John 10:10 - The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.
Jesus never disguised what He had come for. He came to give us a life of joy, happiness, and love, and to give it to us in great abundance. The devil wants to rob us of that. His promises are weak and short-lived. God's promises are always strong and eternal.
Have I accepted on faith what Jesus has promised? Yes I have, but I have seen God in action too. God knows me, and when I have taken a step of faith in something, He has always followed through to prove Himself. The last thing He ever needs to do is prove Himself, but He does it anyway, because He loves me. He knows that my finite mind sometimes need a little something visual to fully grasp things, so He does it. That's love. And because of His love, I am abundantly joyful.
Dear Lord, thank You for being the best giver ever. You give so much when You have no reason to. You do it because of Your love for me. I pray that I can reflect that love to others. I want them to see what I have seen. To experience what I've experienced, and to have what I have. Please use me in whatever way brings You the greatest glory. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
Monday, September 30, 2013
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Stop Trying To Help
Proverbs 3:7 - Don't be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
The more we try to help God work His plan for us, the worse we make it. This passage says, 'fear the Lord'. I read that as 'trust the Lord'. Sometimes we do best to get out of our own way and let God work. God doesn't need our help to work His plan for our lives, He wants our trust and faith. Whatever He has planned is perfect, we are not.
Am I getting in my own way? Sometimes I do. Sometimes I hear myself saying, 'well I can just do this and it will speed things up'. I need to stop trying to help. I have proven time and again that I don't have all the answers. I am not the most patient person. I have a lot of schooling left before I finish what I have set out to achieve by the grace and direction of God. Sometimes, I get so impatient I just want to stop and start the plan God has for my future. I can't do that. God put me on this path because this is what I need, not because it is what I want or is the easiest way. I would be smart to just stop trying to help.
Dear Lord, thank You for this reminder to get out of my (and your) way and trust in Your plan for me. I know that You have great and perfect things planned for my future, and I will trust Your will for my life. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
The more we try to help God work His plan for us, the worse we make it. This passage says, 'fear the Lord'. I read that as 'trust the Lord'. Sometimes we do best to get out of our own way and let God work. God doesn't need our help to work His plan for our lives, He wants our trust and faith. Whatever He has planned is perfect, we are not.
Am I getting in my own way? Sometimes I do. Sometimes I hear myself saying, 'well I can just do this and it will speed things up'. I need to stop trying to help. I have proven time and again that I don't have all the answers. I am not the most patient person. I have a lot of schooling left before I finish what I have set out to achieve by the grace and direction of God. Sometimes, I get so impatient I just want to stop and start the plan God has for my future. I can't do that. God put me on this path because this is what I need, not because it is what I want or is the easiest way. I would be smart to just stop trying to help.
Dear Lord, thank You for this reminder to get out of my (and your) way and trust in Your plan for me. I know that You have great and perfect things planned for my future, and I will trust Your will for my life. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
Saturday, September 28, 2013
Speed Bumps
Matthew 14:31 - Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. "You have so little faith," Jesus said. "Why did you doubt me?"
Peter's faith wavered, and he began to sink. But Jesus still saved him. Would He have been just to let him drown for doubting? Perhaps, but that really isn't for us to decide, and more importantly, that isn't how God works. He knows our heart. He knew Peter's heart and He had great and might things planned for him. That's why He saved Peter. That why He has saved us. As our faith grows in our relationship with Jesus, there are going to be speed bumps. We can't give up on the first one, or any of them for that matter, because we think God won't want us anymore. God wanted us when we didn't believe. He isn't worried about the struggle, but the recovery. He knows we are going to be knocked down and around by others, but He wants us to reach out for His hand to stand us back up and put us on the right path again.
Have I struggled in my faith from time to time over the years? You bet I have! Every time I stumble and fall, I come out of it stronger when I reach for God to pick me back up. It isn't always easy to do this, either. I have to make a conscious effort to reach for Him. It is very easy for me to reach for other things to comfort me, but their comfort is only temporary and I have trust and faith that God's comfort is eternal.
Dear Lord, thank You for picking me up every time. I know You are more than justified to finally just say, "Alright, I've had enough of this guy." But You never have, and I trust that You never will. You love me too much to let me sink. Thank You so much from the bottom of my heart. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
Peter's faith wavered, and he began to sink. But Jesus still saved him. Would He have been just to let him drown for doubting? Perhaps, but that really isn't for us to decide, and more importantly, that isn't how God works. He knows our heart. He knew Peter's heart and He had great and might things planned for him. That's why He saved Peter. That why He has saved us. As our faith grows in our relationship with Jesus, there are going to be speed bumps. We can't give up on the first one, or any of them for that matter, because we think God won't want us anymore. God wanted us when we didn't believe. He isn't worried about the struggle, but the recovery. He knows we are going to be knocked down and around by others, but He wants us to reach out for His hand to stand us back up and put us on the right path again.
Have I struggled in my faith from time to time over the years? You bet I have! Every time I stumble and fall, I come out of it stronger when I reach for God to pick me back up. It isn't always easy to do this, either. I have to make a conscious effort to reach for Him. It is very easy for me to reach for other things to comfort me, but their comfort is only temporary and I have trust and faith that God's comfort is eternal.
Dear Lord, thank You for picking me up every time. I know You are more than justified to finally just say, "Alright, I've had enough of this guy." But You never have, and I trust that You never will. You love me too much to let me sink. Thank You so much from the bottom of my heart. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
Friday, September 27, 2013
A Real Purpose
1 Peter 2:9 - But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God's very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for He called you out of the darkness into His wonderful light.
Peter is reminding us not only that we are special people because we were specifically chosen by God to be set apart from the rest, but also what we are supposed to be doing. That we have a real purpose. We are supposed to be showing everyone the goodness of God. We are supposed to love others the way Jesus loves us. That is God's will for us. I have heard it said that we may be the only Bible that some people read. That doesn't mean that we need to go around repeating scripture everywhere, but we need to set an example for others in the way we live and love others. People read attitudes and actions just as much, if not more than, they read words on a page.
Have I been seeking God's will for my life? Have I been living according to my real purpose to share God's love and goodness with the people I encounter? I know I can do better. I still lose my patience and let my temper get the better of me. I need to work harder so that my attitudes and actions match what is coming out of my mouth.
Dear Lord, thank You for reminding me of my special purpose. Thank You for reminding me that I have been chosen and set apart as Your special possession. I pray for Your courage and strength to come upon me so that I may better spread Your Good News and Your goodness to everyone I encounter. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
Peter is reminding us not only that we are special people because we were specifically chosen by God to be set apart from the rest, but also what we are supposed to be doing. That we have a real purpose. We are supposed to be showing everyone the goodness of God. We are supposed to love others the way Jesus loves us. That is God's will for us. I have heard it said that we may be the only Bible that some people read. That doesn't mean that we need to go around repeating scripture everywhere, but we need to set an example for others in the way we live and love others. People read attitudes and actions just as much, if not more than, they read words on a page.
Have I been seeking God's will for my life? Have I been living according to my real purpose to share God's love and goodness with the people I encounter? I know I can do better. I still lose my patience and let my temper get the better of me. I need to work harder so that my attitudes and actions match what is coming out of my mouth.
Dear Lord, thank You for reminding me of my special purpose. Thank You for reminding me that I have been chosen and set apart as Your special possession. I pray for Your courage and strength to come upon me so that I may better spread Your Good News and Your goodness to everyone I encounter. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Just Because
Deuteronomy 7:8 - Rather, it was simply that the Lord loves you, and He was keeping an oath He had sworn to your ancestors. That is why the Lord rescued you with such a strong hand from your slavery and from the oppressive hand of Pharaoh, king of Egypt.
God has done what He has done (and continues to do daily) because He loves us. That's it. There is no other reason for our redemption through our faith in Jesus Christ than the 'just because' reason. God does, just because. As kids it was always difficult to hear the 'because I said so' reason from Mom and Dad (used to drive me crazy). As adults, it is even harder to grasp. As kids, we ask for explanation because we are trying to learn. As adults we demand explanation because we have become jaded towards certain things, and we require justification. The beauty of it all is that God just wants to keep it simple. K.I.S.S. - Keep It Simple Stupid. Although I'm certain God wouldn't call us stupid, you get the point. He loves us and saves us, just because.
The easiest way for me to understand this passage after several readings, was to put it in more contemporary terms since I wasn't there when God rescued the Israelites from Pharaoh. The Lord rescued me with such a strong hand from my slavery to my sin and the oppressive guilt of Satan, king of lies. Wow...He sure did. And to think that He did it just because He loves me. He certainly didn't do it because of my charming personality that makes me so lovable...He did it just because. Being an analyzer, it can be difficult for me to wrap my head around things like that sometimes. However, being a sinner that was never able to fix my problems before I met Jesus, I am prepared to take something like this on faith. I'm still working on a lot of the problems (see: issues) I have, but with God on my side as my Great Encourager and the great advice-giver, comforter (the list goes on), I can accomplish these tasks. All just because.
Dear Lord, thank You so much for saving me just because You love me. I know I can be...difficult...to be around and get along with at times (see: does not play well with others), but You have stayed by my side and rescued me from my slavery to sin and Satan's oppression. I am forever grateful, and pray that I can bring You the glory You so greatly deserve in all I do for the rest of the time You have given me in this world. In Jesus' precious and Holy name, I pray. Amen!
God Bless!!!
God has done what He has done (and continues to do daily) because He loves us. That's it. There is no other reason for our redemption through our faith in Jesus Christ than the 'just because' reason. God does, just because. As kids it was always difficult to hear the 'because I said so' reason from Mom and Dad (used to drive me crazy). As adults, it is even harder to grasp. As kids, we ask for explanation because we are trying to learn. As adults we demand explanation because we have become jaded towards certain things, and we require justification. The beauty of it all is that God just wants to keep it simple. K.I.S.S. - Keep It Simple Stupid. Although I'm certain God wouldn't call us stupid, you get the point. He loves us and saves us, just because.
The easiest way for me to understand this passage after several readings, was to put it in more contemporary terms since I wasn't there when God rescued the Israelites from Pharaoh. The Lord rescued me with such a strong hand from my slavery to my sin and the oppressive guilt of Satan, king of lies. Wow...He sure did. And to think that He did it just because He loves me. He certainly didn't do it because of my charming personality that makes me so lovable...He did it just because. Being an analyzer, it can be difficult for me to wrap my head around things like that sometimes. However, being a sinner that was never able to fix my problems before I met Jesus, I am prepared to take something like this on faith. I'm still working on a lot of the problems (see: issues) I have, but with God on my side as my Great Encourager and the great advice-giver, comforter (the list goes on), I can accomplish these tasks. All just because.
Dear Lord, thank You so much for saving me just because You love me. I know I can be...difficult...to be around and get along with at times (see: does not play well with others), but You have stayed by my side and rescued me from my slavery to sin and Satan's oppression. I am forever grateful, and pray that I can bring You the glory You so greatly deserve in all I do for the rest of the time You have given me in this world. In Jesus' precious and Holy name, I pray. Amen!
God Bless!!!
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Resisting Temptation
1 Corinthians 10:13 - The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you can endure.
We all experience the same temptations (for the most part), but if we stay strong in our faith, God is faithful and will deliver us from these temptations stronger and better equipped than we were before (see Matthew 4). God doesn't do the tempting, Satan does (see Job). But god does the strengthening, and He has promised to never allow more than we can handle when we stay strong in our faith.
Am I strong enough to resist the temptations when I come face to face with them? God has given me such great strength through the years (even though I didn't realize it was Him for a good part of it). He has helped me to resist the temptation to break my sobriety. Over the last (nearly) 15 years, those temptations have been enormous. I have learned, and I must pray that I keep this in mind, that when I feel those temptations rising that they are not from God. After all these years, I still get those feelings creeping in. When they come I remind myself that they are from Satan, and I pray for God's strength to resist them. I trust that He will give me that strength, because I know He is faithful through everything.
Dear Lord, thank You for the strength You give me daily to resist the temptations I face. Some of them are stronger than others, and they are always difficult. Help me to remember to pray harder during those times so that Your strength will continue to abide in me. I trust You completely. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
We all experience the same temptations (for the most part), but if we stay strong in our faith, God is faithful and will deliver us from these temptations stronger and better equipped than we were before (see Matthew 4). God doesn't do the tempting, Satan does (see Job). But god does the strengthening, and He has promised to never allow more than we can handle when we stay strong in our faith.
Am I strong enough to resist the temptations when I come face to face with them? God has given me such great strength through the years (even though I didn't realize it was Him for a good part of it). He has helped me to resist the temptation to break my sobriety. Over the last (nearly) 15 years, those temptations have been enormous. I have learned, and I must pray that I keep this in mind, that when I feel those temptations rising that they are not from God. After all these years, I still get those feelings creeping in. When they come I remind myself that they are from Satan, and I pray for God's strength to resist them. I trust that He will give me that strength, because I know He is faithful through everything.
Dear Lord, thank You for the strength You give me daily to resist the temptations I face. Some of them are stronger than others, and they are always difficult. Help me to remember to pray harder during those times so that Your strength will continue to abide in me. I trust You completely. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
He Delivers
Lamentations 3:25-26 - The Lord is good to those who depend on Him, to those search for Him. So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the Lord.
God always delivers on His promises to save us. When we are going through trials and tribulations, it does us good to wait patiently on God. To find somewhere quiet to be still and pray. Sometimes that can be easier said than done because we are human after all, and patience isn't necessarily in our nature, but trusting God's plan and timing brings great reward for our life.
I remember seeing a meme that spoke some really true words that I will never forget. It said, "Not once in the Bible does it say 'Figure it out', but over and over it says trust God, He already has it all figured out." God knows exactly what is going to happen and when. I must remind myself during the hard times to sit quietly and pray and trust God to deliver me. Throughout the Bible, He has promised to deliver me, and I need to make sure I am trusting Him.
Dear Lord, thank You for Your great reminder that You have it all figured out, and You are eagerly waiting to deliver all of us as we trust Your plan. I am so blessed to have such an amazing God like You in my corner rooting for me, cheering me on, and encouraging me like no one else. Thank You. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
God always delivers on His promises to save us. When we are going through trials and tribulations, it does us good to wait patiently on God. To find somewhere quiet to be still and pray. Sometimes that can be easier said than done because we are human after all, and patience isn't necessarily in our nature, but trusting God's plan and timing brings great reward for our life.
I remember seeing a meme that spoke some really true words that I will never forget. It said, "Not once in the Bible does it say 'Figure it out', but over and over it says trust God, He already has it all figured out." God knows exactly what is going to happen and when. I must remind myself during the hard times to sit quietly and pray and trust God to deliver me. Throughout the Bible, He has promised to deliver me, and I need to make sure I am trusting Him.
Dear Lord, thank You for Your great reminder that You have it all figured out, and You are eagerly waiting to deliver all of us as we trust Your plan. I am so blessed to have such an amazing God like You in my corner rooting for me, cheering me on, and encouraging me like no one else. Thank You. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
Monday, September 23, 2013
Accountability and Integrity
1 Chronicles 21:17 - And David said to God, "I am the one who called for the census! I am the one who has sinned and done wrong! But these people are as innocent as sheep - what have they done? O Lord my God, let Your anger fall against me and my family, but do not destroy Your people."
David is the epitome of what a true leader should aim to be like. He made mistakes, as everyone does, but he accepted accountability for them. He displayed his integrity by admitting his sin, accepting responsibility for his actions, and being obedient to God when he was told what to do after. God loves a repentant heart, and that is exactly what David had.
As a leader in my job, do I show accountability and integrity in all that I do? I certainly try to. My father always told me that integrity is doing the right thing when no one is looking. I agree with him completely, but I also believe that integrity is accepting accountability for your actions. If someone on my staff makes a mistake, I need to examine if there was something I could have done to help prevent it. I am not afraid to accept my role and my responsibility, because I know that is what God expects of me. When I do make mistakes, I need to make sure that I confess my sin to God, and seek His will with a repentant heart.
Dear Lord, thank You for this reminder that I need to make sure I am staying accountable to You as well as those I work for. I trust Your will for me, Lord, even if it would cost me my job in the long run. That just means that You have bigger and better plans for me. Thank You for always revealing something great to me in Your Word every day. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
David is the epitome of what a true leader should aim to be like. He made mistakes, as everyone does, but he accepted accountability for them. He displayed his integrity by admitting his sin, accepting responsibility for his actions, and being obedient to God when he was told what to do after. God loves a repentant heart, and that is exactly what David had.
As a leader in my job, do I show accountability and integrity in all that I do? I certainly try to. My father always told me that integrity is doing the right thing when no one is looking. I agree with him completely, but I also believe that integrity is accepting accountability for your actions. If someone on my staff makes a mistake, I need to examine if there was something I could have done to help prevent it. I am not afraid to accept my role and my responsibility, because I know that is what God expects of me. When I do make mistakes, I need to make sure that I confess my sin to God, and seek His will with a repentant heart.
Dear Lord, thank You for this reminder that I need to make sure I am staying accountable to You as well as those I work for. I trust Your will for me, Lord, even if it would cost me my job in the long run. That just means that You have bigger and better plans for me. Thank You for always revealing something great to me in Your Word every day. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Abundant Blessings
1 Chronicles 17:16 - Then King David went in and sat before the Lord and prayed, "Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my family, that You have brought me this far?"
David was overwhelmed with God's blessings. God had blessed David enormously, and when David wanted to do something for God, He told him not to. God told him that He had even greater plans to bless David and his family. David had to ask why had he received such favor. God was blessing him because of David's faithfulness. David truly was a man after God's heart, and God rewarded him with abundant blessings. When we are faithful and seek God's will for us and are obedient to it, He is faithful in blessing us abundantly. God doesn't require anything in return for His blessings.
Am I seeking God's will for me? Yes. Am I obedient to it? Usually. This is something I need to improve on, because usually isn't good enough. I trust that God has my best interests at heart. The Pastor at my church this morning put it well when he said, "God's ways don't always make sense, but they work." I needed to hear that. The one area I have struggled with the most is Total Obedience. That is going to change. I know that God will bless me abundantly when I am totally obedient. I want to be overwhelmed with God's love and blessings. He has already done so much for me, that I trust Him completely, now I need to show it. I need to be faithful like David was, and be a man after God's heart.
Dear Abba Father, thank You for Your blessings in my life. Thank You for Your unending patience as I seek to be totally obedient to Your will for my life. I want Your abundant blessings for me, so that everyone I come in contact with will see what it is like, and they will seek You just the same. Please use me for Your glory. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
David was overwhelmed with God's blessings. God had blessed David enormously, and when David wanted to do something for God, He told him not to. God told him that He had even greater plans to bless David and his family. David had to ask why had he received such favor. God was blessing him because of David's faithfulness. David truly was a man after God's heart, and God rewarded him with abundant blessings. When we are faithful and seek God's will for us and are obedient to it, He is faithful in blessing us abundantly. God doesn't require anything in return for His blessings.
Am I seeking God's will for me? Yes. Am I obedient to it? Usually. This is something I need to improve on, because usually isn't good enough. I trust that God has my best interests at heart. The Pastor at my church this morning put it well when he said, "God's ways don't always make sense, but they work." I needed to hear that. The one area I have struggled with the most is Total Obedience. That is going to change. I know that God will bless me abundantly when I am totally obedient. I want to be overwhelmed with God's love and blessings. He has already done so much for me, that I trust Him completely, now I need to show it. I need to be faithful like David was, and be a man after God's heart.
Dear Abba Father, thank You for Your blessings in my life. Thank You for Your unending patience as I seek to be totally obedient to Your will for my life. I want Your abundant blessings for me, so that everyone I come in contact with will see what it is like, and they will seek You just the same. Please use me for Your glory. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
Saturday, September 21, 2013
Inner Peace
Romans 5:1 - Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.
We have all seen the bumper stickers and t-shirts, etc. that say things like, "No God No Peace - Know God Know Peace." Are they true? 100%! Jesus' sacrifice gave us the ability to have true inner peace through our acceptance of Him and our salvation through Him. The transformation doesn't happen over night, but we immediately feel different because the Holy Spirit does bring us relief. The transforming takes time through our growing relationship with God. The more we spend time getting to know Him through His Word and prayer, the greater the peace and joy we have in our lives?
Do I have inner peace in my life? I sure do. I used to be a very angry person that was not a lot of fun to be around. My Savior gave me so much peace and joy that sometimes I feel like I am bursting at the seams. That doesn't mean that I am complete. Far from it. I need to maintain my relationship with God by being intentionally intimate with Him. How do I do that? Spending time every day in His Word and taking time to be quiet in prayer (conversation) with Him. He has met me more than half way, and it is up to me now to grow with Him.
Dear Abba Father, thank You for hushing the anger and rage within me with that inner peace that I could get nowhere else. I pray that I will remain in Your favor as I continue to seek You everyday in Your Word and through our prayer time together. My cup runneth over with Your love and peace, and I wouldn't want it any other way. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
We have all seen the bumper stickers and t-shirts, etc. that say things like, "No God No Peace - Know God Know Peace." Are they true? 100%! Jesus' sacrifice gave us the ability to have true inner peace through our acceptance of Him and our salvation through Him. The transformation doesn't happen over night, but we immediately feel different because the Holy Spirit does bring us relief. The transforming takes time through our growing relationship with God. The more we spend time getting to know Him through His Word and prayer, the greater the peace and joy we have in our lives?
Do I have inner peace in my life? I sure do. I used to be a very angry person that was not a lot of fun to be around. My Savior gave me so much peace and joy that sometimes I feel like I am bursting at the seams. That doesn't mean that I am complete. Far from it. I need to maintain my relationship with God by being intentionally intimate with Him. How do I do that? Spending time every day in His Word and taking time to be quiet in prayer (conversation) with Him. He has met me more than half way, and it is up to me now to grow with Him.
Dear Abba Father, thank You for hushing the anger and rage within me with that inner peace that I could get nowhere else. I pray that I will remain in Your favor as I continue to seek You everyday in Your Word and through our prayer time together. My cup runneth over with Your love and peace, and I wouldn't want it any other way. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
Friday, September 20, 2013
Obedience
1 Samuel 15:22 - But Samuel replied, "What is more pleasing to the Lord: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to His voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams."
Saul's problem here is that he figured that God wouldn't mind if he did things a little different than how he had been told. He figured it would be okay if he offered the sacrifice that God didn't ask for, and God would still be fine with it. His problem is that he figured...he didn't listen.
As someone who works in a leadership capacity at my job, I give instructions on a regular basis. There have been plenty of times through the years where I would tell someone something that I needed them to do and a specific way that it needs to be done only to come back and find out they did it differently. When this happens, I tell them I am all for finding new and efficient ways to do things, but certain things are required to be done in certain ways. I will often tell them that I am open for discussion on new and improved methods, however we are not always going to agree and when we don't we are going to do it my way. That is how I need to be when approaching God's instructions for me. I have caught myself hearing His instruction to me, and then saying, 'Well I know He said to do it this way, but I know a better way that will get it done faster'. That doesn't work! If I knew better than God (and I certainly don't!!), then why do I need Him?! I DON'T know better than Him. When left to my own counsel, I have proven time and again that I DO need Him. I must be mindful to make sure I am following His instructions as He tells me. I may not always agree or understand, and when I don't, I will just do it His way.
Dear Lord, thank You for Your reminders that You definitely know better than me. Your ways are always right and true, and I have to be careful that I don't start to think I know better than You, because I don't. Thank You for Your guidance and patience as I seek Your glory every day. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
Saul's problem here is that he figured that God wouldn't mind if he did things a little different than how he had been told. He figured it would be okay if he offered the sacrifice that God didn't ask for, and God would still be fine with it. His problem is that he figured...he didn't listen.
As someone who works in a leadership capacity at my job, I give instructions on a regular basis. There have been plenty of times through the years where I would tell someone something that I needed them to do and a specific way that it needs to be done only to come back and find out they did it differently. When this happens, I tell them I am all for finding new and efficient ways to do things, but certain things are required to be done in certain ways. I will often tell them that I am open for discussion on new and improved methods, however we are not always going to agree and when we don't we are going to do it my way. That is how I need to be when approaching God's instructions for me. I have caught myself hearing His instruction to me, and then saying, 'Well I know He said to do it this way, but I know a better way that will get it done faster'. That doesn't work! If I knew better than God (and I certainly don't!!), then why do I need Him?! I DON'T know better than Him. When left to my own counsel, I have proven time and again that I DO need Him. I must be mindful to make sure I am following His instructions as He tells me. I may not always agree or understand, and when I don't, I will just do it His way.
Dear Lord, thank You for Your reminders that You definitely know better than me. Your ways are always right and true, and I have to be careful that I don't start to think I know better than You, because I don't. Thank You for Your guidance and patience as I seek Your glory every day. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Sharp Tongues
James 3:10 - And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right.
This passage is so convicting. The tongue will reveal what is in our heart. If we have a sharp tongue that is used for cutting and cursing remarks, we need to stop and think about what we are doing (or not doing). Of course what we are doing is wrong, but even more so, it shows we are resistant to the transformation that the Holy Spirit is trying to do within us. If we open ourselves up to this transformation, our sharp tongues will subside. It isn't just a matter of us trusting God to transform us, but allowing Him to do it.
Guilty, guilty, guilty. I will be the first to admit that I have a problem with allowing my frustration to get the better of me. I can be in a moment, and have nothing good to say. My mom (as I'm sure a lot of our mom's said) used to say, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything." But it goes beyond that. I have to get rid of the bad thoughts altogether, not just suppress them. I have to be better about taming my tongue. The only way I can be better about this, is by being less resistant to the Holy Spirit's work in my heart. I can sit here and say that I don't feel like I am being resistant. But just because I don't notice it, doesn't mean it isn't so. If I can be better about allowing God to transform my heart, I know that my sharp tongue will be tempered, because that is God's will for me.
Dear Lord, thank You for this conviction. I know I need to tame my tongue, and it starts with me allowing You to tame my heart. Please give me the strength and courage to be a better person in Your eyes. I want to do Your will and be pleasing to You, and it starts with me allowing You to do Your work in me. I trust Your perfect plan for me, and I pray for Your continued guidance each and every day. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
This passage is so convicting. The tongue will reveal what is in our heart. If we have a sharp tongue that is used for cutting and cursing remarks, we need to stop and think about what we are doing (or not doing). Of course what we are doing is wrong, but even more so, it shows we are resistant to the transformation that the Holy Spirit is trying to do within us. If we open ourselves up to this transformation, our sharp tongues will subside. It isn't just a matter of us trusting God to transform us, but allowing Him to do it.
Guilty, guilty, guilty. I will be the first to admit that I have a problem with allowing my frustration to get the better of me. I can be in a moment, and have nothing good to say. My mom (as I'm sure a lot of our mom's said) used to say, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything." But it goes beyond that. I have to get rid of the bad thoughts altogether, not just suppress them. I have to be better about taming my tongue. The only way I can be better about this, is by being less resistant to the Holy Spirit's work in my heart. I can sit here and say that I don't feel like I am being resistant. But just because I don't notice it, doesn't mean it isn't so. If I can be better about allowing God to transform my heart, I know that my sharp tongue will be tempered, because that is God's will for me.
Dear Lord, thank You for this conviction. I know I need to tame my tongue, and it starts with me allowing You to tame my heart. Please give me the strength and courage to be a better person in Your eyes. I want to do Your will and be pleasing to You, and it starts with me allowing You to do Your work in me. I trust Your perfect plan for me, and I pray for Your continued guidance each and every day. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Paying Attention
Psalm 40:1 - I waited patiently for the Lord; And He inclined to me and heard my cry.
God is always listening and paying attention when we reach out to Him in prayer. Sometimes it feels like we have to shout loud for our prayers to reach the Heavens, but we don't. He promises to meet us half way. He promises to bend down and listen, to incline His ear and listen to our needs. At the same time, we have to be paying attention and listen for His response. We have to be willing to obey what He tells us. He will meet us half way, and we must be willing to do so too.
I used to believe that God wasn't listening. Then I realized that I wasn't obeying. I caught myself praying, and when I would get the answer, I would say, "Whoa...I can't do that..." It doesn't work that way. I have to be willing to do the leg work. God will make it happen if I am faithful and obedient to Him, but I have to show Him that I am. I have improved my obedience, but I still find myself sometimes saying, "Really? Are you sure?" Of course He's sure. He doesn't test or tempt us. I have to remember if I feel God speaking to me, to shut up and listen and obey. He has always met me half way.
Dear Abba Father, thank You for Your promises. I love my time in prayer with You, because I know You are always listening. I don't have to shout out my prayers, because You have inclined Your ear and bent down to listen to my pleas. I am so blessed by Your love and amazing grace. Thank You for loving me when I tried my hardest to make myself unlovable. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
God is always listening and paying attention when we reach out to Him in prayer. Sometimes it feels like we have to shout loud for our prayers to reach the Heavens, but we don't. He promises to meet us half way. He promises to bend down and listen, to incline His ear and listen to our needs. At the same time, we have to be paying attention and listen for His response. We have to be willing to obey what He tells us. He will meet us half way, and we must be willing to do so too.
I used to believe that God wasn't listening. Then I realized that I wasn't obeying. I caught myself praying, and when I would get the answer, I would say, "Whoa...I can't do that..." It doesn't work that way. I have to be willing to do the leg work. God will make it happen if I am faithful and obedient to Him, but I have to show Him that I am. I have improved my obedience, but I still find myself sometimes saying, "Really? Are you sure?" Of course He's sure. He doesn't test or tempt us. I have to remember if I feel God speaking to me, to shut up and listen and obey. He has always met me half way.
Dear Abba Father, thank You for Your promises. I love my time in prayer with You, because I know You are always listening. I don't have to shout out my prayers, because You have inclined Your ear and bent down to listen to my pleas. I am so blessed by Your love and amazing grace. Thank You for loving me when I tried my hardest to make myself unlovable. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
All The Same
James 2:9 - But if you favor some people over others, you are committing a sin. You are guilty of breaking the law.
Jesus didn't tell us to love "certain" others as ourselves, He just said others. We are commanded to love everyone. We don't have the right to be picking and choosing who we want to care about. No one is better than anyone else, regardless of how much money they have, or how many toys they have. We are all God's children, and we should be treating each other that way.
Am I truly loving like Jesus loves? Do I give others less of my time because I feel they are not as important as someone else? I have certainly been guilty of this, and I am working on it. I know that God doesn't want me to only love the ones I feel are important to me and my success in life. Because no one is as important to the success in my life as God is. If I am not following His commands completely, He is just to withdraw His blessings from me. I have to make sure that I am showing love and attention to everyone.
Dear Lord, thank You for Your gentle reminders about following Your commands. I pray that You will continue to bless me, as I work every day at being more like You. I know I am, and will continue to be, a work in progress, but I am grateful for all Your blessings. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
Jesus didn't tell us to love "certain" others as ourselves, He just said others. We are commanded to love everyone. We don't have the right to be picking and choosing who we want to care about. No one is better than anyone else, regardless of how much money they have, or how many toys they have. We are all God's children, and we should be treating each other that way.
Am I truly loving like Jesus loves? Do I give others less of my time because I feel they are not as important as someone else? I have certainly been guilty of this, and I am working on it. I know that God doesn't want me to only love the ones I feel are important to me and my success in life. Because no one is as important to the success in my life as God is. If I am not following His commands completely, He is just to withdraw His blessings from me. I have to make sure that I am showing love and attention to everyone.
Dear Lord, thank You for Your gentle reminders about following Your commands. I pray that You will continue to bless me, as I work every day at being more like You. I know I am, and will continue to be, a work in progress, but I am grateful for all Your blessings. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
Monday, September 16, 2013
Give It All To Him
1 Peter 5:7 - Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.
God cares for His people so much. When we trust in Him and turn our problems over to Him, it warms His heart. He wants to do for us because He loves us. Just the same, we should be willing to do for others because of our love for them. Sometimes that can be difficult to do for some people. We find ourselves saying, "But this guy did this to me, and she did that to me." Who cares! That was yesterday. God doesn't dwell on what we did yesterday, so what right do we have to do it?! If God was so concerned about what we did yesterday, He wouldn't offer us His love and protection. He wouldn't take the time to care about us and listen to our prayers. He simply wouldn't care. But He does. Because he loves us.
This is something I have struggled with a lot over the years. I used to be really good about holding a grudge. During a recent Bible study with my Church about love, we were really challenged to love like Jesus loves. That series really helped transform my heart. I found myself in better relationships with people I simply didn't get along with at all. I found myself doing for others with no thought of what I had coming to me. During this time, I really learned to trust God more with my worries and cares. I got so much better about letting go and giving everything over to God. I have learned over the last few years that I cannot do this on my own, and that God wants to do for me what I cannot do. I am so grateful for His love and attention.
Dear Lord, thank You for caring. Thank You for taking my worries and cares away from me. Thank You for blessing me with such an amazing Church family that has really demonstrated how to love like Jesus loves. You know how my brain operates, You know how I need to see things in action and not just read about them in order to understand. Seeing my Church family put into action what I read in Your Word really showed me that ALL things are possible with Your strength. Thank You for that reminder. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
God cares for His people so much. When we trust in Him and turn our problems over to Him, it warms His heart. He wants to do for us because He loves us. Just the same, we should be willing to do for others because of our love for them. Sometimes that can be difficult to do for some people. We find ourselves saying, "But this guy did this to me, and she did that to me." Who cares! That was yesterday. God doesn't dwell on what we did yesterday, so what right do we have to do it?! If God was so concerned about what we did yesterday, He wouldn't offer us His love and protection. He wouldn't take the time to care about us and listen to our prayers. He simply wouldn't care. But He does. Because he loves us.
This is something I have struggled with a lot over the years. I used to be really good about holding a grudge. During a recent Bible study with my Church about love, we were really challenged to love like Jesus loves. That series really helped transform my heart. I found myself in better relationships with people I simply didn't get along with at all. I found myself doing for others with no thought of what I had coming to me. During this time, I really learned to trust God more with my worries and cares. I got so much better about letting go and giving everything over to God. I have learned over the last few years that I cannot do this on my own, and that God wants to do for me what I cannot do. I am so grateful for His love and attention.
Dear Lord, thank You for caring. Thank You for taking my worries and cares away from me. Thank You for blessing me with such an amazing Church family that has really demonstrated how to love like Jesus loves. You know how my brain operates, You know how I need to see things in action and not just read about them in order to understand. Seeing my Church family put into action what I read in Your Word really showed me that ALL things are possible with Your strength. Thank You for that reminder. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Forward Thinking
2 Kings 20:19 - Then Hezekiah said to Isaiah, "This message you have given me from the Lord is good." For the king was thinking, "At least there will be peace and security during my lifetime."
Hezekiah was being selfish. He was sad that he was dying and he begged God to not let it happen. After God granted his request, he got a message from Isaiah that bad things would happen to Israel during his sons life because of his actions, and he lost his humility. He was more concerned about saving his own skin. What we do has far greater consequences than we sometimes realize. We must work to think about the bigger picture. It is very easy to get caught up in the moment, and concern ourselves with the here and now. We have to think with an eternal perspective.
This is something I have always struggled with. As I have grown in my relationship with Jesus, I have gotten better about it, but I still have a lot of work to do. I have to remember that what I do on this earth is fleeting and only for a moment, but can have eternal consequences. I am confident that as I continue to seek God more every day, I will improve on this.
Dear Lord, thank You for reminding me not to just think in the moment. Thank You for the reminder that I must seek Your wisdom and guidance for ALL that I do before I do it. I have to remember to pray and THEN plan, so that my will aligns with Yours. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
Hezekiah was being selfish. He was sad that he was dying and he begged God to not let it happen. After God granted his request, he got a message from Isaiah that bad things would happen to Israel during his sons life because of his actions, and he lost his humility. He was more concerned about saving his own skin. What we do has far greater consequences than we sometimes realize. We must work to think about the bigger picture. It is very easy to get caught up in the moment, and concern ourselves with the here and now. We have to think with an eternal perspective.
This is something I have always struggled with. As I have grown in my relationship with Jesus, I have gotten better about it, but I still have a lot of work to do. I have to remember that what I do on this earth is fleeting and only for a moment, but can have eternal consequences. I am confident that as I continue to seek God more every day, I will improve on this.
Dear Lord, thank You for reminding me not to just think in the moment. Thank You for the reminder that I must seek Your wisdom and guidance for ALL that I do before I do it. I have to remember to pray and THEN plan, so that my will aligns with Yours. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
Saturday, September 14, 2013
Like Others
1 Samuel 8:20 - We want to be like the nations around us. Our king will judge us and lead us into battle.
The people had clearly lost their way here, despite Samuel's best efforts to change their minds. God never intended for His chosen people to be like everyone else. His plan has always been for us to be set apart and holy because He is holy. This was well demonstrated by Jesus. Though He is fully God, He was also fully man. As a man, He was not like the others of His time (or any time for that matter). He was perfect and sinless. He showed us what it meant to be set apart and holy. This is what we should all be striving for. Not to be perfect, because it is already too late for that. But we should be striving to be set apart and holy by God's amazing grace and love. Once we have accepted God's sacrifice and Jesus as our savior, God begins to transform us. We are works in progress, and the work on our part doesn't end until we pass on from this life and into God's glorious and eternal Kingdom.
Have I allowed God to transform my life? Yes I have. I am certainly far from perfect, but I really have felt God's Holy Spirit moving in me lately. I have felt God calling me to do more for His Kingdom. I need to make sure that I am trusting His plan for me, and doing what He tells me to do. He wants me to be set apart and holy, and if I am hesitating to follow Him, I won't be. Just like in 2 Timothy 1:7, He didn't give me a spirit of timidity and fear, but of power (His power through me), love (love for God and others more than myself), and self-discipline (to train myself to trust Him completely).
Dear Lord, thank You for Your wonderful plans for me. Thank You for finding a use for a no good sinner like me, which is proof that You can use anyone for anything great and mighty. I pray for Your guidance and wisdom to keep me on the straight and narrow path and focused only on You, as I work for Your eternal Kingdom. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
The people had clearly lost their way here, despite Samuel's best efforts to change their minds. God never intended for His chosen people to be like everyone else. His plan has always been for us to be set apart and holy because He is holy. This was well demonstrated by Jesus. Though He is fully God, He was also fully man. As a man, He was not like the others of His time (or any time for that matter). He was perfect and sinless. He showed us what it meant to be set apart and holy. This is what we should all be striving for. Not to be perfect, because it is already too late for that. But we should be striving to be set apart and holy by God's amazing grace and love. Once we have accepted God's sacrifice and Jesus as our savior, God begins to transform us. We are works in progress, and the work on our part doesn't end until we pass on from this life and into God's glorious and eternal Kingdom.
Have I allowed God to transform my life? Yes I have. I am certainly far from perfect, but I really have felt God's Holy Spirit moving in me lately. I have felt God calling me to do more for His Kingdom. I need to make sure that I am trusting His plan for me, and doing what He tells me to do. He wants me to be set apart and holy, and if I am hesitating to follow Him, I won't be. Just like in 2 Timothy 1:7, He didn't give me a spirit of timidity and fear, but of power (His power through me), love (love for God and others more than myself), and self-discipline (to train myself to trust Him completely).
Dear Lord, thank You for Your wonderful plans for me. Thank You for finding a use for a no good sinner like me, which is proof that You can use anyone for anything great and mighty. I pray for Your guidance and wisdom to keep me on the straight and narrow path and focused only on You, as I work for Your eternal Kingdom. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
Friday, September 13, 2013
Don't Wait
James 4:14 - How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog - it's here a little while, then it's gone.
Life is short and precious. While our faith is what saves us, our good works demonstrate our faith. For those of us who have friends who have not been saved, we must work to show our love. Some of them need to see it to believe it at first. Seeing our true love for them and for everyone is just a tiny glimpse of the quantity and quality of the love that Jesus has for them. Pray that they don't wait until it's to late to accept Christ. And when you think you've prayed all you can...pray harder.
I have a few people that I have shared the Gospel with in the hopes that they would be saved, but to no avail. There have been some days where I have just wanted to give up and leave them to suffer for their stubbornness. But I can't do that. Jesus didn't do that with me. And I sure gave Him plenty of opportunities to just throw up His hands and say, "Forget it. This one's just a hard-headed mule." He never did that. He will never do that. For those that make it difficult for me to pray for, I need to pray harder for them. I need to show them the love that is just a tiny sliver of what Jesus has for them.
Dear Lord, thank You for putting this reminder on my heart today. I know I need to be praying harder for those that are harder to reach. I know that I am saved by my faith in You through Your amazing grace, but I need to demonstrate that faith to those who have been more difficult to reach through words alone. Thank You for all You have done, and continue to do, in and through me. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
Life is short and precious. While our faith is what saves us, our good works demonstrate our faith. For those of us who have friends who have not been saved, we must work to show our love. Some of them need to see it to believe it at first. Seeing our true love for them and for everyone is just a tiny glimpse of the quantity and quality of the love that Jesus has for them. Pray that they don't wait until it's to late to accept Christ. And when you think you've prayed all you can...pray harder.
I have a few people that I have shared the Gospel with in the hopes that they would be saved, but to no avail. There have been some days where I have just wanted to give up and leave them to suffer for their stubbornness. But I can't do that. Jesus didn't do that with me. And I sure gave Him plenty of opportunities to just throw up His hands and say, "Forget it. This one's just a hard-headed mule." He never did that. He will never do that. For those that make it difficult for me to pray for, I need to pray harder for them. I need to show them the love that is just a tiny sliver of what Jesus has for them.
Dear Lord, thank You for putting this reminder on my heart today. I know I need to be praying harder for those that are harder to reach. I know that I am saved by my faith in You through Your amazing grace, but I need to demonstrate that faith to those who have been more difficult to reach through words alone. Thank You for all You have done, and continue to do, in and through me. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
Thursday, September 12, 2013
No Fear
2 Timothy 1:7 - For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
God doesn't want us to be afraid. He doesn't want us to second guess or fear what we are doing. His Spirit gives us the knowledge to do what is right, and when we trust His leading, bad things will not happen. He doesn't lead us into failure, but into great and mighty things. He will never set us up for failure.
I have gotten over a lot of my trust issues over time. God really put it on my heart to love more. And I have never felt better. In the past I probably would've done a lot of second guessing. My common response would've been, "Really?! Are you sure?!" God not only doesn't want us to not second guess ourselves, but He doesn't want us to second guess Him either. God's patience with me has been so amazing. Instead of justly punishing me when I would second guess Him all the time, He would simply say, "Trust me, I will not fail you." He kept doing something that He should never have to do. He kept proving Himself to me. I am so grateful for His never ending patience, love, and grace. I never could have gotten that anywhere else.
Dear Abba Father, thank You so much for showing me how to love, how to be patient, and how to extend grace. You have dealt so lovingly with me, I pray that I won't let You down as I work towards Your glory and for Your Glorious Kingdom. Thank You for everything. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
God doesn't want us to be afraid. He doesn't want us to second guess or fear what we are doing. His Spirit gives us the knowledge to do what is right, and when we trust His leading, bad things will not happen. He doesn't lead us into failure, but into great and mighty things. He will never set us up for failure.
I have gotten over a lot of my trust issues over time. God really put it on my heart to love more. And I have never felt better. In the past I probably would've done a lot of second guessing. My common response would've been, "Really?! Are you sure?!" God not only doesn't want us to not second guess ourselves, but He doesn't want us to second guess Him either. God's patience with me has been so amazing. Instead of justly punishing me when I would second guess Him all the time, He would simply say, "Trust me, I will not fail you." He kept doing something that He should never have to do. He kept proving Himself to me. I am so grateful for His never ending patience, love, and grace. I never could have gotten that anywhere else.
Dear Abba Father, thank You so much for showing me how to love, how to be patient, and how to extend grace. You have dealt so lovingly with me, I pray that I won't let You down as I work towards Your glory and for Your Glorious Kingdom. Thank You for everything. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Temptations
1 Corinthians 10:13 - The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you can endure.
We all experience the same temptations in life. We all go through the same things as each other at one point or another. God doesn't do the tempting Himself, but He does allow it (see Job). He allows us to be tempted so that He can build us up. So that we will learn to trust Him for a way out. He has promised to always show us a way out, He will never let us fail.
Have I been trusting God enough to lead me through my temptations? I think I could be better about this. I trust God, yes, but a lot of times I am weak and I give in to the temptations. I need to be stronger. I know better than this! I trust God's promise to see me through. To build me up and never let me fail. I will trust Him to lead me out of the traps of the temptations.
Dear Lord, thank You for reminding me that I need to seek You more. When the temptations come my way, I need to stop and pray. I trust that You will not allow me to fail, and that You are building me up for great and mighty things for Your Glorious Kingdom. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
We all experience the same temptations in life. We all go through the same things as each other at one point or another. God doesn't do the tempting Himself, but He does allow it (see Job). He allows us to be tempted so that He can build us up. So that we will learn to trust Him for a way out. He has promised to always show us a way out, He will never let us fail.
Have I been trusting God enough to lead me through my temptations? I think I could be better about this. I trust God, yes, but a lot of times I am weak and I give in to the temptations. I need to be stronger. I know better than this! I trust God's promise to see me through. To build me up and never let me fail. I will trust Him to lead me out of the traps of the temptations.
Dear Lord, thank You for reminding me that I need to seek You more. When the temptations come my way, I need to stop and pray. I trust that You will not allow me to fail, and that You are building me up for great and mighty things for Your Glorious Kingdom. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
God's Peace
Philippians 4:7 - Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
The more and more we put our trust, confidence, and faith in Jesus Christ through incessant prayer (at least starting with incessant prayer), the more and more we will experience God's peace and protection. Like a lot of things, you get out what you put in...sort of. The ratio isn't 1 to 1. It's more like 1 to 10. For every one we give to and for God, He gives us tenfold what we put in (approximate numbers for demonstration purposes only). The point is, He gives us way more than we could ever offer Him. It started with the blood of His Son Jesus Christ, through which we are saved, and continues in all aspects of our lives as we trust and obey Him.
It hardly seems fair. It feels I am getting way more out of this relationship than God is. I know this is how He designed it though. I will trust the design of my Creator (particularly over my own limited understanding). I will accept His gifts of peace, unconditional love, and unfailing grace for me. I pray that I will grow stronger in my prayers to Him and be more surrendered to His will for my life.
Dear Lord, thank You for all You have done. Thank You for giving me far more than I could ever give You. I pray that I will continue to grow strong in Your peace. I pray that I will continue to grow stronger in my faith and trust in Your will for my life. I know You have great and might things planned for me...because You told me so. Thank You for everything Lord. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
The more and more we put our trust, confidence, and faith in Jesus Christ through incessant prayer (at least starting with incessant prayer), the more and more we will experience God's peace and protection. Like a lot of things, you get out what you put in...sort of. The ratio isn't 1 to 1. It's more like 1 to 10. For every one we give to and for God, He gives us tenfold what we put in (approximate numbers for demonstration purposes only). The point is, He gives us way more than we could ever offer Him. It started with the blood of His Son Jesus Christ, through which we are saved, and continues in all aspects of our lives as we trust and obey Him.
It hardly seems fair. It feels I am getting way more out of this relationship than God is. I know this is how He designed it though. I will trust the design of my Creator (particularly over my own limited understanding). I will accept His gifts of peace, unconditional love, and unfailing grace for me. I pray that I will grow stronger in my prayers to Him and be more surrendered to His will for my life.
Dear Lord, thank You for all You have done. Thank You for giving me far more than I could ever give You. I pray that I will continue to grow strong in Your peace. I pray that I will continue to grow stronger in my faith and trust in Your will for my life. I know You have great and might things planned for me...because You told me so. Thank You for everything Lord. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
Monday, September 9, 2013
Thank Him
Philippians 4:6 - Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.
I think it's very easy for a lot of people to forget one key part of this verse: to thank Him for all He has done. A lot of times, we get wrapped up in our prayers. We get busy asking for this or that. As much as I hate to say it, but in a society that is so focused on the "me first" mentality, it is almost to be expected. In a world where there is so much violence, it is difficult to see God's wonderful blessings in everything. We need to be mindful to thank God for every blessing He has bestowed upon us through His love, mercy, and grace.
I know I have been guilty of this more times than I care to admit. God really put it in my heart recently that I needed to say thank You to Him more often. Boy was he right (as usual). We all are quick to say thank you to people (at least if we have some manners) when they hand us something or do us a favor. Why have I not been so quick to say thank You to God? He has done more than anyone on this earth could ever do for me! Have I just come to expect it? I sure hope not. That is one level of complacency that I DO NOT want to get to.
Dear Abba Father, THANK YOU. I pray that I will not fall into the comfort of complacency and forget where my blessings are coming from. THANK YOU for Your wonderful mercy, Your unending grace, and Your unfailing love. THANK YOU. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
I think it's very easy for a lot of people to forget one key part of this verse: to thank Him for all He has done. A lot of times, we get wrapped up in our prayers. We get busy asking for this or that. As much as I hate to say it, but in a society that is so focused on the "me first" mentality, it is almost to be expected. In a world where there is so much violence, it is difficult to see God's wonderful blessings in everything. We need to be mindful to thank God for every blessing He has bestowed upon us through His love, mercy, and grace.
I know I have been guilty of this more times than I care to admit. God really put it in my heart recently that I needed to say thank You to Him more often. Boy was he right (as usual). We all are quick to say thank you to people (at least if we have some manners) when they hand us something or do us a favor. Why have I not been so quick to say thank You to God? He has done more than anyone on this earth could ever do for me! Have I just come to expect it? I sure hope not. That is one level of complacency that I DO NOT want to get to.
Dear Abba Father, THANK YOU. I pray that I will not fall into the comfort of complacency and forget where my blessings are coming from. THANK YOU for Your wonderful mercy, Your unending grace, and Your unfailing love. THANK YOU. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
Sunday, September 8, 2013
All About Him
1 Corinthians 10:31 - So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
Everything we do in our daily lives should be done for the glory of God. As human beings who live in a fallen, materialistic world, it is sometimes difficult to wrap our heads around the fact that it is NOT all about us. Particularly when we are encouraged by the world to do whatever we want to make ourselves happy. It really is all about God. Why? Because He's the one who sent His Son to die in our place. He's the one who gives us salvation through the blood of His Son Jesus Christ. He has done way more through this act of love, than we could ever hope to do in 10 lifetimes. THAT'S why He deserves the glory.
Am I doing everything for God's glory? Like a lot of us, I could definitely use some work in this area. A Pastor at my church made a great point in a message he gave a few weeks ago. He said before you do something ask yourself, "Would you do it if God was standing there with you?" Talk about convicted! The truth is, God is standing there with us. He is everywhere all the time. Does that mean we need to be walking on eggshells? No. God doesn't work that way. He's not just there to discipline us, He's there to love us. He's there to make sure that when we do fall, we get back up. We need to make sure that we are giving Him the glory in all we do, because we could not do it without Him.
Dear Lord, thank You for this reminder. I know I have struggled with my mouth and my attitude from time to time. I have fallen, but You pick me back up, because You love me and You have great and mighty things planned for me. For that, I give you all the glory and honor You so richly deserve. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
Everything we do in our daily lives should be done for the glory of God. As human beings who live in a fallen, materialistic world, it is sometimes difficult to wrap our heads around the fact that it is NOT all about us. Particularly when we are encouraged by the world to do whatever we want to make ourselves happy. It really is all about God. Why? Because He's the one who sent His Son to die in our place. He's the one who gives us salvation through the blood of His Son Jesus Christ. He has done way more through this act of love, than we could ever hope to do in 10 lifetimes. THAT'S why He deserves the glory.
Am I doing everything for God's glory? Like a lot of us, I could definitely use some work in this area. A Pastor at my church made a great point in a message he gave a few weeks ago. He said before you do something ask yourself, "Would you do it if God was standing there with you?" Talk about convicted! The truth is, God is standing there with us. He is everywhere all the time. Does that mean we need to be walking on eggshells? No. God doesn't work that way. He's not just there to discipline us, He's there to love us. He's there to make sure that when we do fall, we get back up. We need to make sure that we are giving Him the glory in all we do, because we could not do it without Him.
Dear Lord, thank You for this reminder. I know I have struggled with my mouth and my attitude from time to time. I have fallen, but You pick me back up, because You love me and You have great and mighty things planned for me. For that, I give you all the glory and honor You so richly deserve. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
Saturday, September 7, 2013
Bountiful
Psalm 142:7 - Bring my soul out of prison, so that I may give thanks to Your name; The righteous will surround me, for You will deal bountifully with me.
David's faith in God was so awesome. He trusted in God to rescue him from everything He was going through, and God did not disappoint (does He ever?!). David knew that when he put his trust in God completely, that people would want to be around him, because they would see how God would provide bountifully for David, and they would want that for themselves as well.
Is my faith like this? Am I trusting God to the point that He is providing for me bountifully? I think I could be better, but fortunately God doesn't wait for me. He has provided for me in ways that I never could have imagined or hoped for. He has shown me what He is capable of doing for me. I know that my faith will grow stronger. If His provisions for me get stronger as well (and they will), I cannot wait to see the bountiful harvest He has for me. I have learned enough about God over the years to know that He isn't trying to buy my faith and trust by giving me more now, and then pulling back once He has me. He has just given me a glimpse of the possibilities of what He has in store for me. And just a glimpse of those possibilities have been nothing short of AMAZING.
Dear Abba Father, thank you for being AMAZING. Every day you encourage and strengthen my faith in You no matter what I may be going through. I am excited and humbled for what You have in store for me. I long to serve You and Your Kingdom more. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
David's faith in God was so awesome. He trusted in God to rescue him from everything He was going through, and God did not disappoint (does He ever?!). David knew that when he put his trust in God completely, that people would want to be around him, because they would see how God would provide bountifully for David, and they would want that for themselves as well.
Is my faith like this? Am I trusting God to the point that He is providing for me bountifully? I think I could be better, but fortunately God doesn't wait for me. He has provided for me in ways that I never could have imagined or hoped for. He has shown me what He is capable of doing for me. I know that my faith will grow stronger. If His provisions for me get stronger as well (and they will), I cannot wait to see the bountiful harvest He has for me. I have learned enough about God over the years to know that He isn't trying to buy my faith and trust by giving me more now, and then pulling back once He has me. He has just given me a glimpse of the possibilities of what He has in store for me. And just a glimpse of those possibilities have been nothing short of AMAZING.
Dear Abba Father, thank you for being AMAZING. Every day you encourage and strengthen my faith in You no matter what I may be going through. I am excited and humbled for what You have in store for me. I long to serve You and Your Kingdom more. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
Friday, September 6, 2013
All Worth It
Romans 8:18 - Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory He will reveal to us later.
God makes it all worth it. We are all going to go through problems from time to time in this life. There is absolutely no way around it. Some of us worse than others. Sometimes they will feel overbearing and insurmountable. Sometimes we don't see the light at the end of the tunnel. That doesn't mean that it isn't there. The light at the end of the tunnel is Jesus Christ, and He has promised to always be there (Matthew 28:20). If we are struggling to see Him during our darkest times, that means we have to work harder to open our eyes and hearts to Him. Imagine the worst pain you have had or could conceive of having or the hardest situation you could possibly have to deal with, and the pain that you would feel either emotionally or physically. Now multiply that times infinity, and that is the amount of joy, happiness, and glory that Jesus promises to reveal to us when we meet Him. He makes it all worth it.
Am I struggling to see His light at the end of the tunnel during my hard times? It has been difficult sometimes, I won't deny that. There were periods of my life where I saw absolutely no way out. Even before I turned my heart and life over to Christ, there was always something in me that just knew there was something better. That whatever I was going through was not how it was supposed to be, and that it would get better if I just rode the wave. A Pastor at my church recently compared God's grace to the waves coming in on the shore. Rolling in and washing us clean, over and over again. That made so much sense to me. Once I didn't just believe that God would love and forgive me, but accepted it as well, I knew that it would all be okay. I knew that Jesus would make it all worth it, and He didn't care about what I had done. I can sit and reflect on all the stupid things I've done in my past, but that's just me. God doesn't do that. Once he forgives, HE FORGETS. We can try to remind Him, but His response will always be, "I don't remember that."
Dear Lord, thank You for being that light at the end of everyone's tunnel. I pray that I will continue to keep my eyes open and focused on You. I pray that those who are struggling to see that beacon of hope will stop for a minute, and pray for the kind of clarity of thought and vision that can only come from You. Thank You so much for washing me clean of my sins, and for never remembering them. I will work harder to forgive myself and forget my mistakes like You have, because I know that is what You want for me. You don't want me lingering in self-doubt or self-pity because that takes my mind off of You and the amazing glory You have promised for me. I thank You for this promise in Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
God makes it all worth it. We are all going to go through problems from time to time in this life. There is absolutely no way around it. Some of us worse than others. Sometimes they will feel overbearing and insurmountable. Sometimes we don't see the light at the end of the tunnel. That doesn't mean that it isn't there. The light at the end of the tunnel is Jesus Christ, and He has promised to always be there (Matthew 28:20). If we are struggling to see Him during our darkest times, that means we have to work harder to open our eyes and hearts to Him. Imagine the worst pain you have had or could conceive of having or the hardest situation you could possibly have to deal with, and the pain that you would feel either emotionally or physically. Now multiply that times infinity, and that is the amount of joy, happiness, and glory that Jesus promises to reveal to us when we meet Him. He makes it all worth it.
Am I struggling to see His light at the end of the tunnel during my hard times? It has been difficult sometimes, I won't deny that. There were periods of my life where I saw absolutely no way out. Even before I turned my heart and life over to Christ, there was always something in me that just knew there was something better. That whatever I was going through was not how it was supposed to be, and that it would get better if I just rode the wave. A Pastor at my church recently compared God's grace to the waves coming in on the shore. Rolling in and washing us clean, over and over again. That made so much sense to me. Once I didn't just believe that God would love and forgive me, but accepted it as well, I knew that it would all be okay. I knew that Jesus would make it all worth it, and He didn't care about what I had done. I can sit and reflect on all the stupid things I've done in my past, but that's just me. God doesn't do that. Once he forgives, HE FORGETS. We can try to remind Him, but His response will always be, "I don't remember that."
Dear Lord, thank You for being that light at the end of everyone's tunnel. I pray that I will continue to keep my eyes open and focused on You. I pray that those who are struggling to see that beacon of hope will stop for a minute, and pray for the kind of clarity of thought and vision that can only come from You. Thank You so much for washing me clean of my sins, and for never remembering them. I will work harder to forgive myself and forget my mistakes like You have, because I know that is what You want for me. You don't want me lingering in self-doubt or self-pity because that takes my mind off of You and the amazing glory You have promised for me. I thank You for this promise in Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Experiencing His Power
Philippians 3:10 - I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised Him from the dead. I want to suffer with Him, sharing in His death.
For us to begin to know Christ, we must first look for Him in His Word every day. This is where we begin to experience His might power. When we are true in our faith, the might power that raised Him from the dead will raise us from the dead. Jesus promises this to us throughout the Bible.
Have I been in God's Word every day so that I can begin to know God and His Son Jesus? I have been faithful for 499 days now, and He has done amazing things in my life. He has always been there for me, but since I have really taken the time to get to know Him, He has revealed so many amazing things. He has done this not just directly through His Word. He has done it through people that I have Bible study with every week. He has done it through the messages I hear at Church every week. He works in such amazing ways, and I could never close my eyes to this fact. But now that I have said it out loud (figuratively speaking), I know that Satan will turn it up a notch to try and pull me away. He is the great accuser and the great liar. I have to work overtime in prayer to God to deliver me from this evil one. God has already raised this undeserving life from the dead by the might power of Jesus Christ. I trust that He will continue to be my refuge and safety through every storm.
Dear Abba Father, thank You so much for Your Word. Thank You for Your promises to raise me up by the might power of Jesus Christ. I ask for Your continued refuge and safety from Satan and for You to give me the strength and courage to resist his temptations no matter how hard he tries. I believe and trust that I am saved through my faith in Your love and grace alone. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
For us to begin to know Christ, we must first look for Him in His Word every day. This is where we begin to experience His might power. When we are true in our faith, the might power that raised Him from the dead will raise us from the dead. Jesus promises this to us throughout the Bible.
Have I been in God's Word every day so that I can begin to know God and His Son Jesus? I have been faithful for 499 days now, and He has done amazing things in my life. He has always been there for me, but since I have really taken the time to get to know Him, He has revealed so many amazing things. He has done this not just directly through His Word. He has done it through people that I have Bible study with every week. He has done it through the messages I hear at Church every week. He works in such amazing ways, and I could never close my eyes to this fact. But now that I have said it out loud (figuratively speaking), I know that Satan will turn it up a notch to try and pull me away. He is the great accuser and the great liar. I have to work overtime in prayer to God to deliver me from this evil one. God has already raised this undeserving life from the dead by the might power of Jesus Christ. I trust that He will continue to be my refuge and safety through every storm.
Dear Abba Father, thank You so much for Your Word. Thank You for Your promises to raise me up by the might power of Jesus Christ. I ask for Your continued refuge and safety from Satan and for You to give me the strength and courage to resist his temptations no matter how hard he tries. I believe and trust that I am saved through my faith in Your love and grace alone. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Entertaining Angels
Hebrews 13:2 - Don't forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!
We never know who we may encounter from one day to the next. We never know whose life we are going to be impacting. For some, we could be the only Bible they ever read. For others, it could mean the difference in them accepting salvation through Jesus Christ. We should always be striving to set a shining example of God's love and grace in this world. We never can measure the impact we make.
This is something I always struggled with, because I've never been the most extroverted person. Quite the opposite, I'm very much an introvert. But God has done a great work in my heart the last few years, and made me much more open and loving than I used to be. I am more willing to give of my self and my time to anyone. I still have a ways to go before I am the person that God wants me to be, but I have seen the difference He has already made in me, and so have others. I pray that I will be a beacon for His light to shine through.
Dear Lord, thank You for transforming me into the person I have become. I know that I am still a work in progress, but I know You haven't given up on me. Every day I can feel You working in me to become the person You want me to be. I pray for Your continued guidance and strength to stay true and strong in my faith in You. I pray I continue to trust that You are leading me down the right path, and that I will not hesitate or question when I hear You speaking to me. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
We never know who we may encounter from one day to the next. We never know whose life we are going to be impacting. For some, we could be the only Bible they ever read. For others, it could mean the difference in them accepting salvation through Jesus Christ. We should always be striving to set a shining example of God's love and grace in this world. We never can measure the impact we make.
This is something I always struggled with, because I've never been the most extroverted person. Quite the opposite, I'm very much an introvert. But God has done a great work in my heart the last few years, and made me much more open and loving than I used to be. I am more willing to give of my self and my time to anyone. I still have a ways to go before I am the person that God wants me to be, but I have seen the difference He has already made in me, and so have others. I pray that I will be a beacon for His light to shine through.
Dear Lord, thank You for transforming me into the person I have become. I know that I am still a work in progress, but I know You haven't given up on me. Every day I can feel You working in me to become the person You want me to be. I pray for Your continued guidance and strength to stay true and strong in my faith in You. I pray I continue to trust that You are leading me down the right path, and that I will not hesitate or question when I hear You speaking to me. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Listening Closely
Proverbs 1:23 - Come and listen to my counsel. I'll share my heart with you and make you wise.
God wants us to be close to Him. He wants us to make the effort to be close to Him. He has already offered the biggest sacrifice possible to bring us near to Him, and now it's up to us. But He still isn't done. He still offers more than just salvation through His Son Jesus Christ. He offers to share His heart with us and make us wise. The wisdom He offers is worth more than any human understanding could ever bring.
Am I listening closely to what God has to share with me? I know He will always bend down to hear me, but I need to meet Him half way (at least!). He wants to be with me, but I have to want to be with Him. I desire to be with Him more than I could ever put into words. Every day I spend in His Word learning about Him, it makes me desire His presence and His knowledge even more.
Dear Lord, thank You for being with me. Thank You for the ultimate sacrifice of Your Son, and thank You for still wanting to do more to bring me closer to You. I pray that I will continue to desire You in all that I do, and I trust that You will always be there for me in everything. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
God wants us to be close to Him. He wants us to make the effort to be close to Him. He has already offered the biggest sacrifice possible to bring us near to Him, and now it's up to us. But He still isn't done. He still offers more than just salvation through His Son Jesus Christ. He offers to share His heart with us and make us wise. The wisdom He offers is worth more than any human understanding could ever bring.
Am I listening closely to what God has to share with me? I know He will always bend down to hear me, but I need to meet Him half way (at least!). He wants to be with me, but I have to want to be with Him. I desire to be with Him more than I could ever put into words. Every day I spend in His Word learning about Him, it makes me desire His presence and His knowledge even more.
Dear Lord, thank You for being with me. Thank You for the ultimate sacrifice of Your Son, and thank You for still wanting to do more to bring me closer to You. I pray that I will continue to desire You in all that I do, and I trust that You will always be there for me in everything. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
Monday, September 2, 2013
Quit Complaining and Start Loving
Philippians 2:14 - Do everything without complaining and arguing.
God doesn't want us to do things begrudgingly. Paul tells us here to do everything without complaining and arguing so that no one can criticize us. God loves joyful givers, and He loves to see joyful people in general. He gives us the CHOICE to follow Him, and He transforms our lives in such an amazing and awesome way, how could we not be joyful about it! God didn't complain about sacrificing His only Son to save us, He did it out of love. Jesus didn't complain about suffering and dying a painful death for a bunch of whiners, did He? No, He did it out of love. Stop complaining, and go love on someone.
Am I more loving than complaining? It took some doing, but I learned that complaining is just pointless. I used to complain about traffic during my drives to and from work (and since I live near L.A., just about anywhere) - but it didn't get me anywhere faster. I used to complain about long lines at places - but it didn't make the food taste better, or make the line move faster. A pastor once said during his message that complaining is the opposite of worship of God, it is worship of self and a sign of pride, and it is a sign of a lack of faith. I certainly would not want to be convicted of those things by God, so I must stay strong in my faith, stop complaining, and keep on loving.
Dear Lord, thank You for this reminder today to stop complaining, and just love. Your gentle and loving reminders of areas like this keep me humble to You. I pray that I will stay strong in my faith so that I don't start complaining when I don't see things happening when I expect them to. I know that You will provide not only WHAT I need, but WHEN I need it. Thank You Abba Father. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
God doesn't want us to do things begrudgingly. Paul tells us here to do everything without complaining and arguing so that no one can criticize us. God loves joyful givers, and He loves to see joyful people in general. He gives us the CHOICE to follow Him, and He transforms our lives in such an amazing and awesome way, how could we not be joyful about it! God didn't complain about sacrificing His only Son to save us, He did it out of love. Jesus didn't complain about suffering and dying a painful death for a bunch of whiners, did He? No, He did it out of love. Stop complaining, and go love on someone.
Am I more loving than complaining? It took some doing, but I learned that complaining is just pointless. I used to complain about traffic during my drives to and from work (and since I live near L.A., just about anywhere) - but it didn't get me anywhere faster. I used to complain about long lines at places - but it didn't make the food taste better, or make the line move faster. A pastor once said during his message that complaining is the opposite of worship of God, it is worship of self and a sign of pride, and it is a sign of a lack of faith. I certainly would not want to be convicted of those things by God, so I must stay strong in my faith, stop complaining, and keep on loving.
Dear Lord, thank You for this reminder today to stop complaining, and just love. Your gentle and loving reminders of areas like this keep me humble to You. I pray that I will stay strong in my faith so that I don't start complaining when I don't see things happening when I expect them to. I know that You will provide not only WHAT I need, but WHEN I need it. Thank You Abba Father. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Flair For The Dramatic
1 Kings 18:38 - Immediately the fire of the Lord flashed down from Heaven and burned up the young bull, the wood, the stones, and the dust. It even licked up all the water in the trench!
When God does something, He does it with some pizzaz! He didn't just show His power to the people, He embarrassed the prophets of Baal by burning things that were either difficult to set on fire (wet wood) or not flammable (stones, dust). He let them know Who is in control and that nothing is impossible for Him.
I love that God has such a flair for the dramatic. He doesn't hold back when He wants to get His point across. There have been a few times where He has orchestrated a thing or two to get my attention, but fortunately not quite on this level here. I can only pray that my faith will stay strong so that a demonstration of this size isn't required to get my attention.
Dear Lord, thank You for doing what needs to be done to get our attention. I pray for those that haven't yet seen Your mighty hands at work in their lives. I pray that their hearts are not hardened beyond repair at this point, and that there is still hope for them. Lord, please keep my heart strong and humble in faith and service to You and Your Glorious Kingdom. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
When God does something, He does it with some pizzaz! He didn't just show His power to the people, He embarrassed the prophets of Baal by burning things that were either difficult to set on fire (wet wood) or not flammable (stones, dust). He let them know Who is in control and that nothing is impossible for Him.
I love that God has such a flair for the dramatic. He doesn't hold back when He wants to get His point across. There have been a few times where He has orchestrated a thing or two to get my attention, but fortunately not quite on this level here. I can only pray that my faith will stay strong so that a demonstration of this size isn't required to get my attention.
Dear Lord, thank You for doing what needs to be done to get our attention. I pray for those that haven't yet seen Your mighty hands at work in their lives. I pray that their hearts are not hardened beyond repair at this point, and that there is still hope for them. Lord, please keep my heart strong and humble in faith and service to You and Your Glorious Kingdom. In Jesus' name, Amen!
God Bless!!!
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