What does New Year's Day make you think about? Does it give you hope about what is ahead of you? Have you already spent time writing down your New Year's resolutions? If so, I have a question for you. Did you remember to include God? For unless He is at the center of your life and all your decisions then you are setting yourself up for failure. After all, have you not learned that without God you can do nothing. There is nothing wrong with setting goals, but did you remember to consult God and ask Him if your goals are in line with His plans. 'For I know the plans that I have for you, says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future'---Jeremiah 29:11.
How do you measure your successes? Many of us will reach success by the world's standards but do they measure up to God's standards. Man measures success by educational levels achieved, importance of a job performed, amount of money earned, the quality and quantity of things that money can buy— such as clothes, a car, and a house as well as an abundance of food and delicacies on the dining room table— and, even by the woman on his arm: beautiful, perfectly formed to the eye, and possessing an impressive background. Do you even know how God measures success?
When thinking about this question God led me to Noah. Most of the time when we think of Noah we think of the flood. But why was Noah chosen? The answer is found in Genesis 6:9. '...Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation. Noah walked with God'. Noah had found favor in the eyes of God. His favor had nothing to do with his good works or what he possessed. Noah believed in God. He believed that He was the Creator and Savior of the world. The fact that he was considered righteous meant he lived by God's righteous standards. He was not perfect. He simply recognized his need to be a better person and that could only come through a righteous God. He was blameless, again not meaning perfect. This meant that he made every attempt to live a sincere and upright in his heart and life. These two facts set him apart from others in the eyes of God. And that is the only thing that matters. How many of us fight so hard to achieve success in the eyes of man? But what is it costing us? We are taught to get ahead by any means necessary. We neglect our families in the name of 'I have to work to provide'. But where is the love? How many toes have you stepped on to drive that pretty car or live in that neighborhood? Should you have said yes to that promotion that means your children may see you a few hours a week? And now they want you to travel on Sundays and you have to miss church? On top of all this, how much quality time do you get to spend with God? The fact that Noah walked with God reminds me of Enoch. It meant that he walked according to his will and his way. He placed God at the center and consulted Him about everything. This did not mean that he didn't slip up sometimes but he knew where his help came from. He enjoyed spending time in communion with the Almighty. Before you sit down and make a long list of goals for this next year, stop and ask God where He wants your focus to be? In what ways can you be a better witness for Him? Let Him know you want to love better and forgive more. Ask for help being a better man, woman, husband, wife, brother, sister, son, daughter, friend. God measures our success by how faithful we are at doing the things he requires of us. It's all found in His Word. Although we may treat it as a book of suggestions, it is not. It holds the guidelines for a successful life.
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
As I embark upon a new year, Lord I come to You first wanting to say thank you for keeping me in 2010. Thank you for Your grace and Your mercy. Thank You for Your Word. Help me to use it for its intended purpose. Let it be a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my pathway. Help me to hide it in my heart during this new year so that I can use it as a resource and as guidance in every decision. Forgive me for all of my sins. Help me to love as You love and to forgive as You forgive. Help me to look past my own shortcomings in order that I may become the person You created me to be. In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 30, 2010
He Has His Hands On You
At any moment of the day you can find a reason to complain. "It's cold. There is nothing in this house to eat. This bill is due and I don't have the money to pay it. I wish my husband would learn to put the toilet seat down. I hate my job." Maybe I drove by your house with these words and maybe I didn't. Feel free to take a minute and add in any complaints I may have left out. Now that you have that all out of your system, I want to refocus your attention. I believe that part of the reason we complain so much is that we aren't fully aware of who God is and what He has really done for us. Of course we remember it when we are receiving the blessing but how soon we forget. Just as soon as the slightest bit of misfortune comes are way or we are faced with what seems an unbearable hardship we get selective memory. We walk around saying things like, 'God has forgotten about me'. God becomes only as good as our last blessing. Forget that He woke you up this morning with a reasonable portion of health and strength. Our current situation, however, has nothing to do with whether or not we should give Him the praise He so rightfully deserves. We praise God simply for who He is!
But let's talk for a minute about this crazy idea that God has somehow forgotten you. Isaiah 44:21 says, 'Thou art My servant: O Israel, thou shalt not be forgotten of Me'. I hate to say it but if God forgot about us for just one second, our lives would be in ruin. The blessings that you so easily take for granted would be gone like that. You would have a chance to see what life is like for those who haven't accepted Him as their personal Lord and Savior. You do realize that there are benefits that come along with being a child of God. We know what our Lord has promised us: guidance, peace, a shelter from the storm, a way out of no way, to meet our every need, healing for every hurt. But do you reallly believe it? When the devil tries to sneak into your thoughts with that lie that God has left you alone to suffer, do you come back at him with the Word? I know that you may be in a tight place, lonely and depressed, discouraged and afraid. Remember what it says in Isaiah 49:15-16. "Don't they know I have graven them upon the palms of My hands... I could no more forget them in their hour of need than a mother could forget her suckling child... and even though a mother could forget her child, I cannot forget a single child of mine." We are bound together with God not because of anything we have done but because of the love He has for us. It's an unconditional love. One that is coupled with grace and mercy. Don't allow your fears to shut out the glimpse of His glory that we receive every day. We treat God the way my children treat me at times. There are certain things that they have come to expect. They know that momma's going to wash the clothes. They know that they are going to have something to eat. The 'thank you' only comes if they get something extra special. On days when I'm feeling underappreciated I am so tempted not to do any of those things but I can't. I love them too much. That's how God is with us. I know that there are times when we get afraid. We doubt. We panic. Just know that God has not forgotten you. He has His hands on you. Nothing happens that He is not aware of. Be encouraged and know that His word will not return void. That which He has promised will come to pass.
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
I praise You today for who You are. You are the creator of all things. The Alpha and Omega. Jehovah Jirah. Jehovah Nissi. I confess that I have been thinking some crazy thoughts lately. I haven't felt Your presence. I thank You for Your promise that You are with me always even until the end of the world. Thank you for the hope that I have in You. Help me to rely more on Your Word during difficult times for I know that have not forgotten me. In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen.
But let's talk for a minute about this crazy idea that God has somehow forgotten you. Isaiah 44:21 says, 'Thou art My servant: O Israel, thou shalt not be forgotten of Me'. I hate to say it but if God forgot about us for just one second, our lives would be in ruin. The blessings that you so easily take for granted would be gone like that. You would have a chance to see what life is like for those who haven't accepted Him as their personal Lord and Savior. You do realize that there are benefits that come along with being a child of God. We know what our Lord has promised us: guidance, peace, a shelter from the storm, a way out of no way, to meet our every need, healing for every hurt. But do you reallly believe it? When the devil tries to sneak into your thoughts with that lie that God has left you alone to suffer, do you come back at him with the Word? I know that you may be in a tight place, lonely and depressed, discouraged and afraid. Remember what it says in Isaiah 49:15-16. "Don't they know I have graven them upon the palms of My hands... I could no more forget them in their hour of need than a mother could forget her suckling child... and even though a mother could forget her child, I cannot forget a single child of mine." We are bound together with God not because of anything we have done but because of the love He has for us. It's an unconditional love. One that is coupled with grace and mercy. Don't allow your fears to shut out the glimpse of His glory that we receive every day. We treat God the way my children treat me at times. There are certain things that they have come to expect. They know that momma's going to wash the clothes. They know that they are going to have something to eat. The 'thank you' only comes if they get something extra special. On days when I'm feeling underappreciated I am so tempted not to do any of those things but I can't. I love them too much. That's how God is with us. I know that there are times when we get afraid. We doubt. We panic. Just know that God has not forgotten you. He has His hands on you. Nothing happens that He is not aware of. Be encouraged and know that His word will not return void. That which He has promised will come to pass.
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
I praise You today for who You are. You are the creator of all things. The Alpha and Omega. Jehovah Jirah. Jehovah Nissi. I confess that I have been thinking some crazy thoughts lately. I haven't felt Your presence. I thank You for Your promise that You are with me always even until the end of the world. Thank you for the hope that I have in You. Help me to rely more on Your Word during difficult times for I know that have not forgotten me. In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
No Accidents
Reflection means taking a look at the good as well as the bad. With 2010 now coming to a close, many of you may be taking a look at goals you have set that have been accomplished or resolutions that you made that were broken. It may have you a tad bit down. My encouragement for you today is not to give up on your dreams. It always helps me to remember that even when I set out with the best intentions, God may have something else in mind. You have not failed. God's purpose for your life will ultimately be fulfilled. You must simply stay focused on Him and keep rejoicing for though our worldly plans have not prospered, let us not be discouraged; what the Lord has prepared for us is something far better.
I am reminded of the story of Saul before he was anointed to be the next king of God's people. Saul went out simply to look for donkeys and while on his way met Samuel who took him on a detour from what he thought his purpose was to the purpose God had planned for him. When you have time read the entire ninth chapter of I Samuel. There are a couple of verses I want to focus on.
And Samuel said to the cook, "Bring the portion I gave you, of which I said to you, 'Put it aside.'" So the cook took up the leg and what was on it and set them before Saul. And Samuel said, "See, what was kept is set before you. Eat, because it was kept for you until the hour appointed, that you might eat with the guests." So Saul ate with Samuel that day. (I Samuel 9:23-24)
You may not understand what these verses have to do with you so let me break it down to you. The first thing is that your blessing has been put aside in advance just for you. There is nothing anybody can do to stop this, including you. Even though you may have set out on a completely different path one day you will eat your right portion at a table that has been prepared just for you. Yes you may have had to walk through the valley of the shadow of death. But no need to fear because through it all the Lord, who is your Shepherd, has been with you all along. In the presence of your enemies he has been preparing a table for you. Let them hate on you and laugh when it seems that everything is going bad for you. Just continue to say to yourself that 'at the hour appointed', you will eat at the table. Just like Saul it may appear that the route taken to get you to your divine destination was by accident, but I contend that there are no accidents for the children of God. He knows exactly what is best for you and your ultimate purpose which is to give glory to God. Now is not the time to walk around with a defeatist attitude. It is not the time to be discouraged. Now is the time to get excited about the bright future that is ahead of you. 'For it does not yet appear what we shall be, but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. (I John 3:2)
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
Thank you for this day. Thank You for the realization that Your delay does not mean Your denial. I thank You for those doors that You have closed as well as those that You have opened. Thank you for the protection You provide for me every day and the table You have prepared for me in the presence of mine enemies. Help me to see the purpose You have for my life in both the good and the bad things that happen. Help me to understand that there are no accidents and that all things that take place are so that You can get the glory out of my life. In Jesus' Most Wonderful Name I pray Amen.
I am reminded of the story of Saul before he was anointed to be the next king of God's people. Saul went out simply to look for donkeys and while on his way met Samuel who took him on a detour from what he thought his purpose was to the purpose God had planned for him. When you have time read the entire ninth chapter of I Samuel. There are a couple of verses I want to focus on.
And Samuel said to the cook, "Bring the portion I gave you, of which I said to you, 'Put it aside.'" So the cook took up the leg and what was on it and set them before Saul. And Samuel said, "See, what was kept is set before you. Eat, because it was kept for you until the hour appointed, that you might eat with the guests." So Saul ate with Samuel that day. (I Samuel 9:23-24)
You may not understand what these verses have to do with you so let me break it down to you. The first thing is that your blessing has been put aside in advance just for you. There is nothing anybody can do to stop this, including you. Even though you may have set out on a completely different path one day you will eat your right portion at a table that has been prepared just for you. Yes you may have had to walk through the valley of the shadow of death. But no need to fear because through it all the Lord, who is your Shepherd, has been with you all along. In the presence of your enemies he has been preparing a table for you. Let them hate on you and laugh when it seems that everything is going bad for you. Just continue to say to yourself that 'at the hour appointed', you will eat at the table. Just like Saul it may appear that the route taken to get you to your divine destination was by accident, but I contend that there are no accidents for the children of God. He knows exactly what is best for you and your ultimate purpose which is to give glory to God. Now is not the time to walk around with a defeatist attitude. It is not the time to be discouraged. Now is the time to get excited about the bright future that is ahead of you. 'For it does not yet appear what we shall be, but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. (I John 3:2)
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
Thank you for this day. Thank You for the realization that Your delay does not mean Your denial. I thank You for those doors that You have closed as well as those that You have opened. Thank you for the protection You provide for me every day and the table You have prepared for me in the presence of mine enemies. Help me to see the purpose You have for my life in both the good and the bad things that happen. Help me to understand that there are no accidents and that all things that take place are so that You can get the glory out of my life. In Jesus' Most Wonderful Name I pray Amen.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
While You Wait
Waiting on the Lord is my theme for the upcoming new year. I don't want to move from the left to the right without that blessed assurance that the directions have come from the Lord. But man have I been tempted to try and take back control during these last few days of 2010. In fact just this morning when I woke up I sat and contemplated on some different options. Just a few ways to help me get to my desired destination a little faster. I stopped for a second walked over to my dresser and saw that my devotional calendar hadn't been changed in a few days. I changed the date and this is what it said...
'Lord, I put my future in Your hands and ask that You would give me total peace about it. I don't want to be trying to secure my future with my own plans. I want to be the center of Your plans, knowing that You have given me everything I need for what is ahead'.
Time to wave the white flag. Yes Lord I hear you loud and clear. I will wait on You. I bet you didn't realize that we spend the majority of our lives waiting. When we were a child we couldn't wait to grow up. It seemed like it took forever. We fell in love and couldn't wait for him to ask us to marry him. On Monday we are waiting for Friday. At eight o'clock in the morning, at the beginning of the workday, we are waiting for five o'clock. We go to bed at night in anticipation of the morning. We wait in traffic. We wait in line at the bank. And let us not forget the line at Wal-Mart. At some time during any given day we are waiting for something. So why have we not mastered this thing called waiting? Part of the reason is because we don't know what to do while we wait. We spend most of our time focusing on whatever the problem is. If we are stuck in a dead end job, we spend all our time waiting for some relief. If we don't have a job, we spend all our time waiting for a call on that one application. If we have been to have some tests done at the doctor's office, we spend all our time waiting for the doctor to call. None of this behavior coincides with what the Word tells us about what to do while waiting on the Lord.
Isaiah 40:31 says, 'but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint'. Waiting does not imply inactivity. According to this verse some activity should take place. This is not an activity that includes taking back control. Instead it means to relinquish control completely. So what is it you must do? I don't know about you but my attitude is not the best when I have been waiting a long time without results. It becomes a bit sour and far from hopeful. The first thing you must do is to 'renew'. Change. Alter your way of thinking. The joy of the Lord is the believer's strength. That joy comes from the confident hope we have in God. Where do we find this hope? We find it in the Word of God. Verse after verse gives testimony of how the Lord has delivered those before us. I would almost bet if I sat down and did an interview with you about your life, you could give your own testimony. Once you change your way of thinking, you must 'mount up'. Change your position. Focus your attention upward on the Most High God. You are not a turkey. You were divinely designed to soar. This changing of position may mean to change your surroundings. Change the people you hang around with. A concept I believe most Christians don't get is that when God had destined you for greatness, you can't take everybody with you. The waiting implied in this verse also means 'to bind together'. It is like taking a thin strand of thread (you) and hooking it up to a steel cable (God). How else do you think we are able to run and not grow weary. You won't even feel fatigued. You exchange your weakness for His strength. Your foolishness for His wisdom. Your misery for His joy. You must search the Word. You must seek His face. You must surrender to His will. The result - youth soaring, middle age running and old age walking.
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
I lift up mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help, my help comes from You O Lord. Today I surrender to You. I relinquish all control and submit to Your will. I know that alone I am a thread that can easily be snapped but with You I am strong. I want to live a life that is pleasing in Your sight. I know that only comes through obedience to Your Word. My future is in Your hands. In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen.
'Lord, I put my future in Your hands and ask that You would give me total peace about it. I don't want to be trying to secure my future with my own plans. I want to be the center of Your plans, knowing that You have given me everything I need for what is ahead'.
Time to wave the white flag. Yes Lord I hear you loud and clear. I will wait on You. I bet you didn't realize that we spend the majority of our lives waiting. When we were a child we couldn't wait to grow up. It seemed like it took forever. We fell in love and couldn't wait for him to ask us to marry him. On Monday we are waiting for Friday. At eight o'clock in the morning, at the beginning of the workday, we are waiting for five o'clock. We go to bed at night in anticipation of the morning. We wait in traffic. We wait in line at the bank. And let us not forget the line at Wal-Mart. At some time during any given day we are waiting for something. So why have we not mastered this thing called waiting? Part of the reason is because we don't know what to do while we wait. We spend most of our time focusing on whatever the problem is. If we are stuck in a dead end job, we spend all our time waiting for some relief. If we don't have a job, we spend all our time waiting for a call on that one application. If we have been to have some tests done at the doctor's office, we spend all our time waiting for the doctor to call. None of this behavior coincides with what the Word tells us about what to do while waiting on the Lord.
Isaiah 40:31 says, 'but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint'. Waiting does not imply inactivity. According to this verse some activity should take place. This is not an activity that includes taking back control. Instead it means to relinquish control completely. So what is it you must do? I don't know about you but my attitude is not the best when I have been waiting a long time without results. It becomes a bit sour and far from hopeful. The first thing you must do is to 'renew'. Change. Alter your way of thinking. The joy of the Lord is the believer's strength. That joy comes from the confident hope we have in God. Where do we find this hope? We find it in the Word of God. Verse after verse gives testimony of how the Lord has delivered those before us. I would almost bet if I sat down and did an interview with you about your life, you could give your own testimony. Once you change your way of thinking, you must 'mount up'. Change your position. Focus your attention upward on the Most High God. You are not a turkey. You were divinely designed to soar. This changing of position may mean to change your surroundings. Change the people you hang around with. A concept I believe most Christians don't get is that when God had destined you for greatness, you can't take everybody with you. The waiting implied in this verse also means 'to bind together'. It is like taking a thin strand of thread (you) and hooking it up to a steel cable (God). How else do you think we are able to run and not grow weary. You won't even feel fatigued. You exchange your weakness for His strength. Your foolishness for His wisdom. Your misery for His joy. You must search the Word. You must seek His face. You must surrender to His will. The result - youth soaring, middle age running and old age walking.
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
I lift up mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help, my help comes from You O Lord. Today I surrender to You. I relinquish all control and submit to Your will. I know that alone I am a thread that can easily be snapped but with You I am strong. I want to live a life that is pleasing in Your sight. I know that only comes through obedience to Your Word. My future is in Your hands. In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Faith over Fear
Some days it is hard to see past the circumstances that are staring me right in my face. It doesn't matter that I am saved or how much faith I have. I am looking at what I can see and it has me kind of down right now. Christmas Day has passed and I am getting ready to head into a new year. I have a new goal ahead of me - getting my Master's Degree and I have no doubt that I can do it. But there are other things that have my mind preoccupied, like where am I going to work now that one of my long-term goals has been completed. I have been so blessed with a supporting family throughout this entire process. But it has always been hard for me to receive. I always feel like I need to be doing something to help out. So I 'fix my eyes on what is unseen because what is seen is temporary but what is unseen is eternal'. That's right Ramona...go to the Word. Point number one: Stop looking at your circumstances!
When I first starting writing back in April I felt a strong desire to get to know the Savior I accepted twenty-four years ago better. This year has definitely been one learning experience after another. God has shown me what I am made of. He has also shown me some not so pretty parts that had to be removed. As I sit here this evening and the devil tries to bombard my mind with thoughts of worry and doubt I am reminded of a verse in Isaiah. It says 'When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you'. (Isaiah 43:2) This message is a great reminder that God is the same yesterday, today and forevermore. There is just a peace that comes with knowing that no matter what you may be going through God is with you. God being with you is better than the whole world against you. I have experienced times when I was surrounded by a plethora of people and then there was a time when I was all alone. During the time when I was surrounded I was too distracted and couldn't hear the voice of the Lord. Too many other voices chattering in my ear. It wasn't until I was by myself that I heard His voice loud and clear. The most important lesson I learned in all this was the truth of His promise. 'Never will I leave you nor forsake you'. (Hebrews 13:5) The hand of God was always on my life. He didn't turn His back on me even though there were times I acted as though I didn't even need Him.
This verse has a way of making your change your thinking pattern. Faced with your own Red Sea, God can part the waters. And even though your enemy behind you may be being swallowed up as long as you are looking forward you will cross over on dry ground. You can have confidence in knowing that when you are in the midst of the fire, God tempers the fire and you will not be consumed. If that doesn't give you something to shout about I don't know what will. 'O ye of little faith'. It's time to face your fear head on with faith. Not faith in the White House, your job, your spouse, your parents, or the economy but faith in God.
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
Thank you for this time of uncertainty. It is during these times that I realize my limitations and recognize my total dependence on You. I thank You because I know that no matter how dark the night or how hot the fire You are with me. I am looking forward to the lesson learned so that I can be a witness to those around me and You will be glorified. In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen.
When I first starting writing back in April I felt a strong desire to get to know the Savior I accepted twenty-four years ago better. This year has definitely been one learning experience after another. God has shown me what I am made of. He has also shown me some not so pretty parts that had to be removed. As I sit here this evening and the devil tries to bombard my mind with thoughts of worry and doubt I am reminded of a verse in Isaiah. It says 'When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you'. (Isaiah 43:2) This message is a great reminder that God is the same yesterday, today and forevermore. There is just a peace that comes with knowing that no matter what you may be going through God is with you. God being with you is better than the whole world against you. I have experienced times when I was surrounded by a plethora of people and then there was a time when I was all alone. During the time when I was surrounded I was too distracted and couldn't hear the voice of the Lord. Too many other voices chattering in my ear. It wasn't until I was by myself that I heard His voice loud and clear. The most important lesson I learned in all this was the truth of His promise. 'Never will I leave you nor forsake you'. (Hebrews 13:5) The hand of God was always on my life. He didn't turn His back on me even though there were times I acted as though I didn't even need Him.
This verse has a way of making your change your thinking pattern. Faced with your own Red Sea, God can part the waters. And even though your enemy behind you may be being swallowed up as long as you are looking forward you will cross over on dry ground. You can have confidence in knowing that when you are in the midst of the fire, God tempers the fire and you will not be consumed. If that doesn't give you something to shout about I don't know what will. 'O ye of little faith'. It's time to face your fear head on with faith. Not faith in the White House, your job, your spouse, your parents, or the economy but faith in God.
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
Thank you for this time of uncertainty. It is during these times that I realize my limitations and recognize my total dependence on You. I thank You because I know that no matter how dark the night or how hot the fire You are with me. I am looking forward to the lesson learned so that I can be a witness to those around me and You will be glorified. In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Celebrate Jesus
'For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given. And the government shall be upon His shoulder and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace'. Isaiah 9:6
How easy it is to get caught up in the commercialism of Christmas that we forget the true meaning of Christmas. Before Thanksgiving is even over, we start to see the commercials on the television. The displays are put up in all the major department stores. As parents we start to stress about what we are going to get our children. One of the things I have always tried to do is make sure that my children know that Christmas is not about the gifts they receive, instead it is about one very important gift that was given to them so that they could have a right to the tree of life. Have you ever stopped to think about what this world would be like without Jesus? And even more personal, what would your life be like without Him? God has given us the best gift imaginable. One that just keeps getting sweeter and sweeter as the days go by. As your personal Lord and Saviour, over time you will find Him to be all the things mentioned in Isaiah 9:6. He is Wonderful. He is Wonderful in his love to his people, and his sympathy with them; in his humility, meekness, and patience; in his wisdom, conduct, courage, and greatness of soul: wonderful in his life and even wonderful in His death. He is a Counselor. We can go to Him for anything. Have a little talk with Jesus, tell Him all about our troubles. He will hear your faintest cry and answer by and by. He is the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father and most importantly the Prince of Peace. He is the Prince of Peace because He is the author of peace. If you think you have peace but don't have Jesus, you are sadly mistaken. He is the only one who can bring about true peace in your life. A peace that surpasses all understanding. Chaos all around you, yet you remain calm. Only He can provide that for you.
So this Christmas, CELEBRATE JESUS! He is definitely the reason for the season. If there were no Jesus we wouldn't have a reason to celebrate. As we go about our day receiving and giving gifts to those we love, let us not forget the reason. There is one thing my God is not and that is inconsistent. For thousands of years He has proven to be all of the things listed in Isaiah 9:6 and if you have any kind of personal relationship with the Savior I am sure you can add your own names to that list. Worship Him today. Give Him the glory, honor and praise that He deserves. And if you are concerned about not being able to give the material gifts that your family and friends may want, there is an even better gift you can give them. Show them the love of Christ. Give the gift of forgiveness. Share the good news of Jesus Christ. Make this the best Christmas ever.
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. This the day that You have made and I will rejoice and be glad in it. Lord, I want to thank you for the gift of your Son. Thank you that He was born a baby to become a man to die and take away the sin of the world. To take away my sin. Thank you for saving me. In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen.
How easy it is to get caught up in the commercialism of Christmas that we forget the true meaning of Christmas. Before Thanksgiving is even over, we start to see the commercials on the television. The displays are put up in all the major department stores. As parents we start to stress about what we are going to get our children. One of the things I have always tried to do is make sure that my children know that Christmas is not about the gifts they receive, instead it is about one very important gift that was given to them so that they could have a right to the tree of life. Have you ever stopped to think about what this world would be like without Jesus? And even more personal, what would your life be like without Him? God has given us the best gift imaginable. One that just keeps getting sweeter and sweeter as the days go by. As your personal Lord and Saviour, over time you will find Him to be all the things mentioned in Isaiah 9:6. He is Wonderful. He is Wonderful in his love to his people, and his sympathy with them; in his humility, meekness, and patience; in his wisdom, conduct, courage, and greatness of soul: wonderful in his life and even wonderful in His death. He is a Counselor. We can go to Him for anything. Have a little talk with Jesus, tell Him all about our troubles. He will hear your faintest cry and answer by and by. He is the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father and most importantly the Prince of Peace. He is the Prince of Peace because He is the author of peace. If you think you have peace but don't have Jesus, you are sadly mistaken. He is the only one who can bring about true peace in your life. A peace that surpasses all understanding. Chaos all around you, yet you remain calm. Only He can provide that for you.
So this Christmas, CELEBRATE JESUS! He is definitely the reason for the season. If there were no Jesus we wouldn't have a reason to celebrate. As we go about our day receiving and giving gifts to those we love, let us not forget the reason. There is one thing my God is not and that is inconsistent. For thousands of years He has proven to be all of the things listed in Isaiah 9:6 and if you have any kind of personal relationship with the Savior I am sure you can add your own names to that list. Worship Him today. Give Him the glory, honor and praise that He deserves. And if you are concerned about not being able to give the material gifts that your family and friends may want, there is an even better gift you can give them. Show them the love of Christ. Give the gift of forgiveness. Share the good news of Jesus Christ. Make this the best Christmas ever.
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. This the day that You have made and I will rejoice and be glad in it. Lord, I want to thank you for the gift of your Son. Thank you that He was born a baby to become a man to die and take away the sin of the world. To take away my sin. Thank you for saving me. In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Be Quiet and Listen
It is always good to be reminded about some of the very basic things in life. This weeks reminder hit me like a big truck. There I was proud of myself and my prayer life. I had recently made a discovery that I was going through most of my day before even talking to God. As a solution I started praying before my feet even touched the floor every morning. I also started making a more conscious effort to pray throughout my day about everything. The funny thing is that although I was praying more, I was only participating in one half of my communion with God. I was speaking without listening. I spent all of my time making requests and no time listening for God's answer. The result is that I was asking for the same thing over and over when God had already sent the answer. I was behaving like my children. It never fails that one of them will ask me something that I have already answered. I used to think that they kept asking hoping that I would change my mind. But I soon figured out that they kept asking because they weren't listening.
John 10:27 says, 'My sheep listen to my voice...' I am usually good about doing most things required of me by God but for some reason I had a problem with this one. The main reason is because it's pretty hard to listen when it seems that the Lord is mostly silent. In most relationships, we are so distracted and busy that it’s often the exception rather than the rule that we listen to one another, much less listen to God. God's voice is distinctive. In an auditorium full of children at my daughter's school, in the midst of all the hustle and bustle, I was able to hear my youngest daughter's voice. It did not matter that there were about one hundred and fifty other children there. That's how it should be with God. No matter how busy we get, when God speaks we should recognize His voice and heed His commands. At first His voice may not be as easily recognized. That is why we must set aside time in our day to spend with God. Not just out of habit but because we love Him and enjoy spending time with Him. When we listen to God we receive from Him answers, assurance, guidance, peace, strength, power, revelation of who He is and what He wants to do. When God speaks to us, He speaks in many ways. He speaks through out thoughts. He speaks to us through the Word. He speaks to us through others. He speaks to us through our circumstances. We just have to slow down enough to listen. In an ordinary conversation, we speak, then listen for the response of the other person. It's the same with God!
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
It's me, _______________. I recognize that You made me and know me better than I know myself. There is so much going on in my life right now and I just wanted to take a moment to tell You all about it. I sure would like your help on how to handle these areas of my life. I'm listening Lord. In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen.
John 10:27 says, 'My sheep listen to my voice...' I am usually good about doing most things required of me by God but for some reason I had a problem with this one. The main reason is because it's pretty hard to listen when it seems that the Lord is mostly silent. In most relationships, we are so distracted and busy that it’s often the exception rather than the rule that we listen to one another, much less listen to God. God's voice is distinctive. In an auditorium full of children at my daughter's school, in the midst of all the hustle and bustle, I was able to hear my youngest daughter's voice. It did not matter that there were about one hundred and fifty other children there. That's how it should be with God. No matter how busy we get, when God speaks we should recognize His voice and heed His commands. At first His voice may not be as easily recognized. That is why we must set aside time in our day to spend with God. Not just out of habit but because we love Him and enjoy spending time with Him. When we listen to God we receive from Him answers, assurance, guidance, peace, strength, power, revelation of who He is and what He wants to do. When God speaks to us, He speaks in many ways. He speaks through out thoughts. He speaks to us through the Word. He speaks to us through others. He speaks to us through our circumstances. We just have to slow down enough to listen. In an ordinary conversation, we speak, then listen for the response of the other person. It's the same with God!
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
It's me, _______________. I recognize that You made me and know me better than I know myself. There is so much going on in my life right now and I just wanted to take a moment to tell You all about it. I sure would like your help on how to handle these areas of my life. I'm listening Lord. In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Everything You Need (part 2)
R&B Singer Monica has a song out right now entitled 'Everything to Me'. In this song she is referring to a man who gives her everything she needs. While I love my husband and am thankful for all that he does for me and the companionship he provides for me, he does not give me everything I need. After thirty-six years of life I realize that only God can give me everything I need. God provides for me those intangibles that go along way to sustain my peace of mind when all the tangible things have been taken away or seem out of reach at the present time. What a much needed reminder for me this Christmas season. Being in school the past year and not working for a year and a half now has shown me firsthand that God will provide. This Christmas will be a little lighter for my children but it does not change the level of faith I have in God. In fact it has increased my faith.
Psalms 84:11 says, "For the Lord God is our light and protector. He gives us grace and glory. No good thing will the Lord withhold from those who do what is right." There are a lot of things I thought I needed but let's look at the things listed in this verse. Light - He allows me to see in dark places. He guides me along the right path. Protection - Satan can't touch me. My enemies can't touch me. He delivers me from every trap and protects me from the fatal plague. (Psalms 91:3) Grace - He withholds from me what I deserve because I don't always do what is right. Glory - when you think you have me beaten, He exalts me to a higher place in Him. And why does He give me all of these things? He gives me all of this that I may serve Him.
As I walk along life's journey what more could I ask for? As I submit to His will and walk in obedience He provides everything I need. The next time you are tempted to put all your faith in man think on these things. God has a proven track record. Rely on Him. Put all your trust in them. Psalms 84 ends with these words, 'O Lord Almighty, happy are those who trust in you'. One thing have I desired of the Lord and that will I seek after that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. There is nothing like knowing that God has you back. He will see you through. Your happiness is not dependent upon circumstance. Instead the outcome of your circumstance is determined by the inner joy you have. Even when things look like they haven't worked out in your favor, you know differently. God provides for you everything you need.
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
Thank you for providing everything I need in this life to serve you. You are my light and my protection. Help me to remember that everything is a gift from you. Without you I am nothing. In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen.
Psalms 84:11 says, "For the Lord God is our light and protector. He gives us grace and glory. No good thing will the Lord withhold from those who do what is right." There are a lot of things I thought I needed but let's look at the things listed in this verse. Light - He allows me to see in dark places. He guides me along the right path. Protection - Satan can't touch me. My enemies can't touch me. He delivers me from every trap and protects me from the fatal plague. (Psalms 91:3) Grace - He withholds from me what I deserve because I don't always do what is right. Glory - when you think you have me beaten, He exalts me to a higher place in Him. And why does He give me all of these things? He gives me all of this that I may serve Him.
As I walk along life's journey what more could I ask for? As I submit to His will and walk in obedience He provides everything I need. The next time you are tempted to put all your faith in man think on these things. God has a proven track record. Rely on Him. Put all your trust in them. Psalms 84 ends with these words, 'O Lord Almighty, happy are those who trust in you'. One thing have I desired of the Lord and that will I seek after that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. There is nothing like knowing that God has you back. He will see you through. Your happiness is not dependent upon circumstance. Instead the outcome of your circumstance is determined by the inner joy you have. Even when things look like they haven't worked out in your favor, you know differently. God provides for you everything you need.
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
Thank you for providing everything I need in this life to serve you. You are my light and my protection. Help me to remember that everything is a gift from you. Without you I am nothing. In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Change of Heart
Listening to the sermon today at church the preacher said something that stuck out significantly in my mind. He made a comment about your Outside versus your Inside. This was not the main point of his sermon but it was exactly what I needed to hear at that very moment. It brought about a moment of reflection. We are often more concerned with our outside and not our inside. It is our inside that reflects our Lord and Savior. It is the light of Jesus Christ that shines brightly from the inside out and helps us to be witnesses to others as we go about our everyday lives. Yet we spend more time and place great importance on our outside appearance. But if your heart isn't right that ugly that you are trying so hard to cover up will eventually come out. Now, I am not calling anyone ugly, but until God enters your heart and performs a heart transplant, removing all those negative feelings, thoughts and emotions and replaces them with thoughts that are pure, lovely and of good report, the ugly will continue to come to the surface. That is why we have to be made over. We must submit to the will of God and allow Him to transform our lives in to vessels to be used for His glory. The thing that we must understand about this process is that it is not a pretty process. Sin is our natural nature. That is why we must be born again.
I spent years worrying more about what other people thought than being true to myself and the person God had designed me to me. I allowed others to project behaviors that were not Christ-like all in the name of belonging. I was so miserable during this time. Everybody had expectations of who they thought I should be. What a mistake! One thing I learned from that experience is that the only person's opinion that mattered was God's. Furthermore, if I am living according to the Word then I don't have anything to be worried about. I will be a better person and God will be glorified. I developed a new way of thinking. I started saying a new prayer. 'My earnest expectation and hope is that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. Philippians 1:20 There are times when being obedient to Christ may appear to have a downside. It may look as though the costs outweigh the rewards. That is never the case when God is at the center of your decision. When He is guiding your footsteps. As this year draws to a close, it's time for self-evaluation. Don't spend time comparing your life to anyone around you. Fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Make a commitment to spend more time in communion with Him. Read the Word more. Hide it in your heart. For the word of God is quick and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword. If something needs to changed, only God can make that happen. Stop trying so hard to hide your insecurities and faults. Allow God to expose you so that you can be changed for the better.
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
Lord I need you. Create in me a clean heart. Renew my spirit. I need less of me and more of You. Forgive me for the sin I have committed in word, thought or deed. Let my actions be a reflection of the love you have shown me and will continue to show me in spite of me. Help me to live a life that is pleasing in Your sight. Use me for thy service. In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen.
I spent years worrying more about what other people thought than being true to myself and the person God had designed me to me. I allowed others to project behaviors that were not Christ-like all in the name of belonging. I was so miserable during this time. Everybody had expectations of who they thought I should be. What a mistake! One thing I learned from that experience is that the only person's opinion that mattered was God's. Furthermore, if I am living according to the Word then I don't have anything to be worried about. I will be a better person and God will be glorified. I developed a new way of thinking. I started saying a new prayer. 'My earnest expectation and hope is that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. Philippians 1:20 There are times when being obedient to Christ may appear to have a downside. It may look as though the costs outweigh the rewards. That is never the case when God is at the center of your decision. When He is guiding your footsteps. As this year draws to a close, it's time for self-evaluation. Don't spend time comparing your life to anyone around you. Fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Make a commitment to spend more time in communion with Him. Read the Word more. Hide it in your heart. For the word of God is quick and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword. If something needs to changed, only God can make that happen. Stop trying so hard to hide your insecurities and faults. Allow God to expose you so that you can be changed for the better.
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
Lord I need you. Create in me a clean heart. Renew my spirit. I need less of me and more of You. Forgive me for the sin I have committed in word, thought or deed. Let my actions be a reflection of the love you have shown me and will continue to show me in spite of me. Help me to live a life that is pleasing in Your sight. Use me for thy service. In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Keep Climbing
Well, son, I'll tell you:
Life for me ain't been no crystal stair.
It's had tacks in it,
And splinters,
And boards torn up,
And places with no carpet on the floor --
Bare.
But all the time
I'se been a-climbin' on,
And reachin' landin's,
And turnin' corners,
And sometimes goin' in the dark
Where there ain't been no light.
So boy, don't you turn back.
Don't you set down on the steps
'Cause you finds it's kinder hard.
Don't you fall now --
For I'se still goin', honey,
I'se still climbin',
And life for me ain't been no crystal stair...Langston Hughes
I love this poem. I remember the first time I heard it. I didn't quite know what it meant. But now as I close one chapter of my life and move on to the next one, I must ask a question in response to the line in the poem that says, 'Life for me ain't been no crystal stair'. My question is: Whose life has been a crystal stair? Each one of us is different. Not one of us is alike. God knows each one of us intimately and that is why we must all go through our share of trials and tribulations. This is done so that we may be made the better. The difference between us and the non-believer is that we should never stop climbing. We do not give up. It doesn't matter what things look at on the outside, we have to keep the faith. I know at times everything around us looks dark, but this is only so God's light can shine and we can recognize that only God has delivered us. Sometimes we have to be placed between a Red Sea and Pharaoh's army. Stuck...smack dab in the middle with no where to look but up. The hope that we have is that when we do look up God is faithful and is ready, willing and able too handle our situation. Only believe.
I believe on this journey of trust that God does have a plan for each and every one of us. We only have to open our hearts to receive direction. Sometimes, like me, we try to stray away from our calling but God always has a way of working us right back to where He wants us to be. During that time there may be tacks made up of suffering and splinters made up of heartache. Sometimes our phone stops ringing and we feel all alone. But that is prime time for God to operate. To transform us into the very likeness of Him. Life for you may not have been a crystal stair but always remember that you serve a God that is able to turn the worse thing you go through around for your good. You just have to keep trusting Him.
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
Lord, I thank you. Though outwardly I may be wasting away, inwardly I am being renewed day by day. For my light and momentary afflictions are achieving the purpose you designed. Lord help me to keep my eyes fixed on you, no matter what I am going through. I know that it is in You that I find peace and joy. In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen.
Life for me ain't been no crystal stair.
It's had tacks in it,
And splinters,
And boards torn up,
And places with no carpet on the floor --
Bare.
But all the time
I'se been a-climbin' on,
And reachin' landin's,
And turnin' corners,
And sometimes goin' in the dark
Where there ain't been no light.
So boy, don't you turn back.
Don't you set down on the steps
'Cause you finds it's kinder hard.
Don't you fall now --
For I'se still goin', honey,
I'se still climbin',
And life for me ain't been no crystal stair...Langston Hughes
I love this poem. I remember the first time I heard it. I didn't quite know what it meant. But now as I close one chapter of my life and move on to the next one, I must ask a question in response to the line in the poem that says, 'Life for me ain't been no crystal stair'. My question is: Whose life has been a crystal stair? Each one of us is different. Not one of us is alike. God knows each one of us intimately and that is why we must all go through our share of trials and tribulations. This is done so that we may be made the better. The difference between us and the non-believer is that we should never stop climbing. We do not give up. It doesn't matter what things look at on the outside, we have to keep the faith. I know at times everything around us looks dark, but this is only so God's light can shine and we can recognize that only God has delivered us. Sometimes we have to be placed between a Red Sea and Pharaoh's army. Stuck...smack dab in the middle with no where to look but up. The hope that we have is that when we do look up God is faithful and is ready, willing and able too handle our situation. Only believe.
I believe on this journey of trust that God does have a plan for each and every one of us. We only have to open our hearts to receive direction. Sometimes, like me, we try to stray away from our calling but God always has a way of working us right back to where He wants us to be. During that time there may be tacks made up of suffering and splinters made up of heartache. Sometimes our phone stops ringing and we feel all alone. But that is prime time for God to operate. To transform us into the very likeness of Him. Life for you may not have been a crystal stair but always remember that you serve a God that is able to turn the worse thing you go through around for your good. You just have to keep trusting Him.
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
Lord, I thank you. Though outwardly I may be wasting away, inwardly I am being renewed day by day. For my light and momentary afflictions are achieving the purpose you designed. Lord help me to keep my eyes fixed on you, no matter what I am going through. I know that it is in You that I find peace and joy. In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Possibilities
'With God all things are possible'. Matthew 19:26
I read an interesting quote today that said "Truth must become heart knowledge for transformation to take place." We can claim to know something all day but until it becomes a living, breathing part of us, it is just words. I have been blessed with the gift of memorization. This makes it quite easy for me to memorize scriptures. However, with all of the scriptures that I have memorized in thirty-six years, it has only been here recently that the words have become alive. My faith has grown. It has been the difference between me saying, "I think I can" versus "I know I can". The believer should spend time everyday in communion with God. The time spent in prayer and meditation is then made real to us by the Holy Spirit. The transformation then begins to take place in our hearts. Through the Word He reveals to us His plans, his purpose, and His provisions for us.
Let's begin by talking about His plan. Jeremiah 29:11 says it best. 'For I know the plans that I have for you, says the Lord, plans to prosper and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future'. He didn't say that you would be rich and never get sick. The word prosper means to make steady progress. This progress can occur in many different areas of your life, not just your finances. It also means to reach a high point in historical significance or importance. I can't speak for you but every time I have went through a different tests or storm, the results have been historical. I have learned things that will last my lifetime. Things that I desire to share with my children and those around me whom I love. God's purpose for our lives is simple 'to do what is perfect and pleasing in the eyes of God so that He is glorified. Everything we do should be so God can get the glory. Nothing should be done out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. After all, we can do nothing on our own. It is through God that all things are possible. Now I cannot talk about God's plan and His purpose without talking about His provision. 'And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus'. Philippians 4:19 Whatever it is that you need, God's got it. And the God I serve is not a selfish God. He gives willingly and generously to His children. All that He asks is for our obedience to His Word. He asks that we love Him with all our heart, soul and mind. When we do this the possibilities for our lives are endless. All we have to do is trust Him.
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the plan, purpose and provisions you have set aside for my life. Help me to be obedient and to do Your will, that which is good,perfect and pleasing in Your sight. Help my unbelief in situations that seem impossible. Help me to know that with You all things are possible. In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen.
I read an interesting quote today that said "Truth must become heart knowledge for transformation to take place." We can claim to know something all day but until it becomes a living, breathing part of us, it is just words. I have been blessed with the gift of memorization. This makes it quite easy for me to memorize scriptures. However, with all of the scriptures that I have memorized in thirty-six years, it has only been here recently that the words have become alive. My faith has grown. It has been the difference between me saying, "I think I can" versus "I know I can". The believer should spend time everyday in communion with God. The time spent in prayer and meditation is then made real to us by the Holy Spirit. The transformation then begins to take place in our hearts. Through the Word He reveals to us His plans, his purpose, and His provisions for us.
Let's begin by talking about His plan. Jeremiah 29:11 says it best. 'For I know the plans that I have for you, says the Lord, plans to prosper and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future'. He didn't say that you would be rich and never get sick. The word prosper means to make steady progress. This progress can occur in many different areas of your life, not just your finances. It also means to reach a high point in historical significance or importance. I can't speak for you but every time I have went through a different tests or storm, the results have been historical. I have learned things that will last my lifetime. Things that I desire to share with my children and those around me whom I love. God's purpose for our lives is simple 'to do what is perfect and pleasing in the eyes of God so that He is glorified. Everything we do should be so God can get the glory. Nothing should be done out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. After all, we can do nothing on our own. It is through God that all things are possible. Now I cannot talk about God's plan and His purpose without talking about His provision. 'And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus'. Philippians 4:19 Whatever it is that you need, God's got it. And the God I serve is not a selfish God. He gives willingly and generously to His children. All that He asks is for our obedience to His Word. He asks that we love Him with all our heart, soul and mind. When we do this the possibilities for our lives are endless. All we have to do is trust Him.
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the plan, purpose and provisions you have set aside for my life. Help me to be obedient and to do Your will, that which is good,perfect and pleasing in Your sight. Help my unbelief in situations that seem impossible. Help me to know that with You all things are possible. In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Pray First!
What is stopping you from taking that leap of faith to accomplish your goal? Do you have a desire to go back to school or open your own business. Apply for that promotion? Move to another state? Say yes to that first date? I was at church tonight and one of our deacons made a profound statement. He said that "many of us begin something without ever consulting God about it." (my paraphrase) Driving home I thought about how many times I have actually done that. I have made up in my mind that this is the next step in my life and I begin mapping out my plan of action. I decide how I am going to begin and that nothing is going to stand in my way. I pay no attention to all the roadblocks I keep hitting. I have even blamed the devil for causing the roadblocks. I didn't even stop to think that they could have been sent by God to get my attention so that He can talk to me and tell me what His plan was instead of mine. If you can relate, raise your hand!
I know that I don't have to tell you that we are supposed to talk to God about everything. From the minor to the major. God wants to be included. He has a plan for your life and believe it or not He may have something different in mind then what you or I want. But if we follow His lead, I guarantee that we will come out on top. I sit back daily and watch my children as they grow up. They are pretty good babies but I am not naive enough to think that as much as I would like to plot their course for them, I cannot. They are all saved and I have to leave them in the hands of the Lord. James 1:4 says, "If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking." This life we live can be hard. With hard times comes stress and poor decision making. That is why we must ask God what to in the midst of our trials. Should we respond? How should we respond? Is this a sign that it is time for me to move on? Should I go back to school? Am I ready to get married? Each of us probably ask a hundred questions in our mind each day. Today I want to challenge each of you to have those conversations with God. What to do when you don't know what to do? Pray....and you continue to pray until you hear from God. And if you don't hear from Him then you wait. You are still on the path to greatness, just not in your own time. Will you be the cause of your own detour simply because you didn't stop and ask God if this is in His will?
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
As I close one chapter of my book I just wanted to stop by and let you know what I am thinking. (Tell God what your plan is.) I am not sure if this is what you want for me so I am seeking guidance from you. I need help. If this is not your will then I ask you to give me patience to wait for instruction. Thank you for answering my prayer. In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen.
I know that I don't have to tell you that we are supposed to talk to God about everything. From the minor to the major. God wants to be included. He has a plan for your life and believe it or not He may have something different in mind then what you or I want. But if we follow His lead, I guarantee that we will come out on top. I sit back daily and watch my children as they grow up. They are pretty good babies but I am not naive enough to think that as much as I would like to plot their course for them, I cannot. They are all saved and I have to leave them in the hands of the Lord. James 1:4 says, "If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking." This life we live can be hard. With hard times comes stress and poor decision making. That is why we must ask God what to in the midst of our trials. Should we respond? How should we respond? Is this a sign that it is time for me to move on? Should I go back to school? Am I ready to get married? Each of us probably ask a hundred questions in our mind each day. Today I want to challenge each of you to have those conversations with God. What to do when you don't know what to do? Pray....and you continue to pray until you hear from God. And if you don't hear from Him then you wait. You are still on the path to greatness, just not in your own time. Will you be the cause of your own detour simply because you didn't stop and ask God if this is in His will?
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
As I close one chapter of my book I just wanted to stop by and let you know what I am thinking. (Tell God what your plan is.) I am not sure if this is what you want for me so I am seeking guidance from you. I need help. If this is not your will then I ask you to give me patience to wait for instruction. Thank you for answering my prayer. In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
A Prayer for Patience
Think about a prayer almost every Christian has prayed and soon after regretted. The one that comes to mind is ' a prayer for patience'. You know that desire we have to be able to bear and endure pain, difficulty, provocation, or annoyance with calmness. Whatever in the world would possess anyone to pray that prayer I do not know. It is almost like sending up a request to God to bring on the test...the trial...the storm. When I think about patience I think about being stuck in traffic. No one hates to be stuck in traffic more than me, especially when I cannot see a reason for the bottleneck. Like today when I was driving home, I was stuck behind a line of four slow drivers. So I kept my eye out for the first opportunity to get over so that I could pass them. Eventually that time came and I got over, not realizing that the driver in the other land had no particular place to be as well. Translation...she was driving slow too. I saw yet another opportunity and got back over thinking my time had finally come and I could get to the highway. Hahaha...was I mistaken. I got over only to come to a complete stop because one of the cars ahead of me needed to turn. Me and my impatience. Had I just stayed in my lane and went with the flow of traffic I could have made it to the highway in no time at all.
Same thing in my spiritual life. I have a true desire for growth. To be more like God. I want to be more patient in tribulation but the first chance I get I decide to change lanes. Things are progressing way too slow. No longer following God's direction, I decide that I can plot my own course. I don't have the time to wait. I need to get where I am going and NOW! Patience is a virtue. It is one of the fruits of the spirit (Gal. 5:22). Patience reveals our faith in God's timing, omnipotence and love. Either we believe that He knows what is best for us or we don't. The Bible tells us in James 1:4, 'Let your patience show itself perfectly in what you do. Then you will be perfect and complete and will have everything you need'. What does this say to me about patience? That I must still be obedient to the Word of God, even at my highest moments of frustration. When every one around me seems to be a contributing factor to everything bad that is going on in my life. I don't know about you but when this happens to me my reaction is usually to discontinue to walk in love. Someone else is going to have to suffer from my level of frustration. Now maybe that is just me that feels this way. But if not let me share with you how I deal with this so that my patience shows itself in everything I do. I think about how patient God is with me. So much so that the scripture says that 'His compassion fail not, they are new every morning. Great is thy faithfulness'. (Lam 3:22-23) What if He decided to say, "Ramona, I have given you enough chances." I recite one of my favorite verses that says, 'But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint..;Isaiah 40:31. What does that tell me? That patience gives me something. I hear you asking me what... SUSTAINABILITY. When those who are running this race around me in their journey of trust are panting on the side of the road or who have quit running altogether, I will instead be able to continue my race. My hope in God has taught me to pace myself. Take much need spiritual food breaks by reading the Word and praying for guidance. This journey is about so much more than seeing how fast we can cross the finish line. So leave your life in the hands of the Lord.
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your love, for your love is patient. It is longsuffering. It has the ability to see past my faults to my needs. I confess that many times I get out of my lane in an attempt to speed up this perfecting process. I realize now that I need to leave that in your hands. The One who sits high and looks low. The One who knew my ending even before I was born. I want to be more patient with those whose lives I come in contact with. I want them to see God in me, not only in the way I talk but in the way I walk. When I am tempted to react with impatience help me to remember how patient you are with me. I will continue to give you all the glory, honor and the praise. In Jesus Wonderful Name I pray Amen.
Same thing in my spiritual life. I have a true desire for growth. To be more like God. I want to be more patient in tribulation but the first chance I get I decide to change lanes. Things are progressing way too slow. No longer following God's direction, I decide that I can plot my own course. I don't have the time to wait. I need to get where I am going and NOW! Patience is a virtue. It is one of the fruits of the spirit (Gal. 5:22). Patience reveals our faith in God's timing, omnipotence and love. Either we believe that He knows what is best for us or we don't. The Bible tells us in James 1:4, 'Let your patience show itself perfectly in what you do. Then you will be perfect and complete and will have everything you need'. What does this say to me about patience? That I must still be obedient to the Word of God, even at my highest moments of frustration. When every one around me seems to be a contributing factor to everything bad that is going on in my life. I don't know about you but when this happens to me my reaction is usually to discontinue to walk in love. Someone else is going to have to suffer from my level of frustration. Now maybe that is just me that feels this way. But if not let me share with you how I deal with this so that my patience shows itself in everything I do. I think about how patient God is with me. So much so that the scripture says that 'His compassion fail not, they are new every morning. Great is thy faithfulness'. (Lam 3:22-23) What if He decided to say, "Ramona, I have given you enough chances." I recite one of my favorite verses that says, 'But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint..;Isaiah 40:31. What does that tell me? That patience gives me something. I hear you asking me what... SUSTAINABILITY. When those who are running this race around me in their journey of trust are panting on the side of the road or who have quit running altogether, I will instead be able to continue my race. My hope in God has taught me to pace myself. Take much need spiritual food breaks by reading the Word and praying for guidance. This journey is about so much more than seeing how fast we can cross the finish line. So leave your life in the hands of the Lord.
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your love, for your love is patient. It is longsuffering. It has the ability to see past my faults to my needs. I confess that many times I get out of my lane in an attempt to speed up this perfecting process. I realize now that I need to leave that in your hands. The One who sits high and looks low. The One who knew my ending even before I was born. I want to be more patient with those whose lives I come in contact with. I want them to see God in me, not only in the way I talk but in the way I walk. When I am tempted to react with impatience help me to remember how patient you are with me. I will continue to give you all the glory, honor and the praise. In Jesus Wonderful Name I pray Amen.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
A Servant's Heart
I wonder why so much emphasis was put on serving others when Jesus was on this earth. I wonder if He knew that after love, one of the most important aspects of a successful relationship is the ability to serve. To put someone's need above our very own. And not just in random acts of kindness but with the people who make up our inner circle. Our family and closest friends. Those who have the power to hurt us the most. Those with whom it is easier to take off our servant hat because they have wronged us. I have often thought about why it is so easy to say and do kind things for someone I barely even know but be so critical of those who I spend time with every day. How much better some of my relationships might be if I woke up in the morning saying, "How may I serve you today?" "What things can I do to make your life easier.
Society has taught us that if we don't look out for ourselves, who will. In most textbooks, America is identified as being an individualistic country. How is that when approximately seventy-six percent of all Americans profess to be Christians? This would say that society and not the Bible is dictating how we behave. Remember the story when the mother of James and John approached Jesus about her sons sitting on His right hand and His left. If not go and read Matthew 10:21-28. What was Jesus' response...'whoever would be great among you must be your servant and whoever would be first among you must be your slave'. (v27-28) This is to say that greatness is achieved through servanthood. Being a servant means that you are available and attentive. If you are so preoccupied with what the other person can do for you then you are not available to see what that person may be needing at the time. Hence, unavailable. If your mind is consumed with thoughts of how can I achieve a certain status or make sure that I am the focus of all conversations you are not being attentive to what nonverbal cues someone else may be giving off as a cry for help. Yes this may be the very person that hurt you less than thirty minutes ago but that doesn't matter at the end of the day. This may be the greatest opportunity you have to witness. To be an encourager. To walk the walk and not just talk the talk. I live by the motto, 'if I can help somebody as I travel along'. This does not mean that I do not want things for myself, it just means that the needs of others are just as important. I cannot count how many times I was blessed simply by helping someone else.
Think about our Savior who gave up everything to come to earth and die on a cross, so that you and I could be saved. Such a perfect example of servanthood. He emptied himself of all his power and majesty and walked the earth, saving and healing others. Henri Nouwen writes in Compassion: A Reflection of the Christian Life, “Our God is a servant God. It is difficult for us to comprehend that we are liberated by someone who became powerless, that we are being strengthened by someone who became weak, that we find new hope in someone who divested himself of all distinctions, and that we find a leader in someone who became a servant.” How true! With Christmas Day only a few weeks away, why not take a moment and take a good look around you. Instead of looking at what someone can do for you, think about what you can do for someone else. This act of kindness could begin right in your own home.
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the sacrifice of your Son. Thank you for the example He gave on how to achieve greatness. Help me to be more observant of those around and their needs. I need your help to not be selfish. I want to have a servant's heart. One that is compassionate, kind, humble, and patient, bearing with one another and forgiving others and above all else showing love. Let everything I do, whether in word or in deed be done in the name of the Lord. In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen.
Society has taught us that if we don't look out for ourselves, who will. In most textbooks, America is identified as being an individualistic country. How is that when approximately seventy-six percent of all Americans profess to be Christians? This would say that society and not the Bible is dictating how we behave. Remember the story when the mother of James and John approached Jesus about her sons sitting on His right hand and His left. If not go and read Matthew 10:21-28. What was Jesus' response...'whoever would be great among you must be your servant and whoever would be first among you must be your slave'. (v27-28) This is to say that greatness is achieved through servanthood. Being a servant means that you are available and attentive. If you are so preoccupied with what the other person can do for you then you are not available to see what that person may be needing at the time. Hence, unavailable. If your mind is consumed with thoughts of how can I achieve a certain status or make sure that I am the focus of all conversations you are not being attentive to what nonverbal cues someone else may be giving off as a cry for help. Yes this may be the very person that hurt you less than thirty minutes ago but that doesn't matter at the end of the day. This may be the greatest opportunity you have to witness. To be an encourager. To walk the walk and not just talk the talk. I live by the motto, 'if I can help somebody as I travel along'. This does not mean that I do not want things for myself, it just means that the needs of others are just as important. I cannot count how many times I was blessed simply by helping someone else.
Think about our Savior who gave up everything to come to earth and die on a cross, so that you and I could be saved. Such a perfect example of servanthood. He emptied himself of all his power and majesty and walked the earth, saving and healing others. Henri Nouwen writes in Compassion: A Reflection of the Christian Life, “Our God is a servant God. It is difficult for us to comprehend that we are liberated by someone who became powerless, that we are being strengthened by someone who became weak, that we find new hope in someone who divested himself of all distinctions, and that we find a leader in someone who became a servant.” How true! With Christmas Day only a few weeks away, why not take a moment and take a good look around you. Instead of looking at what someone can do for you, think about what you can do for someone else. This act of kindness could begin right in your own home.
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the sacrifice of your Son. Thank you for the example He gave on how to achieve greatness. Help me to be more observant of those around and their needs. I need your help to not be selfish. I want to have a servant's heart. One that is compassionate, kind, humble, and patient, bearing with one another and forgiving others and above all else showing love. Let everything I do, whether in word or in deed be done in the name of the Lord. In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Stand Your Ground!
Some days you have to stand flat-footed and look the devil in the eye and say, "Hit me with your best shot, I am going all the way with the Lord." I was having one of those days today. I immediately reached down into the depths of my soul, my spiritual treasure chest and stood firm on the Word of God. I started out on a path of Psalm 91. "I am dwelling in the secret place of the most high. I am abiding under the shelter of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom will I trust'. I dug down deeper to Psalm 23:4 to 'Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for You, O Lord are with me. Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me'. Kept on digging and wound up at Jeremiah 29:11, 'For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
The devil is real y'all and he ain't playing. He is roaming to and fro seeking who he can devour. He is there daily seeking to steal, kill and destroy. He wants to steal our joy. Kill our relationships. Destroy our peace. He doesn't care who he has to use to do it either. That is why we must be prepared with the whole armor of God. In my lifetime I have met a few Christians who steal treat the devil like he is that man dressed in that red costume with pointy ears, a tail and a pitchfork. A figment of our imagination. No maam! No sir! I've stopped by here to tell you that the devil is as real as the hand staring you in your face. We need to recognize that the devil can be right in your house, sitting in the cubicle next to you, living in the house next door. Although you may think you can fight him with wordly weapons, you can't. The devil has a whole army....rulers, authorities, cosmic powers over the power of darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in heavenly places...(Eph. 6:11-12) For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh. They have a divine power that can destroy strongholds. (II Cor. 10:4) But you have to know what those weapons are. Things like 'rejoicing in hope, being patient in affliction and faithful in prayer. (Romans 12:12) Having humility. Exercising your faith! Thanking God in all circumstances! Sometimes you have to tell yourself that God is bigger. He is greater than all your problems. He can change any situation. There isn't anything too hard for God. Time to hide His Word in your heart. Build yourself a treasure chest of the Word. You can stand firm and say 'though the storm keeps on raging and sometimes it gets a bit hard for me to bear, you have a hope that lies within. It's not the same hope that non-Christians have in their own abilities, jobs and other people. Your hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness. So if the storms don't cease and the wind keeps on blowing in your life, you can stand firm with your feet planted and say that your soul is anchored in the Lord!
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
Creator of all things. Alpha and Omega. The beginning and the end. I come to You today thanking you for grace and mercy. Joy and Peace. Thank you for giving me hope. The ability to look past my circumstances to the glory that lies in serving the true and living God. Out of the depths of my soul I cry to You. Satan is trying his best to take me out. Yet will I wait for you. I hope in your Word. Thank you for your sustaning power and your steadfast love. In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen.
The devil is real y'all and he ain't playing. He is roaming to and fro seeking who he can devour. He is there daily seeking to steal, kill and destroy. He wants to steal our joy. Kill our relationships. Destroy our peace. He doesn't care who he has to use to do it either. That is why we must be prepared with the whole armor of God. In my lifetime I have met a few Christians who steal treat the devil like he is that man dressed in that red costume with pointy ears, a tail and a pitchfork. A figment of our imagination. No maam! No sir! I've stopped by here to tell you that the devil is as real as the hand staring you in your face. We need to recognize that the devil can be right in your house, sitting in the cubicle next to you, living in the house next door. Although you may think you can fight him with wordly weapons, you can't. The devil has a whole army....rulers, authorities, cosmic powers over the power of darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in heavenly places...(Eph. 6:11-12) For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh. They have a divine power that can destroy strongholds. (II Cor. 10:4) But you have to know what those weapons are. Things like 'rejoicing in hope, being patient in affliction and faithful in prayer. (Romans 12:12) Having humility. Exercising your faith! Thanking God in all circumstances! Sometimes you have to tell yourself that God is bigger. He is greater than all your problems. He can change any situation. There isn't anything too hard for God. Time to hide His Word in your heart. Build yourself a treasure chest of the Word. You can stand firm and say 'though the storm keeps on raging and sometimes it gets a bit hard for me to bear, you have a hope that lies within. It's not the same hope that non-Christians have in their own abilities, jobs and other people. Your hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness. So if the storms don't cease and the wind keeps on blowing in your life, you can stand firm with your feet planted and say that your soul is anchored in the Lord!
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
Creator of all things. Alpha and Omega. The beginning and the end. I come to You today thanking you for grace and mercy. Joy and Peace. Thank you for giving me hope. The ability to look past my circumstances to the glory that lies in serving the true and living God. Out of the depths of my soul I cry to You. Satan is trying his best to take me out. Yet will I wait for you. I hope in your Word. Thank you for your sustaning power and your steadfast love. In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen.
Friday, December 10, 2010
An Unwanted Gift
With Christmas fast approaching I was sitting and thinking how every year I get something that I don't like or have no use for. You know, like grandma's sweaters. I don't know what it is about grandmother's who think that a Christmas present should include a not-so-cute sweater, socks or even underwear. What child wakes up on Christmas morning looking for these gifts? I know I didn't. But every year she never deterred from these gifts. Maybe grandma knew something that I didn't care to think about as a child. She knew that it was going to be a cold winter and that sweater was going to come in handy. She knew that above all else there were certain essentials I would need after Christmas had come and gone.
This story reminds me of God. Read James 1:2, 'Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds'. Joy??? Really! There is nothing good that can come out of this situation. God allows trials to come into our lives to build certain characteristics up in us that are essential for our survival. Yet , just like I did on Christmas morning when opening up that sweater, we moan and we grown wishing for something else. A bike. A barbie doll. A dollhouse. All the things that once I got tired of them I would place in the closet or my dad would put up in the attic and my hand would be out to receive the next big thing. God could do us like that. And sometimes I think that He does. But ultimately, God wants to develop some stick-to-it-tiveness in us, where we are not knocked down at the first sight of trouble. We have all heard time and time again that trials come to make us stronger. They make us better. That grow us up. But do you believe it?
Read further down in the 1st chapter of James. 'for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness'. (v.3) What does this mean? Let the wind blow and the lightening flash. Take away my safety net and I am still going to trust in God. My foundation is solid. My faith is unchanging, immovable. Trials put God to the test and let me tell you what I know...He has always been proving faithful. His Word is true. Whatever He has said, it will come to pass. Tried in the fire, my brother and my sister, you are still going to come forth as pure gold.
James goes on to say, 'And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing'. (verse 4) I read something one day that said, "We should not pray so much for the removal of affliction, as for wisdom to make a right use of it." Stop fighting so hard to get out or your trials. God is trying to teach you something. Yes we could probably have a trial or two and even learn a valuable lesson from it, but is it enough to handle what is coming up down the road. Only God knows. He doesn't desire to send us into battle without the weapons necessary to fight against the wiles of the devil. He wants us to be prepared. He wants us to stand firm against Satan, confident that 'though he slay me, yet will I trust Him' In other words, 'Satan, bring it on. Trials can give you wisdom. Wisdom for yourself and for that young sister or brother coming up behind you.
We have all heard the saying that it is easier to put your best self forward when all is perfect in the world. But let adversity come and the real person comes out. When we accept our trials and continue to praise God in the midst of our circumstances then we are a stronger witness for God. Our trials have, in fact, cut away all the junk and brought out the gem. It may have started out as an unwanted Christmas gift but when the cold wins begin to blow , the unwanted gift is the first thing we reach for. You see, that trial made you go deeper in the Word. It taught you how to love better. How to forgive more. It developed perseverance. You can now bear difficulties without complaint. When you think about complaining about the unwanted gift of adversity, stop for a moment and think of Jesus. He was the world's unwanted gift. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrow acquainted with grief. Yet in spite of all that, He had a purpose and that was to be a sacrificial lamb for my sins and yours. He could have complained to His Father, called ten thousand angels, but He didn't. He loved us just that much. I don't know what is going on in your life right now but accept it and praise God through it. It is not meant to tear you down but build you up so that you are perfect and complete, not lacking anything.
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
Thank you first and foremost for the gift of Your Son. I am so grateful that You love me. I count every test and trial as a blessing. I know that you are chipping away at all my little idiosyncrasies and imperfections to shape me into the person You need me to be to be used for Your glory. Help me to be open to change. I thank You Lord for this process. I want to be used in whatever way You see fit. I will be so careful to always give your name the praise. In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray amen.
This story reminds me of God. Read James 1:2, 'Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds'. Joy??? Really! There is nothing good that can come out of this situation. God allows trials to come into our lives to build certain characteristics up in us that are essential for our survival. Yet , just like I did on Christmas morning when opening up that sweater, we moan and we grown wishing for something else. A bike. A barbie doll. A dollhouse. All the things that once I got tired of them I would place in the closet or my dad would put up in the attic and my hand would be out to receive the next big thing. God could do us like that. And sometimes I think that He does. But ultimately, God wants to develop some stick-to-it-tiveness in us, where we are not knocked down at the first sight of trouble. We have all heard time and time again that trials come to make us stronger. They make us better. That grow us up. But do you believe it?
Read further down in the 1st chapter of James. 'for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness'. (v.3) What does this mean? Let the wind blow and the lightening flash. Take away my safety net and I am still going to trust in God. My foundation is solid. My faith is unchanging, immovable. Trials put God to the test and let me tell you what I know...He has always been proving faithful. His Word is true. Whatever He has said, it will come to pass. Tried in the fire, my brother and my sister, you are still going to come forth as pure gold.
James goes on to say, 'And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing'. (verse 4) I read something one day that said, "We should not pray so much for the removal of affliction, as for wisdom to make a right use of it." Stop fighting so hard to get out or your trials. God is trying to teach you something. Yes we could probably have a trial or two and even learn a valuable lesson from it, but is it enough to handle what is coming up down the road. Only God knows. He doesn't desire to send us into battle without the weapons necessary to fight against the wiles of the devil. He wants us to be prepared. He wants us to stand firm against Satan, confident that 'though he slay me, yet will I trust Him' In other words, 'Satan, bring it on. Trials can give you wisdom. Wisdom for yourself and for that young sister or brother coming up behind you.
We have all heard the saying that it is easier to put your best self forward when all is perfect in the world. But let adversity come and the real person comes out. When we accept our trials and continue to praise God in the midst of our circumstances then we are a stronger witness for God. Our trials have, in fact, cut away all the junk and brought out the gem. It may have started out as an unwanted Christmas gift but when the cold wins begin to blow , the unwanted gift is the first thing we reach for. You see, that trial made you go deeper in the Word. It taught you how to love better. How to forgive more. It developed perseverance. You can now bear difficulties without complaint. When you think about complaining about the unwanted gift of adversity, stop for a moment and think of Jesus. He was the world's unwanted gift. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrow acquainted with grief. Yet in spite of all that, He had a purpose and that was to be a sacrificial lamb for my sins and yours. He could have complained to His Father, called ten thousand angels, but He didn't. He loved us just that much. I don't know what is going on in your life right now but accept it and praise God through it. It is not meant to tear you down but build you up so that you are perfect and complete, not lacking anything.
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
Thank you first and foremost for the gift of Your Son. I am so grateful that You love me. I count every test and trial as a blessing. I know that you are chipping away at all my little idiosyncrasies and imperfections to shape me into the person You need me to be to be used for Your glory. Help me to be open to change. I thank You Lord for this process. I want to be used in whatever way You see fit. I will be so careful to always give your name the praise. In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray amen.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Shades of Gray
Will the real Christians please stand up?! Those that have been redeemed of the Lord. When you have been redeemed of the Lord you ought to tell somebody. It should be evident in the way you walk and heard in the words you speak. There should be a direct correlation between what you say and how you live. This correlation should be seen no matter what your surroundings. Each and everyday we are faced with choices. Each day we have the chance to stand out in a crowd. Do the right thing. I remember growing up in a time when things were either right or wrong. There were very few gray areas. The message that was taught at my house was the same even if I was three blocks away at the neighbors house. People stood up for what was right and preached against what was wrong. My question today is what has happened to change the way we live our lives. Do we just not know right from wrong anymore? Instead of living by the Word, we live by the rule of self-benefit. Instead I will just blend in with the crowd and even conform to the ways of those around me. When did everything start being about being politically correct? This happens from the pulpit, on our jobs, to our every day conversations in our home. People only want to hear about what they can get, so let's not preach about sin only about blessings. We spend so much time saying things like, 'Yeah I drink every now and then. No I don't always listen to gospel music. I just might cuss you out'. Justifying our every action. But do we think about the effect we may be having on those around us who may not be as mature in their Christian relationship. Do those behaviors imitate Christ? Do we stop to think about when we do this...what are we teaching those coming up after us? I am not here to judge your behaviors. I just want to give you something to think about. One thing I do know is that we have what we need to make the right decision. We have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us and the Word of God with us. So why don't I allow the Word to do it's work. After all it is 'quick and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of the soul and spirit, of the joints and marrow and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.'..Hebrews 4:12.
How do we determine what is the right decision? This is where spiritual discernment comes into play.What is spiritual discernment? Most people thing that it is some magical force, a special connection to God. When actually there is no magical power. Discernment is the ability to recognize good and evil, and it is a spiritual discipline. Discipline simply brings us closer to God. It helps us to decide the right from the wrong. The Holy Spirit is always working in us, nudging us and leading us to make the right decision. The problem lies in the fact that we choose to ignore his nudging. We make decisions based on our feelings not on the nudging of the Holy Spirit.
"I feel better knowing that I just told that person off who cut me off on the highway. I feel better giving that two-faced friend a piece of my mind. I feel better not forgiving the person who did me wrong. We are living together to save money, after all we are in a recession. Why shouldn't I participate in that conversation talking about my sister or my brother? The things they are saying is the truth."
How do we move from reacting based on our emotions to responding based on the leading of the Holy Spirit. We must simply 'open our eyes'. 'Pay attention'. The World of the Lord tells us to 'Be alert' in I Peter 5:8. It goes on to say that 'Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour'. And you are the primary target. The devil is cunning. He knows how to camouflage deception into some of the most beautiful packages, appealing to the lust of your flesh. It comes in the form of caramel skin with long black hair or tall, dark and handsome. It can be disguised in the name of justice. It can be hidden in the name of advice from your closest friend. But what does God have to say about it? What is your spirit telling you? The further we are away from God and a deep relationship with him, the easier it is for Satan to come in and create those areas of gray. We say things like, "Why rock the boat? Everyone is doing it." But just because everyone is doing it doesn't mean that it is what is good, pleasing and perfect in God's eyes. (Romans 12:2) Our job is to stand out not to blend in. Be not conformed to this world but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind. Casting down imagination and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ---II Corinthians 10:5. Thinking those thoughts that are honest, pure and lovely and of good report. The devil does not discriminate and he likes it when we give in to his schemes.
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
I come to you today needing help detecting the good from the bad in all areas of my life. I long for better spiritual discernment. Help me to run away from those things that distract me from hearing the Holy Spirit. I understand the importance of being a light that shines in the midst of darkness. I know that sometimes that means that I must stand alone. I pray also that the eyes of my heart may be enlightened in order that I may know what is good, perfect and pleasing in Your sight. Help me to make the right decision even in difficult situations. My desire is to serve You in all things. I will continue to give You all the glory, honor and the praise. In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen.
How do we determine what is the right decision? This is where spiritual discernment comes into play.What is spiritual discernment? Most people thing that it is some magical force, a special connection to God. When actually there is no magical power. Discernment is the ability to recognize good and evil, and it is a spiritual discipline. Discipline simply brings us closer to God. It helps us to decide the right from the wrong. The Holy Spirit is always working in us, nudging us and leading us to make the right decision. The problem lies in the fact that we choose to ignore his nudging. We make decisions based on our feelings not on the nudging of the Holy Spirit.
"I feel better knowing that I just told that person off who cut me off on the highway. I feel better giving that two-faced friend a piece of my mind. I feel better not forgiving the person who did me wrong. We are living together to save money, after all we are in a recession. Why shouldn't I participate in that conversation talking about my sister or my brother? The things they are saying is the truth."
How do we move from reacting based on our emotions to responding based on the leading of the Holy Spirit. We must simply 'open our eyes'. 'Pay attention'. The World of the Lord tells us to 'Be alert' in I Peter 5:8. It goes on to say that 'Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour'. And you are the primary target. The devil is cunning. He knows how to camouflage deception into some of the most beautiful packages, appealing to the lust of your flesh. It comes in the form of caramel skin with long black hair or tall, dark and handsome. It can be disguised in the name of justice. It can be hidden in the name of advice from your closest friend. But what does God have to say about it? What is your spirit telling you? The further we are away from God and a deep relationship with him, the easier it is for Satan to come in and create those areas of gray. We say things like, "Why rock the boat? Everyone is doing it." But just because everyone is doing it doesn't mean that it is what is good, pleasing and perfect in God's eyes. (Romans 12:2) Our job is to stand out not to blend in. Be not conformed to this world but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind. Casting down imagination and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ---II Corinthians 10:5. Thinking those thoughts that are honest, pure and lovely and of good report. The devil does not discriminate and he likes it when we give in to his schemes.
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
I come to you today needing help detecting the good from the bad in all areas of my life. I long for better spiritual discernment. Help me to run away from those things that distract me from hearing the Holy Spirit. I understand the importance of being a light that shines in the midst of darkness. I know that sometimes that means that I must stand alone. I pray also that the eyes of my heart may be enlightened in order that I may know what is good, perfect and pleasing in Your sight. Help me to make the right decision even in difficult situations. My desire is to serve You in all things. I will continue to give You all the glory, honor and the praise. In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
He Was There All The Time
Most of you know I spend a lot of my quality time with the Lord in my car. Because I have such a long commute to school this is a great time for me to talk and more importantly listen to what the Lord has to say to me. I keep telling myself that I need a voice recorder so that I can remember all the things He says to me. Today as I was reflecting over the past year, good and bad times, an old hymn came to mind. The words simply say, 'He was there all the time, He was there all the time. Waiting patiently in line. He was there all the time'.
This song was written by Gary S. Paxton. A man who endured a troubled childhood, molested at age seven and afflicted by spinal meningitis at age eleven. On December 29, 1980, Paxton was shot three times by hitmen hired by a country singer he was producing, putting him out of the music world for eight years and nearly ending his life. After the trial, he visited the men in prison and forgave them. What a journey of trust! Oh how God used him to remind us all of such an important fact - God is always with us. He will never leave us nor forsake us. When all seems lost we can look to hills from whence cometh our help. Now I can only imagine that Mr. Paxton did not realize that God was with him at the age of seven when he was molested, but that just one small stop on his journey that helped to shape him into a vessel to be used by God. It was one of the many things that helped him to develop a deeper relationship with the Almighty. Chuck Swindoll has a quote that my Pastor quotes all the time that says, 'God cannot use you greatly until He has bruised you deeply'. The level of your service is not determined by you but by God. He sees your potential. You and I may not have had to go through anything as bad as the writer of these lyrics, however, we have all had a fair share of trouble. Some of which caused by our own hand. I love the way he says that even though God was there He waited patiently. Revelations 3:20 says, 'Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me'. God does not just bogart His way into our lives. We have to ask him in. He stands there waiting while we are looking for love in all the wrong places. Waiting while we are searching for peace in the amount of our bank account or stability in our jobs. He gives us the opportunity to bump our heads a few times, all the while affording us grace and mercy along the way and giving us glimpses of His glory. He is just standing there waiting for us to submit totally to Him. He watches us as we turn to people and things who cannot give us what we need. I can imagine Him in heaven shaking His head and saying, "When will my child ever get it.? We have a need, He delivers us, wondering if this is the experience that will finally lead us to trust Him in everything. If the time has finally come when we will come to Him in prayer first instead of as a last resort when we have exhausted all other possibilities. He is standing there waiting. He loves you. He doesn't give you everything you ask for all at once. He gives it to you when you are ready for it. And I am so glad God works that way. I can only imagine what my life would be like if God gave me everything I prayed for....'a total mess' I would guess. Most of us would have given up a long time ago if we were standing there waiting to help someone and they totally ignored your help or went to everyone else before you. I'm glad that God didn't give that power to you or I. I can only imagine the people we would decide didn't deserve another chance. But praise God that He doesn't give up on us. He stands there waiting.....waiting............waiting. Will you let Him in?
Most Gracious and Heavenly Father,
I thank You today because as I look back over my life I can now see that You were there all the time. Guiding me with your watchful eye, protecting me from dangers seen and unseen. Yes, you allowed me to go through some things but I realize not how worse off I would have been if it had not been for You on my side. I am sorry for the times that I let You down and didn't come to You first. I didn't have that close relationship and continually looked to man-made solutions to my problems. I realize now that on my own I can do nothing but with You I can do all things. Anything is possible. I know there have been times that I have left You standing at the door waiting, ignoring the voice of the Holy Spirit, but not anymore. I want You with me wherever I go. Whether in the valley low or on the mountain top and everywhere in between, I need You to be with me, right by my side. I thank You for never leaving me nor forsaking me. I will always give You the glory, honor and praise. In Jesus' Name I pray Amen.
This song was written by Gary S. Paxton. A man who endured a troubled childhood, molested at age seven and afflicted by spinal meningitis at age eleven. On December 29, 1980, Paxton was shot three times by hitmen hired by a country singer he was producing, putting him out of the music world for eight years and nearly ending his life. After the trial, he visited the men in prison and forgave them. What a journey of trust! Oh how God used him to remind us all of such an important fact - God is always with us. He will never leave us nor forsake us. When all seems lost we can look to hills from whence cometh our help. Now I can only imagine that Mr. Paxton did not realize that God was with him at the age of seven when he was molested, but that just one small stop on his journey that helped to shape him into a vessel to be used by God. It was one of the many things that helped him to develop a deeper relationship with the Almighty. Chuck Swindoll has a quote that my Pastor quotes all the time that says, 'God cannot use you greatly until He has bruised you deeply'. The level of your service is not determined by you but by God. He sees your potential. You and I may not have had to go through anything as bad as the writer of these lyrics, however, we have all had a fair share of trouble. Some of which caused by our own hand. I love the way he says that even though God was there He waited patiently. Revelations 3:20 says, 'Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me'. God does not just bogart His way into our lives. We have to ask him in. He stands there waiting while we are looking for love in all the wrong places. Waiting while we are searching for peace in the amount of our bank account or stability in our jobs. He gives us the opportunity to bump our heads a few times, all the while affording us grace and mercy along the way and giving us glimpses of His glory. He is just standing there waiting for us to submit totally to Him. He watches us as we turn to people and things who cannot give us what we need. I can imagine Him in heaven shaking His head and saying, "When will my child ever get it.? We have a need, He delivers us, wondering if this is the experience that will finally lead us to trust Him in everything. If the time has finally come when we will come to Him in prayer first instead of as a last resort when we have exhausted all other possibilities. He is standing there waiting. He loves you. He doesn't give you everything you ask for all at once. He gives it to you when you are ready for it. And I am so glad God works that way. I can only imagine what my life would be like if God gave me everything I prayed for....'a total mess' I would guess. Most of us would have given up a long time ago if we were standing there waiting to help someone and they totally ignored your help or went to everyone else before you. I'm glad that God didn't give that power to you or I. I can only imagine the people we would decide didn't deserve another chance. But praise God that He doesn't give up on us. He stands there waiting.....waiting............waiting. Will you let Him in?
Most Gracious and Heavenly Father,
I thank You today because as I look back over my life I can now see that You were there all the time. Guiding me with your watchful eye, protecting me from dangers seen and unseen. Yes, you allowed me to go through some things but I realize not how worse off I would have been if it had not been for You on my side. I am sorry for the times that I let You down and didn't come to You first. I didn't have that close relationship and continually looked to man-made solutions to my problems. I realize now that on my own I can do nothing but with You I can do all things. Anything is possible. I know there have been times that I have left You standing at the door waiting, ignoring the voice of the Holy Spirit, but not anymore. I want You with me wherever I go. Whether in the valley low or on the mountain top and everywhere in between, I need You to be with me, right by my side. I thank You for never leaving me nor forsaking me. I will always give You the glory, honor and praise. In Jesus' Name I pray Amen.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Do You See What I See?
When you look at a person what do you see? When the time comes to make a decision on who would be best suited to take up space in your life, what criteria do you use to make a determination. How do you judge that person's character? Let me tell you some things that I have been guilty of in the past. I have based decisions on how someone looked. Maybe they did not dress a certain way or have the look that would complete my already established inner circle of friends. I have looked a person's past, with the conclusion that this person could not change and would always be the same as I had heard or experienced myself. I have listened to the opinion of others not realizing that the one telling me had ulterior motives behind their opinion. Ultimately most of these decisions were based on what I could see with my eyes instead of being based on the discernment of the Holy Spirit. Because of my decision to look only at the outward appearance of someone I was often guilty of mistaken judgment of character.
Now let's take a look at this flawed decision making practice but in respect to looking for a lifelong mate or companion. This will call for a moment of reflection on your part. How many times have you given yourself to someone based on what you saw on the outside. They had a good job. Their finances were in order. Not to mention he or she was not too bad looking on the eyes. You passed over the person who may have been in the process of becoming. You couldn't see what God saw and that was his/her heart. I am reminded of the story of David when he was anointed king. Of all of Jesse's sons, Samuel never thought that he would be God's chosen one, especially when paired up against his brothers. But God was not looking at the outward appearance of David. Although he was considered a handsome young man, it was his sincere faith and joy in God that made him special. I love what the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not look on his appearance or the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man see: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart." (I Samuel 16:7) What a relief these words are to human kind! To know that in spite of what someone else may consider a flaw, God is able to use us in spite of what we look like. Like Moses with his stuttering speech. Jephthah, the son of prostitute. Esther, a slave. Mary, a mere peasant girl. I could name many more. If God had left the decision to us to select the best candidate to lead his children out of Egypt to the promised land or deliver Israel from the Ammonites, keep God's people from being massacred or even give birth to His only begotten Son, I would bet our choices would have been different. But God says, I see straight through to the core of who we are. I can see underneath that three piece suit or underneath that fabulous makeup job. He sees our heart. He knows our thoughts. All we desires is for us to be true to Him. Love Him with all our heart, mind and soul ---Matthew 22:37. Give him access to every part of us and allow Him to make us over.
Who then are we to count anyone out? To judge someone because they do not fit perfectly into our mold. What society tells us is appealing. Totally missing the mark in our judgment of someone's character. It is the character of a person that comes shining through during difficult times. When adversity is all around you, do you have the person beside you who is going to encourage you, pray with you and love you in spite of or the person who is going to say, that's your problem and move on to the next one. We like to go with the predictable usually not open to waiting for God to work. We want to go with what is safe. We are afraid of the unexpected. What a costly mistake to make when the heart of a person is determined by so much more. Our heart encompasses our emotions, our will and our desires. That is why we must pray and ask God for the spirit of discernment when determining those who we choose to become a part of our inner circle. Proverbs 28:26 says, 'He who trusts in his own heart is a fool'. We just don't have what it takes to make these types of decisions on our own. But we can pray Philippians 1:9 and ask God to help us to make better decisions. After all, He is there to guide us in all things. The Lord is asking us as He asked Samuel back in the day, "Do you see what I see?"
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
If only I had come to you sooner when faced with some of the most important decisions of my life. I have unfortunately looked at people and situations with the physical eye instead of with the spirit of discernment. Today I am praying that my love may abound more and more with knowledge and all discernment. Help me to make wise decisions and to be in tune with the Holy Spirit who is there to be that inner voice that helps to guide me along this journey of trust. I will continue to give you all the glory and honor and the praise. In Jesus' Wonderful name I pray Amen.
Now let's take a look at this flawed decision making practice but in respect to looking for a lifelong mate or companion. This will call for a moment of reflection on your part. How many times have you given yourself to someone based on what you saw on the outside. They had a good job. Their finances were in order. Not to mention he or she was not too bad looking on the eyes. You passed over the person who may have been in the process of becoming. You couldn't see what God saw and that was his/her heart. I am reminded of the story of David when he was anointed king. Of all of Jesse's sons, Samuel never thought that he would be God's chosen one, especially when paired up against his brothers. But God was not looking at the outward appearance of David. Although he was considered a handsome young man, it was his sincere faith and joy in God that made him special. I love what the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not look on his appearance or the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man see: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart." (I Samuel 16:7) What a relief these words are to human kind! To know that in spite of what someone else may consider a flaw, God is able to use us in spite of what we look like. Like Moses with his stuttering speech. Jephthah, the son of prostitute. Esther, a slave. Mary, a mere peasant girl. I could name many more. If God had left the decision to us to select the best candidate to lead his children out of Egypt to the promised land or deliver Israel from the Ammonites, keep God's people from being massacred or even give birth to His only begotten Son, I would bet our choices would have been different. But God says, I see straight through to the core of who we are. I can see underneath that three piece suit or underneath that fabulous makeup job. He sees our heart. He knows our thoughts. All we desires is for us to be true to Him. Love Him with all our heart, mind and soul ---Matthew 22:37. Give him access to every part of us and allow Him to make us over.
Who then are we to count anyone out? To judge someone because they do not fit perfectly into our mold. What society tells us is appealing. Totally missing the mark in our judgment of someone's character. It is the character of a person that comes shining through during difficult times. When adversity is all around you, do you have the person beside you who is going to encourage you, pray with you and love you in spite of or the person who is going to say, that's your problem and move on to the next one. We like to go with the predictable usually not open to waiting for God to work. We want to go with what is safe. We are afraid of the unexpected. What a costly mistake to make when the heart of a person is determined by so much more. Our heart encompasses our emotions, our will and our desires. That is why we must pray and ask God for the spirit of discernment when determining those who we choose to become a part of our inner circle. Proverbs 28:26 says, 'He who trusts in his own heart is a fool'. We just don't have what it takes to make these types of decisions on our own. But we can pray Philippians 1:9 and ask God to help us to make better decisions. After all, He is there to guide us in all things. The Lord is asking us as He asked Samuel back in the day, "Do you see what I see?"
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
If only I had come to you sooner when faced with some of the most important decisions of my life. I have unfortunately looked at people and situations with the physical eye instead of with the spirit of discernment. Today I am praying that my love may abound more and more with knowledge and all discernment. Help me to make wise decisions and to be in tune with the Holy Spirit who is there to be that inner voice that helps to guide me along this journey of trust. I will continue to give you all the glory and honor and the praise. In Jesus' Wonderful name I pray Amen.
Monday, December 6, 2010
In All Things
There is a certain excitement I feel when go through trials and tribulations. This excitement comes from knowing who is in control. It also comes from knowing that God still has His hand on me and is molding me and making me everyday through a very calculated breaking process into a vessel to be used for His glory and His alone. I take no credit for any of my accomplishments. As I move into the next phase of my life, I am even more aware of the hand of God on my life and I have learned the true meaning of what Paul said in I Thessalonians 5:18, 'to give thanks in all circumstances'. Thanksgiving is a mindset and it comes through knowing God in an intimate way. Knowing that He will not do anything to harm you. (Jeremiah 29:11) Knowing that He loves you with a steadfast love. (Psalms 136:26) It is so reassuring to know that I will profit from every thing that happens in my life if I am obedient to the Word of God. 'For all things work together for the good of them who love the Lord and who are called according to His purpose'. Romans 8:28
This frame of mind was not anything that I developed over night. It was developed through my trials. I had to learn to trust Him in everything. And when my eyes deceive me into focusing on my circumstances instead of my Savior, I go to God in prayer for clearer vision. I ask Him to remove all distractions so that I am able to fix my eyes on Jesus who is the author and finisher of my faith. Let me just give you a few things to be thankful for, even when your world is turned upside down or it seems that God is silent. What about life, peace, joy, comfort, righteousness, and salvation in him. God's grace and mercy. You have been redeemed. You have been forgiven. Whether you are delivered on this side or on the other side, your deliverance is coming. Thanking God in every circumstance shows God that you believe in His sufficiency. You don't have to go anywhere else to find the solution to your problem. God has your back and is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all you could ever ask or imagine. But I caution you not to let your lack of faith cause you to be powerless and tie the hands of God or delay the blessing He has in store for your life. There is no greater site to me than to see a fellow Christian who I know may be going through a rough time and yet they are still praising God. This, too, can be you. There are three simple things that I am going to leave with you. Rejoice always. (Joy is always appropriate.) Pray without ceasing. (Don't every stop praying.) Give thanks in all circumstances. Simply put start out by thanking God for who He is. There is never a time when you cannot find something to praise God for. Just knowing that He is on the throne and is in control. Then go ahead and present your requests. God already knows anyway. He just wants you to give it to Him. Once you give it to Him, thanksgiving is expected. Why wouldn't you thank Him? If you believe that God is who He says He is then you have a blessed assurance that whatever happens you will be okay.
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
Thank you for who you are. I thank You for waking me up this morning. Thank you for my life, health and strength. Thank you for your grace and mercy. Thank you because I know that I am not what I used to be and it is only because of the grace of God that I am what I am. When I look back over my life and think about the times I was hemmed in with no apparent way out, I know that it was nothing but your hand that guided me through. I will forever give your name the praise for you are the source of strength and the strength of my life. If it were not for you on my side, where would I be. Help me to remain focused on you and not on the situation for as long as you are working on my behalf I know that I will be alright. Thank you Father. In Jesus' Name I pray Amen.
This frame of mind was not anything that I developed over night. It was developed through my trials. I had to learn to trust Him in everything. And when my eyes deceive me into focusing on my circumstances instead of my Savior, I go to God in prayer for clearer vision. I ask Him to remove all distractions so that I am able to fix my eyes on Jesus who is the author and finisher of my faith. Let me just give you a few things to be thankful for, even when your world is turned upside down or it seems that God is silent. What about life, peace, joy, comfort, righteousness, and salvation in him. God's grace and mercy. You have been redeemed. You have been forgiven. Whether you are delivered on this side or on the other side, your deliverance is coming. Thanking God in every circumstance shows God that you believe in His sufficiency. You don't have to go anywhere else to find the solution to your problem. God has your back and is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all you could ever ask or imagine. But I caution you not to let your lack of faith cause you to be powerless and tie the hands of God or delay the blessing He has in store for your life. There is no greater site to me than to see a fellow Christian who I know may be going through a rough time and yet they are still praising God. This, too, can be you. There are three simple things that I am going to leave with you. Rejoice always. (Joy is always appropriate.) Pray without ceasing. (Don't every stop praying.) Give thanks in all circumstances. Simply put start out by thanking God for who He is. There is never a time when you cannot find something to praise God for. Just knowing that He is on the throne and is in control. Then go ahead and present your requests. God already knows anyway. He just wants you to give it to Him. Once you give it to Him, thanksgiving is expected. Why wouldn't you thank Him? If you believe that God is who He says He is then you have a blessed assurance that whatever happens you will be okay.
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
Thank you for who you are. I thank You for waking me up this morning. Thank you for my life, health and strength. Thank you for your grace and mercy. Thank you because I know that I am not what I used to be and it is only because of the grace of God that I am what I am. When I look back over my life and think about the times I was hemmed in with no apparent way out, I know that it was nothing but your hand that guided me through. I will forever give your name the praise for you are the source of strength and the strength of my life. If it were not for you on my side, where would I be. Help me to remain focused on you and not on the situation for as long as you are working on my behalf I know that I will be alright. Thank you Father. In Jesus' Name I pray Amen.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Purpose of the Storm
'Trials dark on every hand and we cannot understand. All the ways that God will lead us to that blessed promised land. But he'll guide us with his eyes and we'll follow till we die. We will understand it better bye and bye'.
How many times have you sat and pondered the purpose of your storm? It is not uncommon to sit and ask God why? I have heard many different opinions regarding asking God why, most of them saying that it is wrong to ask God why. I don't necessarily agree with this. Storms are learning opportunities for us and teaching opportunities for God. I am not saying that we ask God why in an attempt to try and rid ourselves of the experience but rather to learn what God is trying to teach you at that moment in your life. Sometimes the storm we are trying to run away from provides that necessary distraction from the norm to draw us closer to God. It is like David said in the 119th Chapter of Psalms. ' Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word...It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.'. (verse 67,71)
When I look back over my life I can't help but to see the purpose of each and every storm. Before I was afflicted I carried a heavy load, one that really didn't include a true relationship with the Savior. It was very easy for me to 'lay my Christianity' down when it suited me. I have said once before that there were times when I didn't even go to church. I was very stubborn, even prideful at times. I was not very understanding of those who committed certain sins, but I was very tolerable of the sins I was committing. I was not living the life God designed for me. I was just getting by the best way I could. My relationships with my family and friends was more important that my relationship with God. So God allowed me to experience varying degrees of storm. I remember a period of just rain. It rained for what seemed like months. But it was during that time God had to wash away some things. Pride. Stubbornness. Unforgiveness. Being judgmental. There were times when a tornado blew in, sending my life in a whirlwind. Uprooting the very stability I had come to know. The lesson to be learned---total dependence on Him. God has a way of using heartache, bereavement, betrayal of close friends, loss of job, etc. to develop a heart like His and a pattern of prayer. Although we may not always understand or see the purpose while going through the storm, we can rest assure that there is a purpose and God has not taken His hand off. It is through our trials on this journey of trust that we gain a deeper intimacy with God, a stronger faith and a reflection that looks more like God. Let's face it, God did not save you for you to sit idle on the sidelines. He saved you to use you. I read something once that I want to share with you today. The deeper the valley, the darker the storm and the more intense the pain, the greater the preparation of your heart to be a blessing to other people. It is through your pain that you become sensitive to the needs of those around you. It is through your brokenness that you become a blessing. Don't be frightened by the storm. Allow the Lord to accomplish His purpose in your current situation. God is the only one who can turn total destruction into utter delight.
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
You said in Your Word, 'be anxious for nothing but in everything in prayer with thanksgiving present your request to God'. I come to You today confessing that I don't always see where my life is headed and I know there are times that I am pulling in the opposite direction, afraid to see where this journey is going to take me. But no more. I am ready to see where this road is going to take me. I know that because you are in control I need not worry. I just want to be used by you, Lord, so that you can get the glory out of my life. In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen.
How many times have you sat and pondered the purpose of your storm? It is not uncommon to sit and ask God why? I have heard many different opinions regarding asking God why, most of them saying that it is wrong to ask God why. I don't necessarily agree with this. Storms are learning opportunities for us and teaching opportunities for God. I am not saying that we ask God why in an attempt to try and rid ourselves of the experience but rather to learn what God is trying to teach you at that moment in your life. Sometimes the storm we are trying to run away from provides that necessary distraction from the norm to draw us closer to God. It is like David said in the 119th Chapter of Psalms. ' Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word...It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.'. (verse 67,71)
When I look back over my life I can't help but to see the purpose of each and every storm. Before I was afflicted I carried a heavy load, one that really didn't include a true relationship with the Savior. It was very easy for me to 'lay my Christianity' down when it suited me. I have said once before that there were times when I didn't even go to church. I was very stubborn, even prideful at times. I was not very understanding of those who committed certain sins, but I was very tolerable of the sins I was committing. I was not living the life God designed for me. I was just getting by the best way I could. My relationships with my family and friends was more important that my relationship with God. So God allowed me to experience varying degrees of storm. I remember a period of just rain. It rained for what seemed like months. But it was during that time God had to wash away some things. Pride. Stubbornness. Unforgiveness. Being judgmental. There were times when a tornado blew in, sending my life in a whirlwind. Uprooting the very stability I had come to know. The lesson to be learned---total dependence on Him. God has a way of using heartache, bereavement, betrayal of close friends, loss of job, etc. to develop a heart like His and a pattern of prayer. Although we may not always understand or see the purpose while going through the storm, we can rest assure that there is a purpose and God has not taken His hand off. It is through our trials on this journey of trust that we gain a deeper intimacy with God, a stronger faith and a reflection that looks more like God. Let's face it, God did not save you for you to sit idle on the sidelines. He saved you to use you. I read something once that I want to share with you today. The deeper the valley, the darker the storm and the more intense the pain, the greater the preparation of your heart to be a blessing to other people. It is through your pain that you become sensitive to the needs of those around you. It is through your brokenness that you become a blessing. Don't be frightened by the storm. Allow the Lord to accomplish His purpose in your current situation. God is the only one who can turn total destruction into utter delight.
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
You said in Your Word, 'be anxious for nothing but in everything in prayer with thanksgiving present your request to God'. I come to You today confessing that I don't always see where my life is headed and I know there are times that I am pulling in the opposite direction, afraid to see where this journey is going to take me. But no more. I am ready to see where this road is going to take me. I know that because you are in control I need not worry. I just want to be used by you, Lord, so that you can get the glory out of my life. In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Take Time To Pray
December is always such a busy month. So many things going on with the hustle and bustle of the holidays. And this is on top of whatever normal routine we may have, i.e. work, church, the children's extracurricular activities, caring for a loved one, school, etc. How do we make time to fit everything in? Jesus was one person who knew what it was like to have a full schedule. He had people all around him making demands, requesting His undivided attention. I can imagine there were times He would go on like that for weeks, even months at a time. But one thing we find in the scripture is that no matter what was going on, He always made time to prayer. He would go off to himself and spend time in communion with His Father. It was there that He received the strength to continue on to complete the task He was assigned. Now if Jesus himself saw the importance in praying, why do we have such a hard time maintaining a consistent prayer life?
The world has distorted our minds into thinking that we must always be in a hurry. We are so much in a hurry that we forget to live. When we forget to live, we often times miss out on God's plan for our lives. We are so busy with this schedule and that deadline and that goal. The result is that we become stressed out and tired. Then we go to God in an effort to relieve our stress. I wonder what would happen if we would have taken the time to commune regularly with God during all the hustle and bustle of this thing we call life. Just look at Jesus...
Luke 6:12...He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.
Mark 1:35...a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.
Luke 5:16...So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.
What better way to show us the importance of prayer than to lead by example. After all, there are so many benefits to prayer. Prayer deepens your relationship with God. I don't know any relationship that grows without communication. That's all prayer is--communication with God. Prayer helps us to look at our situation honestly and recognize our dependence on God. There is nothing like sitting down and having a little talk with Jesus to make everything alright. Our most earnest effort can turn out to be nothing but wasted time and energy if God is not involved and we do not consult Him before and during the process. John 15:4-5--- 'Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing'. We consult Him before for direction and guidance. We consult Him during to make sure we stay on the right track and to listen for specific instructions. We consult Him afterwards to thank Him for the results. Praying helps us to see that we are not in control of anything. It helps us to move in the same direction as God. It helps us to discern His will. Let it be known that there is not a situation that you are going through that is too hard for God. He is just waiting for you to come and talk to Him about it.
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
I come to you today asking you for your help. I want a better prayer life. I want to be more obedient. Help me to love better and to discern what is good and perfect in Your sight. Help me to love better so that I may do your will. Please forgive me of my many sins. Thank you for your love , your grace and your mercy. In Jesus' Name I pray Amen.
The world has distorted our minds into thinking that we must always be in a hurry. We are so much in a hurry that we forget to live. When we forget to live, we often times miss out on God's plan for our lives. We are so busy with this schedule and that deadline and that goal. The result is that we become stressed out and tired. Then we go to God in an effort to relieve our stress. I wonder what would happen if we would have taken the time to commune regularly with God during all the hustle and bustle of this thing we call life. Just look at Jesus...
Luke 6:12...He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.
Mark 1:35...a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.
Luke 5:16...So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.
What better way to show us the importance of prayer than to lead by example. After all, there are so many benefits to prayer. Prayer deepens your relationship with God. I don't know any relationship that grows without communication. That's all prayer is--communication with God. Prayer helps us to look at our situation honestly and recognize our dependence on God. There is nothing like sitting down and having a little talk with Jesus to make everything alright. Our most earnest effort can turn out to be nothing but wasted time and energy if God is not involved and we do not consult Him before and during the process. John 15:4-5--- 'Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing'. We consult Him before for direction and guidance. We consult Him during to make sure we stay on the right track and to listen for specific instructions. We consult Him afterwards to thank Him for the results. Praying helps us to see that we are not in control of anything. It helps us to move in the same direction as God. It helps us to discern His will. Let it be known that there is not a situation that you are going through that is too hard for God. He is just waiting for you to come and talk to Him about it.
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
I come to you today asking you for your help. I want a better prayer life. I want to be more obedient. Help me to love better and to discern what is good and perfect in Your sight. Help me to love better so that I may do your will. Please forgive me of my many sins. Thank you for your love , your grace and your mercy. In Jesus' Name I pray Amen.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Power
'Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us---Ephesians 3:20. I have heard this verse quoted many times but most times without the last part of the verse. I have heard people shouting on God's ability to do far more than we could ever ask or imagine but I never hear any reference to the part that says 'according to the power that worketh in us'. There are even times that I have forgotten this part of the verse. Shame on me because it may be the most important part of the verse. It may be the difference between an answered prayer and an unanswered prayer in your life.
As a Christian I know that the God I serve is All Powerful. He is Almighty. There is nothing to hard for Him. He has the power to do things in my life and in your life that we cannot even fathom. So why do we remain in the same place month after month, year after year. We pray to God for the same thing over and over and nothing happens. Of course there is the answer that I am sure you have heard because I have heard it. "Maybe it is not God's will for you". And I am okay with that answer. But I have a something different I want you to think about. How much power is working in you? What is your level of faith? Does your level of faith exceed your unbelief? How much room have you given God to operate in your life? Does He have total control over every aspect? Do you trust Him completely to do what is best for you?
You see, God is able to do beyond, over and above, surpassing anything that our mind can think and our heart can desire. This is according to the efficiency, richness and power of the Holy Spirit working in our lives. Remember that we were told in Acts 1:18a, 'But ye shall receive power, when the Holy Spirit is come upon you... But to what degree do you yield to the Holy Spirit and the sanctification process that is working in you? The power of God is limitless and He has chosen to give it to us in abundance, yet the stubbornness and unwillingness of us to submit fully to the complete process of change has us working on a limited playing field. We have the Bible. We have our knees. We have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The time has come for us to use them to our advantage. It's about recognizing the presence, plenitude and power of the God we serve. He has made so much available to us and it's about time we take advantage of it.
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
I come to You today thanking you for being a patient and a just God. A God who looks beyond my faults and sees my need even when I may say one thing in a prayer when my heart feels another way. I realize that I am not always walking in submission to Your will and to Your way. I thank you that through it all You haven't given up on me. Help me to recognize the power of the Holy Spirit that is working in me and above all things, help my unbelief. In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen.
As a Christian I know that the God I serve is All Powerful. He is Almighty. There is nothing to hard for Him. He has the power to do things in my life and in your life that we cannot even fathom. So why do we remain in the same place month after month, year after year. We pray to God for the same thing over and over and nothing happens. Of course there is the answer that I am sure you have heard because I have heard it. "Maybe it is not God's will for you". And I am okay with that answer. But I have a something different I want you to think about. How much power is working in you? What is your level of faith? Does your level of faith exceed your unbelief? How much room have you given God to operate in your life? Does He have total control over every aspect? Do you trust Him completely to do what is best for you?
You see, God is able to do beyond, over and above, surpassing anything that our mind can think and our heart can desire. This is according to the efficiency, richness and power of the Holy Spirit working in our lives. Remember that we were told in Acts 1:18a, 'But ye shall receive power, when the Holy Spirit is come upon you... But to what degree do you yield to the Holy Spirit and the sanctification process that is working in you? The power of God is limitless and He has chosen to give it to us in abundance, yet the stubbornness and unwillingness of us to submit fully to the complete process of change has us working on a limited playing field. We have the Bible. We have our knees. We have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The time has come for us to use them to our advantage. It's about recognizing the presence, plenitude and power of the God we serve. He has made so much available to us and it's about time we take advantage of it.
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,
I come to You today thanking you for being a patient and a just God. A God who looks beyond my faults and sees my need even when I may say one thing in a prayer when my heart feels another way. I realize that I am not always walking in submission to Your will and to Your way. I thank you that through it all You haven't given up on me. Help me to recognize the power of the Holy Spirit that is working in me and above all things, help my unbelief. In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen.
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