Look Up

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Colossians 3:1

What are you doing right now today to live a life that is holy and acceptable unto God which is your reasonable service. (Romans 12:1)  With so many things coming at you from every direction, it is so easy to focus more on the problem than on the God who can solve any problem.  I don't know about you but when I take my eyes of God and focus on my problem, the behaviors of that old sinful nature have a way of sneaking back in as well.  I read something today in the book of Colossians that helped me to put things in a better perspective.  Paul starts out by telling me that I should seek the things that are above, where Christ is (verse 1).  As a born-again Christian, I am dead to sin.  Sin no longer has any dominion over me.  Its power has been weakened by God's grace.  This means that those behaviors which once controlled my mind and my body no longer have any power.  It means that I can say no to those earthly desires...sexual immorality, impurity, anger, wrath, obscene talk from my mouth, a lying tongue...just to name a few.  I don't have to succumb to the flesh. I am no longer a slave but free.  Free to 'look up' to God.

It is no longer about quoting what I am supposed to be doing. Giving what the Bible refers to as 'lip service'.  It is about putting those words into action.  There is nothing worse than proclaiming to be a Christian and yet living a life that  denies God in every way. Instead I must stay connected to my power source.  I must stay in the presence of God.   This must be a daily activity.  I can't afford to have a day where I give Satan any room to sneak in and regain any control.  To "set" my mind on things above means that I seek something out with a desire to possess it. It is a deliberate act. When I look up to God I remind myself of who is ultimately in control.    It's about changing my way of thinking.  When I change my way of thinking, God can change my heart.  And that is what it is really about. The old behaviors that I once possessed are replaced with new behaviors.  A compassionate heart, kindness, humility, meekness and patience, a forgiving spirit.  And even more importantly LOVE.  It was the love of God that compelled Him to send His only begotten Son to the world to die a horrible death so you and I  might have the right to the tree of life.  Remember that if any man be in Christ he is a new creature, old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.   (II Corinthians 5:17) 

Most Gracious Heavenly Father,

I confess that I have been guilty of looking down at my circumstances instead of looking up to you.  Help me to focus my attention on You, the problem solver.  I find myself focusing more on the things that are not right when I should be thanking you for what You have done in my life.  You have blessed me over and over again.  I see now that I am no longer a slave to the behaviors that I constantly beat myself up about and I now know that as I look to You, You have the power to change my way of thinking and change my heart so that my life reflects one that has been changed.  A life that is now free.  As I think about this I feel so much better.  Thank you Lord. I will forever give You all the glory, honor and the praise.  In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen. 

Just An Afterthought

Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints. Ephesians 6:18

He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me." Matthew 26:37-38



"Please pray for me."  How many times have these words been uttered to you by a close friend or family member, even a stranger?  For me, it's been countless times. What hit me pretty hard was the next question as the Holy Spirit spoke to me.   "Did you remember to pray?"  As I thought about this question personally I was reminded of the story of Jesus when He was about to face the most trying moment of His life.  He and His disciples went to the garden of Gethsemane.  He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee on with Him a little further and He went off to pray.  Before He went off to pray He had one simple request.  He asked them to 'keep watch with him'.  Yet when He returned He found them sleeping. 

You might be asking what does this story have to do with whether or not you remember to pray for somebody or not.  I can only speak for myself. But as I read this story again I thought about how many times people I know have asked me to pray for them.  And as much as I would like to be able to say that I have always remembered to pray for each and every one of them...I must be honest and say that I have not.  Sometimes I don't remember until I see that person again.  It's not that I forget intentionally. It's just that that person's need at the time is just an afterthought.  It is not as pressing as whatever is going on in my life at the time or the sleep that I haven't gotten in last few weeks.  Not only that but even those times when I remember to pray it is just a few quick words with no real meaning.  You know that prayer that says "And God please bless Sister Juanita".  Now don't get me wrong this doesn't happen all the time.  However, in my opinion, even one time is too many.  There is power that comes when we stand in agreement in prayer. In fact it is commanded in the Word.  Take a look at Matthew 18:19, "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.  These words were spoken by Jesus himself which lets us know how important they are. 

Prayer for others has to be more than an afterthought.  You don't have to know the details.  All you have to know is that your brother or sister is standing in need.  Praying for others is about more than just praying for someone else's need. It is a very unselfish act.  It is about praying with the same sense of expectancy that God is going to do something great for someone other than yourself.  It is believing that God will act 'in His own time and in His own way'.  As I get older and continue to grow more spiritually mature I see the importance more of more of prayer for others.  So much so that I keep a prayer journal that includes the names of others.  Some people on that list have asked me to pray for them and others I have added because God placed them on my heart.  As Christians we are always under attack.  Satan is out to steal, kill and destroy everything God has given us.  This includes our peace and our joy.  He know that there are times that we are so mentally drained that we may not have the energy to pray for ourselves.  That is when the faithful few must step in and stand in the gap.  If you don't know the words to say, just pray the Word of God.  You can't go wrong there.  One of my favorite verses that I pray for others comes from Colossians 1:9-11. 'that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing int he knowledge of God.  May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy. 

Praying for others is also about spiritual growth. Not all Christians desire to grow spiritually.  But if this is your desire, you must begin to take praying for others seriously.   I encourage you today to put together a few key verses that you can use when asked to pray for others.  I also encourage you to keep a prayer list.  Keep it in your Bible. Make praying for others a priority.  I am a direct result of the prayers of the righteous.  If there had not been some wonderful saints of God who hadn't prayed for me when I was down, I don't know where I would be. 

Most Gracious Heavenly Father,

Open my eyes so that I may see the needs of other.  Help me to be unselfish and pray sincerely for others.  I don't want to be so wrapped up in my own life that I am not a blessing to others.  I accept my responsibility of interceding for others so that Your name will be glorified.  In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen. 

A Timely Word

Some days it's just so hard to block out the noise. I have my family, the television, the Wii, the cell phone and the i-pod, to name a few. But today I am not talking about that kind of noise. The noise I am speaking about is the noise in my head. Those days when my mind is going a million miles an hour. I'm thinking about all the things that needs to be done. I'm thinking about my dreams for my children, my desires for my family, my friend who is hurting, my parents, the prayer list at the church. Then I stop to realize that it's been such a long time since I've taken any time for myself. I'm not sleeping. My life is in automatic mode. I toss and turn all night in my sleep. It's been a while since I've slept through the night. I get out the bed and peek into my children's room....sound asleep. I come back to bed and lay there. I haven't lost my joy, my hope or my faith. I just can't seem to shut my mind off. I'm reading the Word. I'm praying. I'm sitting in solitude trying to hear God's voice but there is nothing there but dead silence. I'm asking for direction. I'm asking for guidance. My mind wanders. I'm easily distracted. I close my eyes to get refocused. No such luck. I feel like I'm cheating God. Lord, please forgive me....and in the same breath...God please take away all this noise.


Ever been there? It's not a good place to be. I've sat for hours just reading the Word. I've sat for hours just talking to God and telling Him everything. I have been at this very place before and yet this time it seems more difficult. I'm following Him. I'm not sure what direction to go and He hasn't spoken and until He does I won't move. Have I lost my connection? I know I haven't because I know that 'once saved, always saved'. He lives in my heart. I need a verse. I pull out my 'Bible Promise Book'. My mom had one when I was little. I remember reading it with her. The pages were dog-earred. Just about every verse was highlighted. The verses are categorized by need. I skim the table of contents but there is not one that says...to take away the noise. There were, however, scriptures on PEACE. II Thessalonians 3:16 which says, Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. John 14:27 which says, 'Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as he world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid'. There are scriptures on WORRYING. Philippians 4:19 which says, ' But my God shall supply all my needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus'. Psalms 46:1...'God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble'. Scriptures on COMFORT. 'The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower'...Psalms 18:2 Also Psalms 37:24 which says, 'Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand'. GUIDANCE....Isaiah 30:21 which says, 'And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left. Psalms 37:23...'The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord; and he delighteth in his way'.

There were many more subjects and I just continued to read. The noise was fading. I actually got more than three hours of sleep that night. Things were not better overnight, but my strength was renewed. I was still waiting on the Lord. I had no doubt that He would come through in His perfect time. I was learning the meaning of the verse, 'He who has began a good work in you, will carry it through to completion until the day of Jesus Christ'. I am a work in progress. This may not be the last time I have a day like this. What I do know is that God is on my side. He will never leave me hanging. And even though the days may be long and the nights even longer, I will be okay. The sun is going to shine...if I hold out. Thank you Lord!


Most Gracious Heavenly Father,


All this noise! I can't get rid of it. Stress! Worry! Afraid!. I know that you have seen me through times like this before but I'm tired. I need a good night's rest. Please help me! You said in your Word that you are an ever present help in times of trouble. This is most definitely a troubling time. I know that you are not far away. I need peace. I'm trusting in you. Thank you Lord for coming to my rescue. In Jesus' Wonderful Name Amen.

Heaven

When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be. When we all see Jesus, we will sing and shout the victory. So glad...I'm so glad. So glad...I'm so glad. So glad...I'm so glad everybody will be happy over there!

I must confess there are days when all I can think about is heaven. Sometimes the pressures of this world are so heavy and it seems like the walls are closing in that the mere thought of seeing my Savior's face brings me joy. I would like just to be able to get away from it all and take a vacation but that alternative isn't always possible. So I go to my happy place....a place of joy, peace, singing, praising, shouting! Have you ever had days like this? A day when you just need to escape the worries and cares of this world into a glimpse of heaven.

You know I truly believe the more you try to do right and live for God, the more Satan tries to come up against you. But don't let him distract you. Remember that we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:12 Although our enemies might look like us, it is the believer's job to keep our eye on the prize. We shouldn't get so wrapped up in the person who is causing us so much pain. And believe me when I tell you this is hard. The person could be on your job, in your church, a distant relative or even someone in your own home. We must remember that our enemy is Satan! Anything he can do to try and steal your joy or make you take your eyes off Christ, he will do it. But I say that when your vision is blurry, simply readjust your focus. I don't care what anybody says, you cannot think about God and stay in the same mindset. But for a glimpse of heaven and a face-to-face meeting with my Heavenly Father, my personal Savior, my joy in sorrow and my hope for tomorrow. Because I know He is looking down on me along with a great cloud of witnesses cheering me on, reminding me through the Holy Spirit that I've got the victory, I can go on another day. That's such good news! Not only will I get to see my Savior, but also my loved one who have went on before me. I won't have any worries or cares. I will know beyond a shadow of a doubt that it was all worth it. The day I accepted Jesus as my Lord and my Savior was the very best decision I ever made. What about you?

Most Gracious Heavenly Father,


I just want to thank you for saving me. Thank you for allowing me to know you and to know that this world is not my home, I am just passing through. I am on my way to a better place where there will be no tears, no pain, no worries, no stress. It gives me that bit of encouragement to run on and see what the end will be. I know that I am not worthy. I know that I am but a sinner saved by grace and because you loved me I will get to enjoy all the benefits of your Son. Thank you Lord. In Jesus' Wonderful Name Amen.

A Blessing In Unanswered Prayer

What makes you lose your fire for the Lord?  As for me, my answer most of the time is what appears to be unanswered prayer.  There are so many times when I just don't understand why God insists on leaving me in my current condition as long as He does.  Relationships on a continual roller coaster.  Finances up and down.  Sickness.  Job insecurity.  Feel free to add a few of your own.  I finally had to come to the conclusion that I don't need to understand why God does what He does I just need to trust Him.  My faith has to be based on more than what God does for me. Why?  Because He is the same yesterday, today and forever.  God's power is not measured by how quickly He brings me out of a situation.  God is more concerned with the total package.  I like to think of it this way.  As a parent I could give my children everything they want.  I could overlook their bad behavior.  But at the end of the day by doing this would I be helping them or hurting them?  I believe that I would be hurting them.  That is why even though they may get mad at me because I don't allow them to sleep in church or play games on their phones, I know that I am doing the right thing.  The Bible says that we must 'Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6)  When I was young I went to church seven days a week and two or three times on Sunday. My parents made me learn entire chapters of the bible. I didn't know what the words meant but I had it memorized. (By the way, I thank them all the time for that today. They were helping to build my foundation.) But now that I was calling all the shots I decided that I needed a break. I remember the years I went to college . I didn't come home much and the only time I went to church was when I needed a home cooked meal. But while I was taking my break, life didn't wait around on me. Things began to happen. I started to experience my own set of trials. One trial in particular was when I became a single mom. While I thank God for the foundation my parents and childhood church had instilled in me, it was about time that I got to know Him a little bit better for myself. It was time for me to move from milk to meat.

Now during this time I didn't stop praying.  In fact I still remember some of those prayers.  If God had answered those prayers I am not sure where my life would be.  Most of these prayers had very selfish motives.  Lord, give me this.  I want that.  It wasn't about making me a better person.  I wasn't concerned with my inner man.  Every day I saw the ugly that was staring back at me in the mirror.  Yet and still my prayers didn't ask God to 'Create in me a clean heart O God and renew a right spirit within me'.  (Psalm 51:10)  I didn't want God to 'Search me and know my heart, test me and know my anxious thought'. (Psalm 139:23) It wasn't until God grew me up a little bit through my trials and tribulations that I was finally able to go to Him and pray these prayers with sincerity of heart. I understood that this may mean more tests and trials were headed my way but I was prepared.  I knew that He wouldn't leave me out there by myself as I traveled through the storm.  I knew that He would provide safety and protection.  The one thing that I had been missing all this time was a personal relationship.  God was not my number one priority and consequently everything else in my life was falling apart. 

You see, I believe that we make time for whatever we feel is important to us. And many of us have not made studying the Word and spending time in communion with God a priority. Especially those of us whose lives seem to be going okay right now. Even some of us in a storm don't realize that you are there because God is trying to get your attention. He misses you. He wishes you talked to Him more. He has some important information that He wants to share with you. He is urging you, like the writer of Hebrews, that the time has come for you to move from spiritual infancy to maturity. It's time to stop letting every storm catch you by surprise. It's time for you to stand up to the devil with the Word of God. I am here to tell you, Spiritual Maturity has its benefits. You don't have to worry as much. You can actually get some sleep. Yes, you are in a storm but because you read in His Word that 'His anger lasts for a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may endure for a night but joy cometh in the morning.' (Psalms 30:5); you can go to sleep. You've come to keep verses like, 'Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever' (Hebrews 13:8) in your vault. That let's you know that if He did it for the three Hebrew boys who were right in the midst of the fire, He can do it for you. There has been no greater revelation to me than when I sit down to learn first hand from God himself in my personal study time. It encourages me. It gives me the strength that I need to run on and see what the end will be. I don't have to be taught the basics over and over again. I see the big picture. I know that 'my present troubles are quite small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for me an immeasurably great glory that will last forever. (II Corinthians 4:17)

Most Gracious Heavenly Father,

Today I thank You for unanswered prayer.  I thank You for those times You said "No" or "Wait", "Now is not the time".  I am so glad that You have the ability to see the bigger picture.  Help me to rely on Your consistency.  I know that You won't put more on me than I can bear.  I submit to Your will.  Give me the strength to continue to stand while riding through the storm  I will continue to give You all the glory, honor and the praise. In Jesus' Wonderful name I pray Amen.

Not My Will

And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.”

Luke 22:41-42

Do you remember the Calgon commercial?  There was a picture of a woman in a bathtub relaxing with not a care in the world.  Only if a bubble bath really did take you away from the cares of this old world.  It's days like today that I wish it did.  Truth be told, if I have another sleepless night I'm not going to be good for anything.  It's times like these I wish I could just say "Calgon take me away!"  What is amazing about this is how my mind shifted gears just that quickly while writing.  You see, I just couldn't think of complaining when I think about what my Jesus went through in order to pay the debt for my sins.  The things that I am experiencing in my life don't even compare. 


Yes I wish that some areas in my life would change and turn around for the better.  However one thing I have learned as a Christian is that worrying about it doesn't change the situation.  I also realize that there are some things that are beyond my control.  I just have to go through them until God says it's over.  I am reminded of a time in the Bible when Jesus was in the garden of Gethsemane.  He knew the hour that was approaching Him but He didn't look for a bubble bath.  Instead He went alone by Himself to pray.  From the words of His prayer I can only imagine that He was having some of the same thoughts I have when I don't quite understand what is going on in my life.  The difference between me and Jesus was that He recognized His need to go to His Heavenly Father.  He didn't try to pray His way out of the situation.  Instead He made a request and ended that request by saying 'not my will but thine be done'.  That's really what it's all about.  Allowing God to show up in our lives through whatever means He deems necessary to make us better and also to help others.

One of the best lessons I have learned is that God knows what it best for me.  So I need to accept the good with the bad knowing that in the end it will all work out for my good.  It's not about having everything handed to me without having to work for it.  It's not about not having to endure trials and tribulations.  In fact I have to admit that it is my trials and tribulations that have made me stronger.  They have given me thicker skin.  Through it all I have learned to put all of my trust in God.  That is why I am able to end my prayers in the same way Jesus did...'not my will but thy will be done'.  These words mean that I am going to get out of the way.  Let go and let God.  I am going to get up every morning and face my trials with God on my side.  For if it had not been for God on my side, where would I be?  I am not saying that I am inviting misery to come into my life and take up permanent residence.  What I am saying is that as long as I have God on my side I can make it just a little while longer.  I'm gonna run on and see what the end is going to be.  Today at church I was reminded once again what it's all about.  I just want to make it to heaven to see my Savior face to face.  "Some glad morning when this life is over, I'll fly away."  So whatever it takes, no matter the test, I am going to run on and see what the end is going to be. 

Most Gracious Heavenly Father,

I must admit right now that I am in a place that I don't understand what is going on in my life.  It seems like one bad thing after another.  I know that I may have caused some of these things because of my disobedience and today I am asking You for forgiveness.  I also know that some of these things have come into my life come directly from you and I welcome them.  I know that they are perfecting me, finishing the work You started.  So I am going to hang one.  Not my will Father, but thy will be done is my prayer.  In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen. 

From Pain to Promise to Praise

We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair.  We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed....All of this is for your benefit. And as God's grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory.

(II Corinthians 4:8-9, 15)

In case you have been wondering, I am here to tell you that the devil is alive and well.  He wants nothing more than to steal your joy, leave you stressed out and worried, doubting God.  But thanks be to God that no matter what trial you may face, in the end you will be victorious.  Nothing in life comes easy.  I've also learned that anything worth having is worth fighting form.  So during those times when pain just seems unbearable and there is trouble on every side, don't throw in the towel and give up.  Instead let the pain be your teacher.  Ask God what He wants you to learn from this place of misery.  Don't wait until the situation looks brighter, learn to praise Him in the midst of your storm.  It's not about just praising Him when things are good.  True praise is about praising God in all circumstances.  After all, don't you know that He is worthy.  And not only that He knows what is best for you.  Let the pain take you to a place of promise to a place of praise. 

Pain can be inflicted from physical illness, the betrayal of a friend or the hand of your enemy.  It doesn't matter.  Instead of trying to fight back with your physical abilities let the pain point you to the Word of God.  The Word is full of God's promises and the sooner you start believing in what it says the better off you will be.  The Word is there to give you hope and the hope you have in God should bring you to praise.  I understand that it may not be done yet.  The situation may look a little dim.  It's always darkest at midnight.  But remember this it was Friday evening when they crucified my Lord.  They buried Him in a borrowed tomb and all looked lost.  He stayed there all night Friday and all night Saturday.  But just when the devil thought He had my Lord, God raised Him up from that grave.  I can't help but believe that the same God that raised Jesus up from the grave is able to handle any situation that I may have to have.  I don't have to worry.  Bring it on Satan.  God has my back and He is in the process of working it all out for my good.  Thank you Lord!

Most Gracious Heavenly Father:

I know that I have been guilty of turning to You at the last possible second instead of seeking Your face in everything.  I know that I have allowed stress to overtake my body.  I have slacked off on reading Your Word.  I have doubted Your ability to see me through.  Today Lord I am turning every situation over to You.  Help me to see Your hand working behind the scenes in every situation in my life.  I want to see the purpose behind the pain.  I will continue to give You all the glory, honor and the praise.  In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen. 

Through It All

'I thank God for the mountains.  I thank Him for the valleys. I thank God for the storms He brought me through.  If I never had a problem, I wouldn't know that God could solve them.  I wouldn't know what faith in His Word could do'. (Andre Crouch, Through It All)

The lyrics to this song serve to remind me that God is faithful.  Through every situation that I have ever encountered in my life, God has been right there.  I am also reminded that the same way I praise Him when things are good is the same way I praise Him when times are bad.  In fact I have found that I praise Him more knowing that whatever happens God is in control.  There is a comfort that I have in knowing that my hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness.  My confidence is in Him.  It doesn't matter that the odds are stacked against me.  That someone may be more qualified or have more experience.  It doesn't matter that this is the third time I have tried to accomplish this task.  God's timing is perfect timing.  I would rather have what God has for me when He says it's time than something that is rushed and forced by my own hand.  I can't tell you how many times I have done things by forcing a square peg in a round hole.  It's what I wanted and nothing was going to stand in my way.  And let me tell you this, don't think that God won't give you some things only to bring you back to reality.  He allows some things to take place to make you more aware of your dependence on Him and only Him.  Not your degree.  Not your bank account.  Not in the hookup you think you have but only in Him. 

I know that you have been patiently waiting on the Lord.  Just remember that the race is not given to the swift.  Slow and steady wins the race.  Another translation...patient endurance to get your reward.  I have a few questions for you today.  'What are you believing God for?  Are you on the verge of giving up?  Today I want to encourage you not to give up.  The best prayer you can pray right now at this very moment is 'Your will be done'.  There is no one that has your best interest at heart like the Lord.  Remember what it says in Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans to prosper and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and  a future".  This verse speaks to the very heart of the Lord.  There is a blessed assurance the believer has in knowing that what the devil may have meant for bad, God has the power to turn it around for good.  This is not because of anything you have done but because of the mercy of God.  And this is the confidence you have when you approach our Heavenly Father in prayer, having no doubt in your mind that He hears you.  That is why there is no need to stress or worry.  Have faith in God even in the valley.  Be not dismayed whate'er betide, God will take care of you; beneath his wings of love abide, God will take care of you.

Most Gracious Heavenly Father,

I need help with my patient endurance. I have doubted You.  I have spent many nights lying awake worrying and I just don't want to do it anymore.  Even though I have read over and over again of the miracles you performed, there are times I have a hard time sing how my current situation is going to turn out for my good.  I know that Satan wants nothing more than to steal my joy. Yet Your love compels me to press on.  Holy Spirit, fill me and strengthen me and uphold me to endure to the end for apart for I know that apart from You I can do nothing. In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen. 

Unconditional Love

Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.  I John 4:8

What is unconditional love?  It is loving someone regardless of his or her qualities or actions.  It is often compared to the love a mother has for her child.  Am I capable of giving someone unconditional love?  Do I have the ability to look beyond someone's faults and love them anyway?  These are all questions that I have asked myself over the years and I can't tell you how many times I have failed.  One thing that I have realized is that without God's help I am not able to love someone past their faults. In fact, over the years I have become quite good at 'keeping very good records of wrongs'.  Little did I know that doing this was causing more harm to me than good.  The part that I was missing was having a forgiving heart.  How could I say I loved my brother or my sister when I was so unwilling to forgive. 

Where does unconditional love begin?  First and foremost it begins with God for God is love.  (I John 4:8)You see God's love is not based on feelings or emotions.  It cannot be earned.  In fact we were created to receive God's love and to have an intimate relationship with Him.  He loved us so much that He sent His only Son to die a sacrificial death in order to bring us back to this relationship.  Notice that I didn't say anything about a warm, fuzzy feeling or any kind of attraction. If that were the case I can only imagine how His love for me would be over by now considering how many times I have let Him down.  How many times I have hurt Him.  How many times I haven't been a good steward of my time and my God-given talent.  All things considered I would imagine that God might have kicked me to the curb by now. 

Secondly, unconditional loves begins with loving yourself.  Until you learn to love yourself you cannot begin to know how to love someone else unconditionally.  As I look back over my life I can recall the many times I let myself down.  It wasn't about what anyone else thought or what they could do to me.  It was my face I saw in the mirror every morning.  It was the face of someone who had great potential in the beginning, was headed on the right track and slowly but surely got sidetracked down a path of disappointment.  Even though I had accepted Jesus Christ as my Personal Savior I did not have that personal relationship that grew out of life's hardships.  It wasn't until one afternoon, while I was wallowing in my own self pity, God spoke to me.  He reached down and wrapped his loving arms around me and I cried in His arms.  It was as if He were sitting right there with me in that hospital room.  He didn't care anything about my past mistakes.  I asked for forgiveness and forgiveness was granted.  It had been there all along. I simply had to receive it. 

Maybe you are in the middle of a troublesome relationship or maybe you are looking to start a new relationship...whatever the case may be the very foundation of the relationship must be built on God.  You must develop an intimate relationship with Him.  You must give him full access to clean out your heart and perform a transplant.  You must read His Word in order to reveal those things that are not like Him.  Ask Him to help You to forgive yourself.  To accept yourself , flaws and all.  No one is perfect but with God's help we are being perfected.  We must continuously allow God to work in us and through us.   As your relationship grows so should your love for others. 

Most Gracious Heavenly Father,

Thank you for your unconditional love.  A love not based on anything that I have done. In fact you love me in spite of what I have done.  Thank you for forgiveness.  Help me to see myself through Your eyes.  And more importantly help me to see other's through your eyes.  I want a love that is patient, a love that is kind, a love that keeps no record of wrongs.  Create in me a clean heart O God so that each and every day I become more like You.  In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen. 

If I Hold My Peace

"Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord. Keep watch over the doors of my lips".  Psalm141:3

My philosophy has always been to speak the truth especially if it is to someone that has wronged me.  But today during my quiet time with the Lord I discovered that everything doesn't always need to be said.  My words will not necessarily work to bring about real change.  And furthermore my words may be causing more damage then healing.  As a I sat and thought about this I realized that a changed needed to take place.  This could not be an external, cosmetic change but it had to be an internal change - a heart change.

There are many verses in the Bible that refer to the tongue and how deadly it is.  How it can either build someone up or literally tear someone down.  The tongue has destroyed many marriages, friendships, and jobs.  Words don't have to be said directly to someone for them to have an affect. They can be told to someone you trust and then shared with someone else under the pretense of confidentiality.  I can't tell you how many times I have uttered words in anger and later regretted not praying about the situation first.  Oh how I wish I had.  My problem was that I thought my words were justified and that my feelings needed to be validated.  After all, this person did me wrong.  The song I sang as a child that said, " If I hold my peace, let the Lord fight my battle, I know that the victory shall be mine" was the furthest thing from my mind.  I was too worried about getting taken advantage of.  What a costly mistake!  How many times had I been reminded to pray about everything?  How many times had I told a brother or a sister in need to turn it over to God.  He is the only one who can bring about true change. 

Every morning I rise I pray...Dear Lord let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight O God, my strength and my Redeemer. (Psalm 19:14) I can only imagine how many times God has been disappointed in me.  But thank God for His grace and His mercy.  I thank Him today because He is the God of another chance.  His love is steadfast and His mercy is abundant. (Psalm 51:3)  All He is waiting for me to do is ask for forgiveness and submit to His will.  That is where Psalm 141:3 comes in to play.  In order for this change to take place I must allow God to be a guard over my mouth and keep watch over the  doors of my lips.  By no means am I allowing myself to become a doormat for mistreatment instead I am giving God the right to bring about true transformation.  One very important question I have started asking myself before I speak..."Is it necessary?"  More times than not, I have found that they are not necessary and when I make the decision to hold my peace and let God fight my battles...victory is most certainly mine. 

Most Gracious Heavenly Father, 

I need Your help.  My desire is to be used by You in every aspect of my life.  I am aware of my weaknesses and I thank You for loving me enough not to leave me the way I am.  Thank You for Your Word that is quick and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword that has shown me once again that I need You for everything.  I can do nothing without You.  I need you to set a guard over my mouth and a guard over my lips.  Use my words to build up those that I come in contact with instead of tearing them down.  Thank you Lord.  In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen. 

Above Everything...

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.  Matthew 6:22

Above all else, seek God.   Here I am thirty-seven years old and achieving things that I never thought I could.  I used to think that these goals could only be achieved by my neglecting my relationship with God.  School books above the Bible.  Homework above church activities. A career above my family.  Not so.  Only when I learned to put God first did I really start seeing things fall into place.  It's about prioritizing.  There are so many things that can distract us.  Things that take our attention away from growing our relationship with God.  But I have learned that it was only when I put God first that everything else fell into place. 

How do we seek God first above everything else that goes on in our lives?  We acknowledge Him as Lord and Savior and submit to His will and to His way.  We spend time with Him every day.  It is not enough to simply remember Him in passing or stop by one day a week.  I don't know about you but I have never had a successful relationship of any kind that I didn't make the decision to spend time with that person on a regular basis.  Don't look at it as what you will have to give up when you decide to make your relationship with God your number one priority, instead look at it as what you will gain.  It is through daily prayer  and meditating on the Word that you receive strength to deal with the day to day trials you will have to face.  God sent His Son that you might have life and have it more abundantly.  You must allow God to perform His work in You so that you will be ready not lacking anything.  If it is peace that you need, you will find it in Him.  If you are looking for true love, you will find it in Him. You must live your life daily in His presence putting on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  Each and every day you rise a decision must be made.  How you choose to start your day makes a difference. Maybe you think it's that morning cup of coffee or that bagel that makes your day go right.  I challenge you to start your day with God and watch the difference He will make in your life.  One thing I know to be true...with God all things are possible. 
Most Gracious Heavenly Father,

As I try to make sense of my life help me to remember to keep You first.  It is only when I keep You first will everything else fall into place. There are many things that I want to achieve and I know that all these things are possible with You.  Thank you for loving me.  In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen.

Fight or Flight

Every Christian faces opposition.  It comes in many forms.  We face it in our homes, on our jobs, and even in the church.  It comes from those we know and from those we don't know.  One of the things that I am working on right now is my reaction when faced with opposition.  How do I respond? I must admit that in the past my reaction hasn't been the most positive one.  My usual response has been either "fight or flight".  Either I retreat into myself or I put my boxing gloves on.  Neither response is the best response.  So I decided to see what the Word of God has to say about what to do when faced with opposition. 

First this first, "Don't be surprised".  Remember when God asked Satan where he had come from, and the response was "I have been patrolling the earth, watching everything that's going on."  Think about this.  Satan has nothing better to do that to try to defeat you.  To throw you off guard.  To keep you distracted from doing the work of the Lord.  Not only that but if you turn over to I Peter you find a similar message that says, "Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour," (v8)  The devil is not playing.  There is a war going on.  So what is opposition?  I liked this definition best that says, 'a person or group of people opposing, criticizing, or protesting something, someone, or another group'.  Sound familiar.  "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places'.  (Ephesian 6:12)  Opposition!  Which brings me to my second point on what to do when faced with opposition.  "Put your armor on".  This must be a daily process.  You must have on the belt of truth. Your feet shod with the preparation of peace. The sword of the spirit.  The shield of faith.  The breastplate of righteousness.  The helmet of salvation.  One thing I have realized it that I can't fight this enemy on my own.  I don't have what it takes in the physical man to combat this enemy.   This is spiritual warfare.  Flight is never the response for a soldier in the army of the Lord.  Why not?  Because we are already victorious.  No need tor retreat.  You can stand firm knowing that you and God are a majority.  And no need for boxing gloves...you can hold your peace and let the Lord fight your battles.  Ask God to give you the words to say when faced with opposition. 

Maybe you say that you have done all these things and you are still having a hard time handling the opposition that you face.  If so, I have one last word of encouragement and that is to "Remember Jesus".  Hebrews 12:3 says, "Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart".  Reflect on this example so that you may be able to bear your trials.  Think about the hardship that He suffered while being beaten, pierced in His side, nails pounded into His hands.  Yet He endured so that you and I might have the right to eternal life.  Understand that there is great danger when we become disheartened and weary by the opposition that we face.  Satan wants to control our minds. That is why we must keep our eyes fixed on Him.  Remember God has a hand in it all.  He keeps His promises. It's okay for your enemy to think that he or she has one because you know your reward is not here on earth.  You have the 'smoking gun'.  "For we know that all things work together for the good of them who love the Lord, tot hem who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)

Most Gracious Heavenly Father,

I know You said in Your Word that I will have to endure trials and tribulations.  I can't say that I like them and on most days I don't understand them.  Yet will I trust you Lord.  Let me not grow weary in well doing.  Help me to stand firm when faced with opposition in my life knowing that all things will work out for my good.  In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen

God Has A Plan

Do you really believe that God has a purpose for everything that you go through in life? The good, the bad and the ugly. I became a Christian at an early age. I grew up in the church. But there was a period in my life where I was sure that what was going on was working against God's plan and was not a part of God's plan.


Read Ecclesiastes 3:1-15. The very first verse of this passage says, 'There is a season for everything, a season for every activity under heaven'. Really?!?!? The writer goes on to contrast different things that made me think about my life. For instance, 'a time to be born and a time to die'. I thought about that for a moment. Before I could be born again, I had to die to self. 'A time to plant and a time to harvest'. Another pretty simple concept for me to see. Throughout most of my life I had to agree that what I planted in my spirit and my mind is what I received in return. But some of the other concepts listed were a little harder to swallow, 'a time to kill, a time to tear down, a time to cry, a time to grieve'. All of these things sounded rather painful. Nevertheless, I do believe God's word is true, so I had to figure out what all this meant and how it applied to me.

I came to one very important conclusion. Timing is important. After everything I had been through, I realized that God did not take me through those things until I was ready. Each and every trial, heartache and rocky situation had come at a time when I could handle it. Of course, I didn't think that I could. But I remembered a prayer that I had prayed a very long time ago for the Lord to use me in any way he wanted. At the time that I prayed that prayer I did not realize what that would mean. I lived a few more years and I saw that while I was changing there were times when I would look in the mirror and still see an image of myself and not one of God. So God had to try me and test me, put me in the fire, remove some people away from me, take away those things I had come to rely on more than him. But the timing of all this had to be strategically planned by God, all in his perfect will. If it came too soon then I would have given up and ran away. If it came to late then I might not have had the opportunity to help my brother or sister along the way. He had to get rid of some distractions. He had to remove some barriers.

You see every year there are four seasons, winter, spring, summer and fall. During each one of these seasons a different activity takes place. In the winter it becomes bitter cold and has the shortest days and the longest nights. It is often compared to a time of death. Then there is spring, the transition season. This is usally a time of rebirth, renewal and regrowth. It is also the season with the most unstable weather, because although summer is peaking in, there are some cold days still lingering on. Next comes summer. Summer is known as the wet season and during this time there are often food shortages before crops reach their full maturity. And then there is fall when we think about harvest time and enjoying the fruits of our labor. We usually forget about how much work takes place at harvest time. You see because right along with the good crops there are some weeds growing right next to them that must be pulled out at the root. But notice how all the seasons work together. One would not survive and serve it's true purpose without the one preceding it.


That's how our lives are. In order to move to the next season of our life we have to go through the season before it. There are no shortcuts. If you plant during the winter, it will die. If you try to harvest before the crop reaches maturity, you cut off the growth. It is not as valuable. There is a purpose to your life. Believe it! Receive it! No matter what situation you are facing, go on through it. I promise you will be better because of it!


Most Gracious Heavenly Father,

Thank you for choosing me as a part of your plan. Although I don't always understand what you are doing, I submit to Your will and to Your way. I trust you Lord. I trust you with this process of molding me into the person that you want me to be. Help me to see your divine hand working on me and help me to walk in my purpose. In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen.

Above All...

"Lord, increase my faith."  How many of you have prayed this prayer?  I know I have.  As a matter of fact, I have prayed this prayer more than once.  A very interesting thought occurred to me regarding this thought.  Do I really need to increase my faith or simply exercise the faith I have?  What do I mean by that?  It is guaranteed that God is going to provide me with opportunities to test my faith.  And my responses will usually help to determine the outcome of the situation.  I sat and thought about those times I work up and actively put on my shield of faith.  The shield that covers me for every event that I am going to have to face in life.  It is not about me measuring my level of faith against someone else's.  I believe that God has given me all the faith that I need.  Romans 12:3 tells me that.   "...God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith."  At the same time I thought about those times that I actively put on my shield I also thought about the times that I neglected to put on my shield.  These time coincided with the times I neglected my relationship with God.  My focus was on other things.  As a result when I was faced with tests and trials I was not able to withstand the pressure.

When you use your faith you take a stand to claim the results God promised in His Word.  The shield of faith stops all of those fiery darts that the enemy throws your way. What are some of those fiery darts?  It could be an impure thought. It could be a thought of despair. A thought of hatred.  These darts are swift and silent.  You won't receive any advance notice. That is why faith should be a mindset knowing that all things are going to work out for your good.  Truth be told, the rest of the armor will not function without faith.  Without faith, the Word of God is nothing more than words on a page.  You must believe.  Why do you think the Apostle Paul began Ephesians 6:16 with "Above all..."  You cannot afford to let your guard down.  Satan's primary goal is to distract you, steer you away from what you believe.  Keep you out of the Word of God.  But you must keep pressing.  Stay in the Word.  Stand firm and speak life into your situation.  When you are under attack you must stand firm on His Word.  You must know it in your heart.  You cannot afford to be easily swayed.  That is why when times are good you can't afford to neglect your relationship with God.  I learned this the hard way.  Today I want to encourage you not to make the same mistake I did.  Read the Word daily. Pray.  Ask for wisdom.  Seek the Lord.  He stands ready, willing and able to guide you into all truth. 

Most Gracious Heavenly Father,

I thank You for the shield of faith.  Help me to keep it oiled through prayer and reading Your Word. I want to be able to stand against the fiery darts of the devil.  In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen. 

But Prayer

I have often heard many people say "But God".  I have a different concept that I want to share with you today..."But Prayer".  How many times in your life have things seemed all but lost but then you remember to pray.  A sea of emotions flood your mind. Overwhelmed, hurt, disgusted, afraid, angry, depressed, sad. Nothing seems to be going right.  You may be at a point of giving up.  I have often said that we use prayer as a last resort when it should be the very first this we do.  In fact we are told to "Pray without ceasing".  I Thess. 5:17  The new Living Translation says it this way, "Never stop praying".  I like that.  As a Christian we can't afford to stop praying. 

What does this mean?  It means that our prayer life should be consistent.  Nothing should come between you and your prayer life.  It also means that prayer should be uninterrupted.  You should maintain a constant spirit of prayer.  And when we do we acknowledge our dependence on God for everything.  Prayer is not about the eloquence of your words. It is more about sincerity of heart.  Don't you know that prayer is our direct communication line with God.  I recently took a class entitled "Creative Supervision".  The author of the book stressed the importance of two-way communication between the supervisor and the employee .  In fact he called it the bloodline of the relationship.  Without it, the relationship suffers.  Isn't that how it is with God?  Too often we use prayer life like my children do me.  There are days when all I hear is "Momma Can I?"  But there are times when I just want to sit down and share with them.  Just as God wishes to share with you.  He desires to be in constant communion with His children. 

Don't you recognize that power of prayer? Especially prayer made in faith.  There is no greater source of power for the Saint.  I can't help but think about that awesome time when Peter was in prison and the church prayed continuously.  The result?  The prison doors were opened and Peter was set free.  What a sequence of events all because someone prayed.  Whatever it is you may be facing in your life right now, I have to stop and ask have you prayed.  This seems to be the central theme God has placed on my heart right now. With so many things in this world that are out of whack.  From the White House to the poor house.  If you hadn't already noticed...things are out of order.  I can't help but wonder what would happen if all the saints of God PRAYED...on one accord.  We begin to PRAY for our country, our schools, our churches, our families.  I have seen what the power of prayer can do in my life so much so that my prayers are more for others now than for myself.  Yes I still use this time to thank God for all the blessings He has bestowed upon my life and to listen for direction.  I pray just to be in His presence.  There is no other place I'd rather be. 

Most Gracious Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the privilege of prayer.  There is nothing more awesome than to dwell in your presence.  I realize how weak I am in my flesh and that I can do nothing without You.  O where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?  No matter where I am I am so eternally grateful that You can find me.  You know my voice and are attentive to my needs.  I can't help but praise Your name.  Help me to always remember that whatever the situation I can come to You in prayer.  In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen.

Do You Have A Plan?

Have you ever tried to sit down and write a life plan?  Typically people do this when they have reached that point of needing guidance in their life.  They are not sure of which way to go.   Someone had to go and ask that dreaded question "Where do you see yourself in five years"?   I had to do this as my final assignment in my Human Relations in Training and Development course this semester.  It was an interesting assignment.  The object of the assignment was for you to identify those things that you want to improve about yourself and then put together a plan of action to correct those steps.  As I begin to make a list of the things that I needed to improve. The funny thing about this list was that I had made this list before.  So why was I once again in the same place?  Or was I?

The more I sat and thought about it, I realized that I was not in the same place.  I was indeed aware of those things that I did not like about myself.  I recognized those things that I wanted to do better.  This time was different.  It was not by accident that these things were discovered.  It was through my asking the Lord to "search me and know my heart. Try me and know my thoughts.  Point out anything in me that offends You and lead me in the way everlasting".  (Psalms 139: 23-24). This discovery was through my reading of the Word that is "quick and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to dividing asunder of the soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart". (Hebrews 4:12)  You see, in the past this discovery was done by accident.  The process was kind of rough and I went pretty much unwillingly, kicking and screaming the entire way.  The difference now is that I want to know these things.  I trust that God knows what is best for me.  He knows my innermost thoughts.  He sees my sometimes evil ways.  He knows those things about me that hinder my ministry.  And because He knows He can point them out and take me through the necessary steps to remove them.  Now I have come to know that this is not going to be the most pleasant experience but the reward in the end is heavenly.  My encouragement for you today is for you to stop being surprised at the ways God is working in your life.  There is truth behind Romans 8:28.  He is working it all out for your good.  One thing I have learned is that it is not the process but the pain that produces perseverance.  Everything that God is doing in your life is perfect.  It is achieving for you a far greater weight in glory.  I know that it is easy to look at what you see right now in front of you.  No one knows your circumstances better than you.  But I challenge you today to test your faith.  Are you relying in your own ability or in the power of God?  I must admit that my greatest failures have come when I was relying on my own ability.  The knowledge I had accumulated with the brain God gave me.  The experience I had gained through employment opportunities God had blessed with me.  My personality and the ability I have to interview well which came from a heart transplant given to me by God.  All of these things that I thought were "my own" but were truly from God. 

Maybe you feel that you are far from where you thought you should be.  May you feel that there are manmade roadblocks in the way of you getting to where you want to be.  Whatever the case I stopped by to remind you to trust God.  Sometimes it's as simple as that.  Allowing God to make the necessary changes in your life.  Allowing Him to make up the difference.  That's what it is all about.  Remember that He loves you to much to leave you the same way.  Go ahead and try to create steps and strategies to change your life.  Unless God is at the center of that plan, you are setting yourself up to fail.  How much better your life will be if you just trust God!

Most Gracious Heavenly Father,

I thank You for Your Word that directs me and reminds me that I can show you all my flaws, my innermost  thoughts, the very ugliness that I see staring me in the mirror some days, not to be ridiculed but for correction and for change.  My hearts desire is to be more like you.  To walk like you Lord.  To talk like You Lord.  I want the words that I speak to be acceptable in thy sight.  I love you Lord.  In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen.