the opportunity to draw closer to You. I am amazed by the depth of Your love and the faithfulness You show me each and every day. Lord, I pray that I follow Your will for my life, and that the fruits of Your Spirit within me is pleasing to You. Lord, bless me with an opportunity to further Your kingdom, encourage Your children and draw closer to You today. In Jesus Holy and Precious Name. Amen.
Love you,
Thanksgiving
December 8th 2007 – Saturday
Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers.
Ephesians 1:16
Don’t let me get so busy that I forget to show gratefulness to others. Help me to especially appreciate the loved ones You have given to me. Amen.
<><
I really believe that the entire section of this scripture should be read!
Thanksgiving and Prayer
Eph 15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, 20 which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
This is power packed scripture that we can model in our personal prayer life including ourselves and others as recipients.
Please remember when we pray – we should come to Him with confidence and be persistent.
Eph 3:11: according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.
Hebrews4:16: Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Have a beautiful and wonderful weekend!!
Love you,
Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers.
Ephesians 1:16
Don’t let me get so busy that I forget to show gratefulness to others. Help me to especially appreciate the loved ones You have given to me. Amen.
<><
I really believe that the entire section of this scripture should be read!
Thanksgiving and Prayer
Eph 15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, 20 which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
This is power packed scripture that we can model in our personal prayer life including ourselves and others as recipients.
Please remember when we pray – we should come to Him with confidence and be persistent.
Eph 3:11: according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.
Hebrews4:16: Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Have a beautiful and wonderful weekend!!
Love you,
Righteousness
December 9th 2007 – Sunday
And the fruit of the righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
James 3:18
Father, help me to remember that planting seeds and waiting for a harvest requires time and patience. Amen.
<><
Our hearts are where God dwells and where these “seeds are planted”. I wonder if I perform all the tasks required to sow and then reap a good crop. Granted I am not a farmer, and the plants in my house have enough trouble – so my experience sowing seeds is not vast. I sometimes reflect and ask God to reveal areas where I require assistance – have I prepared good soil for Him to work with, am I maintaining that soil so that He will be able to bear fruit, or am I resting on my laurels and becoming complacent in certain areas in my life?
For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations. Isaiah 61:11
I can tell you that God will have to remind me from time to time about a certain weakness I have. I am very thankful that I am able to call upon God to help me through these tough times, and over time certain issues slowly loose their hold on me. I invite God in and cling to Him when I am struggling, allowing Him to use my weakness as an opportunity to work in my life for His glorify. There are generally 3 things I try to remember when I sin: Confession, repentance and gratitude. I have to make a conscious effort to avoid certain situations that my flesh is tempted. Then there are times where I am caught by surprise and I fail miserably.
O Gracious and Heavenly Father, You know me and my weaknesses. I pray that You will use these moments to reveal areas that are hidden from me so that I will be able to invite You in, to do Your work with in me, so that You are brought honor and glory. Lord, I am so flawed and require Your forgiveness and direction every day. In all that I do, say, feel, and think I want to be a good reflection of my Heavenly Father, and as long as I am immersed in Your Word and continuing to walk with You, I count my blessings that I have been chosen. In Jesus’ Precious Name. Amen.
Love you all!!!
And the fruit of the righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
James 3:18
Father, help me to remember that planting seeds and waiting for a harvest requires time and patience. Amen.
<><
Our hearts are where God dwells and where these “seeds are planted”. I wonder if I perform all the tasks required to sow and then reap a good crop. Granted I am not a farmer, and the plants in my house have enough trouble – so my experience sowing seeds is not vast. I sometimes reflect and ask God to reveal areas where I require assistance – have I prepared good soil for Him to work with, am I maintaining that soil so that He will be able to bear fruit, or am I resting on my laurels and becoming complacent in certain areas in my life?
For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign LORD will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations. Isaiah 61:11
I can tell you that God will have to remind me from time to time about a certain weakness I have. I am very thankful that I am able to call upon God to help me through these tough times, and over time certain issues slowly loose their hold on me. I invite God in and cling to Him when I am struggling, allowing Him to use my weakness as an opportunity to work in my life for His glorify. There are generally 3 things I try to remember when I sin: Confession, repentance and gratitude. I have to make a conscious effort to avoid certain situations that my flesh is tempted. Then there are times where I am caught by surprise and I fail miserably.
O Gracious and Heavenly Father, You know me and my weaknesses. I pray that You will use these moments to reveal areas that are hidden from me so that I will be able to invite You in, to do Your work with in me, so that You are brought honor and glory. Lord, I am so flawed and require Your forgiveness and direction every day. In all that I do, say, feel, and think I want to be a good reflection of my Heavenly Father, and as long as I am immersed in Your Word and continuing to walk with You, I count my blessings that I have been chosen. In Jesus’ Precious Name. Amen.
Love you all!!!
Speaking in Love
December 10th 2007 – Monday
He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life.
Proverbs 13:3
O Lord, life is too short to be rude. Help me to be courteous to those around me today. Amen.
<><
Ephesians 4:29-32
29Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
So very often we are in situations where in God’s light has an opportunity to shine and our flesh takes over and blows the opportunity to smithereens!! I did this recently, I could have agreed with Jordan, but I didn’t I took the route of comparing 2 of God’s children on the basis of outward beauty. I should have known better, and I had no place judging another by a picture, and what a great achievement that my sons witnessed by their mother – it was one of those moments you wish you could wipe from everyone’s memory and sink into a corner. I felt that I had done wrong – after the fact – and tried to cover it up too – explain my way out of it – it was just horribly bad!!!
I then confessed my sin to the people involved and apologized. I have confessed to God and asked for forgiveness of my sin. I needed that time to pray, and ask the Holy Spirit to keep a watchful eye on the words/thoughts about others. I also had to thank God for this learning experience and further strengthening of our relationship. Granted, this reprimand is not fun, but I think I have learned enough about God to know this is one way that He draws me closer. This is a way for our communication to remain open and free flowing and it is a reminder that I am dependant on Him. Jesus had to shed His blood so that I may be saved, and to receive His grace and forgiveness is amazing.
Have a wonderful day!!
He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life.
Proverbs 13:3
O Lord, life is too short to be rude. Help me to be courteous to those around me today. Amen.
<><
Ephesians 4:29-32
29Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
So very often we are in situations where in God’s light has an opportunity to shine and our flesh takes over and blows the opportunity to smithereens!! I did this recently, I could have agreed with Jordan, but I didn’t I took the route of comparing 2 of God’s children on the basis of outward beauty. I should have known better, and I had no place judging another by a picture, and what a great achievement that my sons witnessed by their mother – it was one of those moments you wish you could wipe from everyone’s memory and sink into a corner. I felt that I had done wrong – after the fact – and tried to cover it up too – explain my way out of it – it was just horribly bad!!!
I then confessed my sin to the people involved and apologized. I have confessed to God and asked for forgiveness of my sin. I needed that time to pray, and ask the Holy Spirit to keep a watchful eye on the words/thoughts about others. I also had to thank God for this learning experience and further strengthening of our relationship. Granted, this reprimand is not fun, but I think I have learned enough about God to know this is one way that He draws me closer. This is a way for our communication to remain open and free flowing and it is a reminder that I am dependant on Him. Jesus had to shed His blood so that I may be saved, and to receive His grace and forgiveness is amazing.
Have a wonderful day!!
Discipline
December 11th 2007 – Tuesday
Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge.
Proverbs 12:1
Give me a trusting heart Lord and the wisdom to depend only upon You. Amen.
<><
Hebrews 12:4-11
4In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons:
"My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline,
and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
6because the Lord disciplines those he loves,
and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son."[a]
7Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? 8If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. 9Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! 10Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. 11No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5
I love how God’s Word reinforces God’s love for us, and gives us clear expressions of His love for us. As a parent, I have expectations for my boys because I know what they are capable of. I believe that attitude makes a big difference in the disciplining process – if Jordan is still very upset, he is not going to hear a single word I say – but if I allow him time to cool off and then approach him, I am apt to discover the root cause of the issue. Same with me and God – He knows when I am open to listening and taking His instruction to heart, thus a lasting change is made and I am usually grateful for His eye opening experience. He is equipping me for something special, He has carefully blessed me with talents to accomplish this goal, and each time I am disciplined, I know that I am that much closer to the finish line. And pleasing my Heavenly Father, walking on the path He chose for me, and helping/loving others along the way is so very exciting for me.
Have you tried to see your life from a different perspective lately? You might be interested to see what God reveals to you!!!!
Have a safe day!!!
Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge.
Proverbs 12:1
Give me a trusting heart Lord and the wisdom to depend only upon You. Amen.
<><
Hebrews 12:4-11
4In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons:
"My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline,
and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
6because the Lord disciplines those he loves,
and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son."[a]
7Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? 8If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. 9Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! 10Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. 11No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5
I love how God’s Word reinforces God’s love for us, and gives us clear expressions of His love for us. As a parent, I have expectations for my boys because I know what they are capable of. I believe that attitude makes a big difference in the disciplining process – if Jordan is still very upset, he is not going to hear a single word I say – but if I allow him time to cool off and then approach him, I am apt to discover the root cause of the issue. Same with me and God – He knows when I am open to listening and taking His instruction to heart, thus a lasting change is made and I am usually grateful for His eye opening experience. He is equipping me for something special, He has carefully blessed me with talents to accomplish this goal, and each time I am disciplined, I know that I am that much closer to the finish line. And pleasing my Heavenly Father, walking on the path He chose for me, and helping/loving others along the way is so very exciting for me.
Have you tried to see your life from a different perspective lately? You might be interested to see what God reveals to you!!!!
Have a safe day!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)