Thursday, February 28, 2013

February 28, 2013

Good morning all-

Sorry for the delay in posts.  I have been dealing with weather, kids at home, ect.  I will be back tomorrow.  I hope God has blessed you while I've been gone.

Sunday, February 24, 2013

February 24, 2013

Good morning all-

I talked to one of my oldest and dearest friends this morning.  We have known each other since I was an awkward girl with no friends and low self-esteem.  You know the girl, the one that sits in the corner wishing someone would say, "Hi."  Well lucky for me, he did and it has been an honor to be his friend.

He is a warrior by nature and has traveled the world.  He has been a center for me when my world felt like it was collapsing and through the years, I have prayed Psalm 91 for him.  He has faced more danger and more enemies than I will ever face and yet, he goes one more time.  I will be praying for him and I hope that all of you pray for the soldiers that protect your country.  Not only do they serve but they give their lives for us.  It is the ultimate sacrifice because they leave loved ones behind, move at a moments notice and are sent to regions far away from home.  They live through command and stay under authority without a moments hesitation.  They are the heroes that put their lives on the line and we have freedom because of them.

You may wonder how this relates to today's blog.  Well, it just so happens that before getting on Facebook, I was in Philippians 2 again and re-read 14-18.  It inspired me and then I spoke to my friend and I realized that we are all running a race and Christ is the center.  Paul knew it and even spelled it out for us.  His race was to pour out his life for Christ.  The analogy is beautiful.  Think about spilling your blood for your Lord.  It makes me think about my life and how I never wanted to put myself in a dangerous position.  I love to play it safe and only in the last couple of years have I been bold.  Loss will make you bold but there are men and women that risk their lives every day, not for a country but for Christ.  In America, we still have freedom to walk the streets and shout, "I love the Lord."  "Jesus Christ has risen."  In other parts of the world, not so much.  They have to hide in corners to read their Bible or be fed Scripture by word not sight.  We have it in front of us and if we take 20 minutes a day, we think we've given an immense amount of time.

I am well aware that I don't spend enough time with the Lord.  I fail daily in trusting Him in all things and I find myself at least a hundred times a day saying, "I give my worry to you."  What do I have to worry about?  Everything.  Giving it to God is like observing lent.  When we give up something, we must replace it with the thoughts of Jesus.  And although I didn't give up a drink, the Internet or television, I am learning to die to myself daily and trusting that God is enough.

Paul practiced this and wrote about it.  He wasn't a saint, he was a man.  He had all the trappings of being human but he had a desire to follow Christ and to praise and worship Him even in prison.  He sent others before Him and sent letters to revive the church.  He cautioned about the enemy and gained comfort in Christ.  His life was not easy, as a matter of fact, it was similar to my friends.  He was under authority to a power so much bigger than himself and through that power,  he served men, not just then but through time.  His words are a wealth of love, devotion and faith and it humbles me to read his words.  As I stated yesterday, I have been struggling with serving others and then God leads me here to Paul's inner most thoughts.  He would lay down his life for Christ and without a doubt so would I.

My life isn't that difficult.  I'm not in prison and I don't have to go to other countries where I'm not welcome.  I don't want for a place to lay my head or food to eat.  I am blessed but just like you I fight the humanness that lives inside and with it, I am convicted because I don't want to be a complaining servant.  In fact, I want to give until my heart is empty for I know that's the gift that was given to me.

May today find you well and may God bless you as you seek Him.

Philippians 2:14-18 NLT:

    Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you.  Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.  Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ's return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless.  But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God, just like your faithful service is an offering to God.  And I want all of you to share that joy.  Yes, you should rejoice and I will share your joy.

My prayer today:

O, Lord I come before you praying for those that serve their countries and You.  Like the commander in an army, You call us to follow You.  We must obey without a word and follow You to the ends of this earth.  Thank You for giving us Paul's wonderful letters and revealing to us the power behind the cross.  You took a murderer and made him Your man.  You gave him life to see You, ears to hear You and wisdom that has lasted centuries.  You are to be worshipped and praised.  Today, as we sit in our homes I pray that we are thinking about all those that have paved the way for our freedom.  I pray that we will be dedicated to the troops all over the world and that women throughout the world will be praying for their men.  I am asking You to heal nations and bring about a mighty revival in Your name. I know that someday every knee will bow and every tongue will confess You are Lord but until that day, make us women that are bold and bright for You.  Give us the passion and the dedication to walk with You and to pray for the lost, the lonely and the broken.  These are Your chosen and I pray that I would begin to live my life as Paul did.  He wrote that he would pour out his life like a liquid offering and I pray that I would be courageous enough to do the same.  There are women and men that need You Lord and I hope that they will find You today.  Thank You again for saving me and for bringing people in my life that have meant so much.  Thank You for taking the time to grow me into the woman I am today and thank You for all my sisters that pray and preach to Your people.  I ask today that we would commit ourselves to praying for our soldiers and our  missionaries who risk their lives every day for country and You.  They understand what it means to pour out their lives for us and Jesus.  Please, O, Lord, be with us today as we look for You!  In Jesus name, AMEN

Until tomorrow...

Saturday, February 23, 2013

February 23, 2013

Good morning all-

Well, in the last couple days Kansas has received a record snowfall and we may just be out of our drought.  AMEN!  There is a lot to be grateful for in this life and although snow makes the roads a mess, I love the beauty and majesty of it.  It reminds me who is in control and why we serve Him.

Snow is a symbol of purity.  It is a cleansing of the earth.  Lately, I feel like I need a cleansing of the heart, soul and mind.  I walk a good walk but my heart just hasn't been in it.  I have had many things on my mind, like changing jobs, insurance, the boys and my marriage.  All of these accumulate to me trying to control every aspect and not really doing a great job of any of them.

Yesterday, once again I was reminded of my humanness and my need to give it all to Christ.  Usually, I am a good servant but through the snow storm I found myself wanting to be rebellious.  My husband and children love me to serve and most of the time I do it willingly but lately, I have wanted someone to serve me.  I would love if my load was a little lighter.  Anyone that is taking care of someone knows exactly what I'm saying.  It's not that you don't want to do things for others,  you just wish someone would do something for you.  I realize that and have even repented of this selfishness.  I knew last night that this rebelliousness inside was going to roll up to one big tantrum and that's not what I want.  I want to be a woman that serves as Jesus did.  I want to give my life for others and know that through my love and sacrifice, Christ will be shown.

As I was reflecting on yesterday, I decided to get into my Bible this morning and really delve into Christ.  What does it mean to follow Him?  Paul understood.  His life was not easy and yet, he found joy in Christ.  His whole goal was to serve the Lord in any capacity he could, which is demonstrated in the letters to the church.  So, I got into Philippians Chapter 2 and really started to pick it apart.  I have written some of the Scripture in posts lately but putting it all together really made me think about Christ and His servanthood.  I know He serves me and served me on the cross.  I get it in my mind but when I have to do it, that's a whole different story.  I realized this morning that I'm not the selfless person I believed myself to be and it was all spelled out for me in one chapter.

I want to serve the Lord with all my heart and become His woman.  I desire to be in His presence and to know what His will is for my life.  I can't imagine a day without Him and I want my faith to be like David's, so that when my Goliath comes, I'm ready.  In some ways, I have been facing those giants and doing a poor job of beating them.  Why do I always question, when I know the answer?  I'm not sure, I guess I'm truly human and make truly human mistakes but I need to correct them and stop before my rebellious nature takes away from the Lord's great plan.

Maybe you are dealing with other issues in your life.  There are so many.  This just happens to be my challenge today.  As I take note, I realize that all of my needs are unimportant and my growth in Jesus takes the lead.  I may not know much but I know that Jesus came and sacrificed His life for me.  He put Himself on a cross and died a horrid death so that I would come to know Him.  He gave up His right for an easy life and took one of suffering and strife so that we could identify with Him and make Him known.  It's all He asks.  To spread the word and to bring His news to the world.  And to remember that this life wasn't meant to bring us everything we want, for it's His life that paid our ransom.  Therefore, we owe Him the honor of serving those He has placed in our lives and to find faith in Him.  I am grateful for the ability to read His word and to be convicted for my failings.  My greatest desire is to know Him better and to become more like Him in mind, body and spirit.  So for today, I found Him once again through Paul's letter to the church.  He has reminded me that every challenge and ever circumstance is a learning lesson for me.  I give Him all the glory today and pray that you will too.

I love you my sisters and I count you as treasures in my life.  I hope that God will reveal to you something that changes your life today and that as you seek Him, you will find Him.

Philippians Chapter 2 NLT:

     Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ?  Any comfort from his love?  Any fellowship together in the Spirit?  Are your hearts tender and compassionate?  Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.

     Don't be selfish, don't try to impress others.  Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don't look out only for your own interest, but take an interest in others, too.  You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

     Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to.  Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being.  When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal's death on a cross. 

     Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

My prayer today:

O, Lord, forgive me for my rebellion and selfishness.  Hold me accountable all my days and help me to be Your servant.  I have forgotten myself and have put my wants above Your wants.  I am humbled by Your love and Your sacrifice for my life and for those that have gone before me.  I ask that You take the words from this letter and penetrate the hearts of Your daughters.  Please don't let Paul's words go unnoticed in our lives.   He understood the power behind the cross and was not afraid to state it.  He faced great challenges with dignity and honor and I pray that we can all do the same.  During his time, he persecuted your people and yet, you saw fit to make him our guide.  What a marvelous God you are!   I am so thankful that You took me into Philippians this morning and that You enlightened me on my faults.  I have been wrong and I know it.  I pray that Your forgiveness will challenge me and help me forgive those that I'm resentful of.  I just pray that people would see Your great mercy and love and that together we would spread the Good News!  I am forever in Your debt and come before You asking that You lift me up and help me be Your woman.  Help the ladies in all nations come before You.  We may not speak the same language but You hear all our prayers.  Let us unite for one goal and that goal is to speak of our wonderful Maker.  May we be blessed as we bless others.  Come before us Lord and make us new!  In Jesus name, AMEN

Until tomorrow...

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

February 20, 2013

Good morning all-

Last night, I watched my son's last game for the season.  It was pitiful at best.  What started out a season of hope ended with zero wins.  My son was so excited for the season to begin and then little by little our coach lost hope and so did the team.  The end result was a team that walked out at half-time defeated and prepared to lose.

I think the hardest part is watching my son give up on a game he loves so  much.  Little by little, I have watched him and I knew the end result before it happened.  He had lost hope, not totally in himself but in the coach and for some part, in his team.  Beginning was exciting, but the more they lost, the more they began to play like they couldn't win.  I only tell you this because it got me thinking about our walk with Jesus.  When we first come to Christ we are so excited.  Jesus saved us!  We want to shout it to the roof tops and then as time goes by and as issues creep in our excitement wavers and often, we give up.

Many have begun with passion only to run out of steam.  The losses are too large and so they think, "God doesn't love me."  I've heard it and so have you.  I know I've thought it a couple of times but I have always recovered because in the end my love for him won out.  I hope my son has that kind of tenacity for God and for basketball.  I hope that one or two seasons of fighting won't demolish the passion I saw in him.  I hope that like me, failure will begin to grow him and help him be God's man.

I  love to watch him play basketball but I have to admit it's stressful.  I want to control the game, how much he plays and build that team to greatness.  The problem is, I'm not in control.  Just like my walk with Jesus, it's just Him and me.  I would also like to see hundreds maybe thousands come to Him with a passion beyond understanding but that's not in my control either.  Only God has control over who will come and of course, we must accept His gracious hand.

Free choice allows us to choose because God loves us so much that He wanted a relationship not a dictatorship.  He is a God that will let us fall but He will pick us back up.  My hope this morning is that my son will find Him through adversity.  My oldest has and I am so grateful.  The prayers I have prayed for Austin have been continuous and I am beginning to see the fruits of those prayers.  Hunter is younger and with time my prayer is that He will continue to seek God, not just when he's on top but when he's struggling to find purpose in the moment.

I think I had expectations of this year too and looking back, they were wrong.  I found myself dreaming of a college scholarship and watching my son play for 4 more years after High School.  Yesterday, I gave up that dream and asked God to take my son on whatever journey He had in store for His life.  More than anything, I want both my sons to have a passion for Jesus Christ that propels them in to men winning lives for a just cause.  Beyond college and having successful lives, a life without Jesus is nothing but a life with Him is totally worth it.

Trust is a belief in things unseen.  Once I was told that I wouldn't go to college and that I didn't have the skills to write or do arithmetic.  I think they gave me up for lost but I found a belief in myself and a belief in Jesus Christ that has continued to this day.  I don't let too much get in my way and I hang onto Jesus whenever the dark overwhelms me.  I have failed more often than I would like to count.  Teachers gave up on me but I never did.  In college, I won a writing award and I remembered what my High School teacher had said and laughed.  I don't think that award would have meant as much if I hadn't persevered and asked Jesus to help me.  Even today, I look for Jesus to help me with every thought that goes on paper and I know that it's by Him I have this opportunity.

My goal for all of us is to remember the day we were saved.  To cherish it in our hearts, deep, where no one can touch it.  We will have adversity but it's what we do with it that counts.  I have no idea where my sons' will end up but I do know that Jesus is with them and He will continue to pursue them and help them grow into men He can count on.  My heart banks on that and so my prayer is that each one of you will run the race, not for 5 miles but for life.  The road sometimes gets curvy and really long but we must sit still and put our faith not in ourselves, but in Jesus.

I hope today finds you well and if you're feeling defeated I hope you put your trust back into our Savior.  You were saved for a purpose.  You may not know what that looks like but you are part of His tapestry and as your thread is weaved, He will do great things!  May God bless you and keep you today.

Philippians 2:16 NKJV:

     holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.

Romans 8:25 NKJV:

     But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.

Mark 9:23 NKJV:

     Jesus said to him, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes."

Mark 10:27 NKJV:

    But Jesus looked at them and said, "With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible."

My prayer today:

O, Lord, I come before You and ask that You would renew our passion, not just for a moment, but for a lifetime.  Last night, I took a good hard look at what has driven me to trust and believe that You are God and it was adversity.  Whenever I struggled, I had to cry out to You and ask You to direct me, teach me and guide me.  Through many years of prayer, I have built a belief in You.  I have come to realize that I don't have the power to steer my course but I am a willing participant, waiting and watching for the opportunities You set in front of me.  Once lost, wandering with no direction, a man came to me and asked me to come to a meeting, that fateful evening put me into Your hands. It was by design that You steered my ship and I was in Your presence.  To this day, I treasure that night and can't wait until I see someone else light up the way I did.  I was on a path of complete destruction but just in time, You came to me and loved me.  Your love continues to propel me today and even though I am a sinner, I confess those sins and give You my heart.  I don't know everything and I rarely know what is going to happen tomorrow.  All I need to know is that whether it's my life or someone else's, You will steer their ship and the end result will be for Your glory.  I am honored to serve in Your great army and I'm thankful for the times I have stepped out on faith and trusted in You when everyone else had given up on me.  My life is a walking testimony to a God that never gives up.  Help all of us to have the perseverance that Adam, Abraham, David, Jeremiah, Isaiah and Paul had.  It was given to them, through You.  So today we ask with all our hearts and believe with faith that You can move mountains and we treasure You for it!  In Jesus name, AMEN

Until tomorrow...

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

February 19, 2013

Good morning all-

This morning I woke up and thought about the first missionaries.  Missions has always fascinated me but I have never been a wanderer.  I like roots and I like to know where I'm going to sleep.  A few years back I began to think about the gospels and the apostles and how they began the road to me hearing the gospel.  Have you thought about it?  Where did Jesus walk the streets?  It wasn't in Germany or the United States.  As times have changed the word has spread across the earth but it was the few men Jesus chose that began a process that still remains today.

There are missionaries in parts of this world few would want to live.  They live in small villages in Africa and within the boundaries of China.   They go where most would not want to be all for the call they heard in their Spirit.  They take their families to far away places and are required to learn a new language and love a people they may not even understand.  They have been called to spread the gospel far and wide and their work will be known years to come.

The stories that came from men walking with Jesus are with us today.  They are written in the gospels and they tell of men that picked up their lives to follow a man.  In their Spirits, God called them to walk with His Son and today we have their words to comfort us and inspire us.  Their travels were hard and they walked many miles.  They left families, possessions and jobs to follow Christ.  They ate with the Gentiles and lived with a people they didn't understand.  They were called to stand in the gap and their work, along with their words remind us that we are called to spread the word too.

Because I am not a great adventurer, I admired what I read.  I took the Gospels one by one, chapter by chapter and realized these men left everything to follow a man.  How many of us would do the same?  I have questioned myself often and have come to the conclusion that often I am weak but the last year has shown me that the power of the cross is alive and now that we have mass transit, the Internet and Social Media we can spread the word from our living rooms.  Interesting?  

My call is sitting by this computer and confessing my great love for Jesus Christ.  Every day I get on to see what Country has hit this page and I am always amazed.  God has brought Russians, Lithuanians, Germans, Swedes and more to this site.  I get up and I write and often people find it from opposite ends of the world and once again, I am in awe of my Creator for He continues to do His work through average people like me.  Amazing!

I honor those that have gone before me and spread the gospel.  They faced much more ridicule and personal danger than I do right now.  I live in a free country where I can say and write about a God I love, not everyone has that luxury.  There are some that are hidden and can only follow Christ in secret.  They are the ones I admire the most.  They do the work with bravery and confidence in Christ all I do is believe that Christ will do a great work in me and for others as I write.  I'm safe but their not so today, I pray for them and ask you to do the same.  These are the people that might share the gospel with a family member, a child or a neighbor.  They are the ones taking the chance at losing their lives for the God they love.  I continue to pray that I would be so bold and I hope you are too.

As always, you are written on my heart.  I can not see you or touch you but I feel your presence as I write and I know that God has a hold on you.  May today show you His immense majesty and remind us all that one man has saved many!  Thank you to all the men and women who have taken the cross and forged new beginnings in places most of us will never see.  Your work is important and your path is clear for Jesus chose you to do a great work.

John 14:6 NKJV:

     Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through Me.

Matthew 10:38 NKJV:

     And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.

Mark 1:18 NKJV:

     They immediately left their nets and followed Him.

My prayer today:

O, Lord, the workers are few.  You have given us a call that many put aside.  Some though, come to You and ask You where they should go and You direct their paths.  They leave countries to travel and to spread Your word.  They are put in situations that are harsh and that are not full of the community they have in their own countries.  You know their needs Lord and I pray that You would write them on our hearts.  You are Majestic, Holy and Magnificent.  They honor You by following blindly to places all over the globe.  For each man, woman and child that is sacrificing their homelands I ask that You would bless them and bring many to them.  You are mighty in all things!  I dedicate myself to You and ask that as You come to me, my fingers would tell the great story of one man that chose some to walk with Him and their journey has spread throughout this world.  May You come before us Lord and lead us to Your word and to the great commission we have been called too.  You are the reason for our lives and for our grace.  Come before us now Lord and show us our paths, for You are the Lord of light that guides and loves us.  Forgive us of our sins and right our paths as we look for You today!  In Jesus name, AMEN

Until tomorrow...

Monday, February 18, 2013

February 18, 2013

Good morning all-

Well I woke up to birds singing, a beautiful clear sky and the sense that Spring will soon be here.  I hope it brings rain because without it the plains will not be pleasant this season.  Have you ever noticed how Spring gives you a renewed energy?  Even the birds and animals feel it?  They begin to migrate back to where they came from and the mating season begins.  It's like every year we get a rejuvenation and it's the Lord telling us good things are upon us.  With Spring also comes some of the most majestic scenes, like beautiful flowers, great sunsets, and life scurrying all around us.  It really is one of my favorite seasons.

Like all things, seasons come and go.  One comes on in a vengeance and another is soon to follow.  With Spring also comes tornados, which to this day still scare me.  I'm really a New Yorker at heart.  I grew up where snow covered the earth, lakes were huge and the only worry was could the snow plow get through.  Then my dad moved us here and I have to run to the basement every time I here severe weather.  It won't last long and at least my family will get a good laugh.

I've also noticed that time has a way of showing up and leaving.  One minute it's dark in the morning and night and the next, you are waking up to beautiful sunshine and the days are longer.  I love longer days.  They take the darkness away and you once again see people peaking out of their homes.  It's so much fun to see the neighbors that you haven't seen in three months.

And like every season, you try to find ways to bring passion into the call.  I promised myself I would try to do a mini Bible study on Sunday.  I started with a Scripture and last night was to be Hunter's first crack.  Well it wasn't a great success because my husband started talking about ancient aliens and the whole thing fell apart.  I learned that we might have to tweak my little idea but it brings newness to a meal and to my heart.  I'm trying to rekindle the passion I have for the Lord in my children.  Hopefully, next week will go smoother.  Hunter did pick a Scripture, he chose John 3:16 so we read it and then the chaos began.  My son's girlfriend helped out by saying if there were aliens wouldn't God still be sovereign and of course the answer is yes.  People may distract us but at the end of the day we are to hold onto the truth.  God is who He says He is, yesterday, today and tomorrow.  He came to save us from ourselves and if we teach the future generations anything it should be that.  Our iniquities were given and taken on that cross.  An innocent man died so that we could have eternal life.  If anything should renew our passion that should.

I leave you with one thought today.  What are you doing to renew your passion?  When you think about the fact that God so loved the world he begot His only son, does that matter?  I think it's definitely something we should cherish.

John 3:16 NKJV:

     For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believe in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.


Until tomorrow...

Sunday, February 17, 2013

February 17, 2013

Good morning all-

Well, it's once again Sunday.  The time goes by so fast any more I don't know if I'm coming or going.  My son's basketball season will end this week and my other son is almost through with his last full semester.  Where does time go anyway?  I've been thinking about time a lot lately with all the days flowing into one.  It seems like ever since I got sick my energy level just isn't the same and yet, I wonder if it's my passion that is lacking.

This morning I got up and didn't even have the energy or drive to church.  My son had a friend over and my husband rarely goes.  I, on the other hand love to go to church and yet, here I am at home wondering what I missed.  Isn't that just like us, passionate one minute and lethargic the next.  I wonder how God puts up with us.  I'm not sure I would have the patience.  So, I'm really glad He does.

When is a good time to be passionate about God?  Have you ever asked yourself that question?  What makes you passionate, is it the weather, love, money, or fame?  It's a fair question and one I had to ask myself this morning.  I think when I am most passionate about God, He has taken me through a challenge and I have come out of it a better person.  It seems like I can continue that passion for a long time and then there is a sense of  lull.  I'm definitely not in lull right now but my energy is low, hopefully the season will change and that energy will come back in a flourish.  I've been down that path before so I'm no stranger to what I'm feeling.  As time ticks by, I miss those that have gone before me and I need a sense of who God really is.

So as I was thinking about it today, I realized that escaping in a book or watching television wasn't going to fix my heart issue.  Only going to the one that made me and molded me would.  So I picked up my phone and re-read John 15:15 and saw God.  He isn't just a Father; He is my friend.  How often I forget to cherish that aspect of my relationship.  I adore God and love Him with all my heart but I forget that when I'm not exactly passionate about everything and everyone, He's right next to me, listening, watching and encouraging me.  Isn't that what a friend does?  A friend is not harsh but loves with a quietness that few do.  A friend sees your stress and says, "I am here."  That's what God does and that's why I should be passionate every day and pursue my friend and awe my Father.

What a wonderful friend I have in Jesus!  The older you get the more you realize you need a friend like Jesus.  In our pain and in our silence, He is always near, watching over His flock and saying, "I'm here."  If we seek Him we will find Him and if we call, He does hear.  Just remember that when you ask for something be ready because it's for His glory, not Yours and sometimes the stretching is far greater than we realize.

Today, I come before you and ask that you would dedicate yourself to finding Christ, not just in the bad times but in the good times too.  It's easy to take His friendship for granted but we must watch ourselves and put as much effort into knowing Him as He has in knowing us.

I hope today brings you many blessings and that your friendship with Jesus is renewed.  For once again, I call out to my Friend and thanked Him for saving me!  Blessed are those that are redeemed by His blood!


Revelation 3:20-21 NKJV:

     Behold, I stand at the door and knock.  If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.  To him that overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.


James 2:23 NKJV:

    And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness."  And he was called the friend of God.

Luke 7:34 NKJV:

    The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, 'Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!'

HOW GRACIOUS IS OUR KING!  What a friend we have in Jesus!  Let's not forget to be one back.


My prayer today:

O, Lord, thank You for being my friend.  I often don't deserve You and wonder how You put up with me in all my iniquity.  Renew my heart, O, Lord with a passion to pursue the things of You.  Help me to die to myself and replace it with You.  You have been a faithful Friend and a wonderful Father.  You have watched over me all my days and when life gets tough, You love me more.  My mom used to send us on our way with, "I love you more."  Today, those words are for You.  Without You in my life, I would be lonely and lost but with You, I am filled with gladness and grace.  Thank You for pursuing me and for finding me in my loneliest hours.  I am calling out to You to be the Friends of the lonely and lost.  Come before them the way You have come before me and renew in all of us a sense of wonder and purpose to pursue our Friend.  You have been my closest friend, my most trusted advisor and my greatest confidant.  You are all we need to get through today and the days ahead.  Be with all of us Lord as we strive to find You in our lives and in our hearts.  Bring passion among Your people and we pray that someday we will be as faithful of a friend as You have been to us.  Your life shows Your love and we need to bow before You, knowing that You are Lord but also treasuring Your mighty friendship.  Thank You for revealing Your Father to us, for giving of Your life and for never leaving us even when we deserve it.  You are the power behind the cross and I am forever Your mighty servant and friend.  In Jesus name, AMEN

Until tomorrow....





Friday, February 15, 2013

February 15, 2013

Good morning all-

Well I finally slept through the night and got the best rest I've had in awhile.  I couldn't believe it when I woke up and my clock was going off.  And when I woke, I remembered all my dreams from angry old employers to a dear friend that passed away last year.  She was way too young.

I hadn't seen Katie in almost 10 years when her obituary was released.  It was the saddest day of my life.  We had stood at each others sides, for her wedding and mine and we had been great friends.  Along the way life happened, I had two kids and she had her life.  Unfortunately, that's just what happens when time goes by, our friends change, but we never forget those that impacted our lives.

She had the best laugh and every time I heard it, it reminded me of chimes.  It was infectious and everyone said so.  As a matter of fact, people that knew her in High School recounted how her laugh always brought a smile to their face.  She had lived with Lupus from the time she was little and had been in the hospital more times than I can count.  She was a warrior and she was a great friend.

Last night, out of the blue I had a dream about her.  She loved Mickey Mouse and Disney Land.  She collected figurines and Christmas cottages.  In some ways, she was like the little girl that never grew up and in others she was far more woman than me.  In my dream we were in the hospital and she was laughing as she told me all the woes she had been going through.  On a shelf, above her head, were hundreds of figurines and I asked, "Why did you bring these all to the hospital?"  She replied, "to give them to the people I love and because they make me happy."  I haven't thought about Katie much since she died last year and then I dream about her.  I woke up with a smile on my face remembering that in my dream she was truly happy.

I had a strange feeling when I woke up because the dream was so very real.  It made me pause and then I remembered, she's gone.  I picked up my phone to search for Scripture when I noticed I had some new emails, one was from her legacy page letting me know that her online obituary page would be no longer.  A coincidence, I think not. In my mind, I must have cataloged this time in place for a friend that once meant more to me than my own hand and now she's with God and I am glad.

Life is so short.  We often take it for granted, I know I have.  You get busy in your day to day life and you forget to love those around you.  You let good friendships go because your journey's have taken a different path but always you have the memories of them and the feelings that were there.  I have lost many wonderful people in my life and Katie was just another angel that came into my life, brightened my days and made me a better person.  I hope throughout my life, God provides more angels, the ones that show you how to be better than you ever were.  I loved her with all my heart and I can say that I regretted the years we didn't talk.  She backed off first but I could have pursued the relationship.  I made a choice to be hurt instead of fighting for a friendship that meant something.  I learned a great lesson a year ago and I have tried to stay in contact with all my friends since.

If you have a friend you haven't talked to in a long time, give them a call.  You never know what God will do with it.  I'm a better friend today because of Katie and I'm a better person because God always shows me the importance of loving the people He has given me.  Take time to call someone or Facebook them, they just might need you today.

I end today with a peace in my heart for a little girl that I loved.  She's with Jesus and all her Mickey Mouse figurines are someone else's treasures.  She was a treasure to me and I will forever be grateful for the time I knew her.  My  memories will always be with me of a room filled with teddy bears, a cat that bit on site and a girl who grew to be a hero to me.  I pray that all of us forge those kinds of relationships.

Luke 15:6 NKJV:

     And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!'

John 15:15 NKJV:

     No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.

My prayer today:

O, Lord, thank You for giving us friends that make us better.  If we have had one friend that brought us joy, showed us love and built our character, we should be humbled.  I have had a few friends in my life that I know were given to me by You.  They were significant in me becoming the woman I am today.  I am in Your debt for bringing women to me that understood who I was and who I needed to be.  Your gift has provided me with many hours of love and I am so blessed by You.  I pray for the women all over the world that need a friend and I pray that You would provide one to them today.  No woman, man or child should be alone.  Please bring Your warriors to their doors and continue to show us how to be loved and to love.  With love, we can change the world.  Help us do that today Lord and grant us grace on those that need it.  I am Your servant, walking with  my best friend, asking Him to heal the nations, bring love around the world and to come to us once again so that He might have victory over evil.  I love You Lord, thank You for bringing people in my life that have made a difference and for allowing me to make a difference in theirs.  In Jesus name, AMEN

Until tomorrow...

Thursday, February 14, 2013

February 14, 2013

Good morning all-

It seems I can't get out of bed anymore.  I was up again last night.  I'm so sorry but I did want to give the glory to God today so here it goes.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!  Do you know what this day means to me?  Everything, because my heart belongs to Jesus.  Today, young couples will be getting together to celebrate their love or like of each other but I want to celebrate the love I have for Jesus.

Jesus had so much love for us that every day is Valentine's Day.  He gave His life for us and His Father commanded us to love one another, not just on a special day but every day.  Why?  Because He knew that love can heal all wounds, while binding people together.  It's part of the fabric by which we are born and live.  We are to celebrate love, not just the feeling, but the gift Jesus gave to each one of us.

If you're celebrating this today with people Jesus gave You to love, celebrate and give Him all the glory. I am the luckiest woman alive because He chose to love me when I wasn't worth loving.  So today, I commemorate this day to the Lord that sacrificed His life for me.  He is my valentine.

I hope you enjoy today but remember, every day is a day to show love to those that Christ has given to you.  Love is what will heal nations, save people and unite the world.  Without it, we are dead!  May God bless you and keep you today and always.

John 3:16 NKJV:

     For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

That's the best greeting card I've ever received.  What about you?


My prayer today:

O, Lord, I come before You and once again are thanking You for Your sacrifice.  Today we celebrate love as a feeling, I want to celebrate love as a commitment.  Your love shows all of us that if love were only a feeling we would be dead but You raised Yourself above all man and gave Your life for not one but many.  We owe You are debt and our praise for without You we would be lost.  On this day, the day the world will celebrate love, I pray that the men and women that follow You will praise You for their love!  In Jesus name, AMEN

Until tomorrow...

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

February 12, 2013

Good morning all-

Can't sleep?  I know the feeling.  I woke up this morning at 4 o'clock with way too much on my mind.  Things were spinning and I found myself tossing and turning.  My mind was on my kids, my son's girlfriend and the new adventures that will be happening in all our lives.  For some reason I have really been contemplating how much control I take and how much control I give to the Lord.  I would say that I won the toss up this morning.   And we all know what that means, I have to give it back.

Thinking through problems and situations is not a bad thing but when it keeps you from a good nights sleep it normally means you're worrying or you really believe you have control in the middle of the night, and my poison of choice was control.  So as I tossed, over and over, I began to think about where my confidence comes from.  You know what I mean, when you're struggling and trying to keep everything close to your vest.  I really believe I have all the answers in the wee hours of the morning.  The more I contemplated different scenarios I realized that I needed to take my own advice and go to the Lord.

My life is His remember.  I just wrote about it.  And of course, the test came this morning at 4 am.  I must give over every situation and every thought to Christ.  The only way I'm really going to fulfill my purpose is to give Him not only the glory but be confident that He knows what He's doing.  I know you've been there before.  Something has kept you up at night and you have wondered, "How do I fix this?"

I think that's the true problem with mankind; we truly believe we can fix it.  After an hour of trying to do that on my own, I took my phone and looked up Scriptures on confidence.  There are many to choose from so I may be talking about it for a week.  I know that themes come in and out of me from week to week and maybe this is the lesson I need to propel me forward.   Often, I slip back into believing in my confidence and not Gods.  I can't believe I do it; but here I am up again, believing it, so this lesson is obviously not learned.  I hope I will take the Scripture He provides and really rest in Him for a change.  I probably will sleep better, wouldn't you agree?

My point is that in order to fix our problems we must look for wisdom and believe, not in ourselves, but in Christ.  He knows the plans He has for us, for our future, which would include future spouses, children, jobs and homes.  It encompasses every one of our needs.  He knows, not us, and the sooner we put our confidence in Him the more confident we will be.

I'm glad that I woke up this morning.  I'm glad that I tossed and turned.  I'm glad I prayed for all the things I was worrying about and I'm glad that I gave it ALL back to Christ.  I'm glad I looked up Scripture that spoke to my heart and I'm glad that once again I'm reminded of the great God I serve.  Often, I'm in my own way and I don't even realize it.  How about you?  Do you sit and fret about things you have no control over?  Do you wonder about tomorrow instead of living in today?  Do you worry about your future and find yourself stressed out, depressed and inactive?  All of us have been in these kinds of situations, it's what we do with them that count.

So for today, I will rest in the confidence I have in the Lord.  I can't worry about tomorrow, although I'm sure I will from time to time.  I hope that when I do, I will remember this morning and the wonderful words I read.  I hope I go back to the prayers and the promises of Christ and I hope that I sit still long enough for Him to remind me that He's in control, not me.  And I hope that when you read this post it will minister to you and it will remind you that we are in the presence of an awesome God, who ministers to us at all hours!

May God bless you and keep you today and may you find His hand in all things great and small!

1 John 2: 28 NKJV:

     And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.

Ephesians 3:12 NKJV:

     in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him.

1 John 3:21 NKJV:

    Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God.

Psalm 118:8 NKJV:

     It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.

My prayer today:

O, Lord, I pray we will find You wherever we look.  As we do, our minds wander and contemplate the conclusion of every situation.  We stumble and we fall and as we look for our confidence in ourselves we crumble.  Only You hold the keys to our confidence.  It is our faith and belief in You that are the keys to a confident life in Christ.  Thank You for giving access to You and to the Scriptures.  By Your hand we were saved and by Your will we are Yours.  Unfortunately, we seek ourselves for the answers to life, instead of remembering that You are in control of the Universe.  We look inside and we worry, we fret and we stumble over our thoughts, which often cause depression and anxiety.  I'm so glad that whenever I begin to go into my self, You bring me out.  A theme will enter my thoughts and right away I seek You.  This morning the theme was confidence.  I used to believe I could will confidence and that through my will I would be confident.  Today, I once again realize that all the soul searching in the world can't give me the confidence I have in You.  So forgive all of us that try to be strong, that will ourselves to know what's best and continue to seek answers within.  Please bring us out of this destructive pattern and place our feet firmly on Your ground.  Continue to grow us in Your ways and help us to abide in Your confidence all our days.  We are seeking and searching for You in everything, please reveal Yourself to us and guide us along the path of confidence.  We have assurance in Your sacrifice but some days that doesn't keep the worry away.  So today we lay all thoughts, all worries and all our confidence at Your feet.  Be our guide and humble us before Your throne.  We love You Lord and we thank You for being confident in Your choice to die for us!  In Jesus name, AMEN

Until tomorrow...

Sunday, February 10, 2013

February 10, 2013

Good evening all-

Have you ever thought of the prophesies of old?  Where did they come from and what were the mens lives that gave them?  We have been walking through a google map view of the prophesies in church and today my pastor spoke about Jeremiah.  If you read my blog, you know that I love Jeremiah and have often been inspired by his words.  The prophesies were given and then delivered, often in the time of the prophets life.  Jeremiah was given the job of telling his people harsh truths, with not much support.

Of all the prophesies that were given the one of Jesus still stands in my mind.  He prophesied that Jesus would come to a virgin and be the Savior of the world.  He would not get to see this but he was confident in God's faithfulness and truth.  He never wavered all the years that he served God.  I'm sure he cried and swayed, from time to time, but he knew what we all should know; that God is true to His word.

My pastor spoke about how rambled Jeremiah is because it's not chronological but I love Jeremiah.  I love the words that he spoke and I especially love Jeremiah 29:11.  I have been praying that for my sons and my family this month and it is often the scripture that I wake up too.  As I was waking this week, the words were filtering through my mind.  Whenever that happens, I know God wants me to crutch on Him and believe that He will make my path.

I know one thing, trusting in Him is so much easier than trusting in myself.  Bad things may come but knowing that God is there makes it better.  I may not see what His plan is until the day He comes but when He does; I'll be thankful.

Jeremiah predicted that Jesus would come and He would save a nation.  He will come again and when He does every head will bow and every knee will bend.  Think about it, all the prophesies happened within their lifetime except for this.  I am honored to be one of the living people, watching and waiting for my Savior.  We are sinful people but He is God.  We must live for Him not ourselves and whether or not we understand His ways, they are right, they are true and He is worthy!


Jeremiah 29:11 NIV84:

     For I know the plans I have for you, "declares the Lord, " plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Romans 14:11 NKJV:

      For it is written: "As I live says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall confess to God."        

Matthew 24:6 NKJV:

     And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars.  See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.

My prayer today:

O, Lord come to me and reveal Your great plan.  As we live and learn we know that You are King of the world and You own all that we see.  We wander until the day we come before You confessing that You are Lord.  The nations are looking for answers and yet, we look in all the wrong places.  Establish Your throne on earth and help us to see that Your will is the only way.  I believe for myself and others that You know the plans You have for us.  We are Yours, with unique talents, woven into the tapestry to send the message to the world.  Time is of the essence.  We have no idea when You will come but we're looking for You and asking You to show Yourself.  You foretold of a time that all would be on their knees.  I pray that Your faithful warriors will be on our knees before Your throne saying, "Holy is our Lord."  Direct our paths and walk with us as we navigate the rough waters of our lives.  We need You Lord, so we stand surrendered to You, not just today but every day.  In Jesus name, AMEN

Until tomorrow...

                                                                          

Saturday, February 9, 2013

February 9, 2013

Good morning all-

I am so sorry I haven't had the chance to write.  I have been traveling for work and my work computer doesn't like the browser so it's difficult to write.  I hope all is well with you and that you have been spending time feeding in God's word.  I have taken several evenings to meditate on His word and the meaning it has for my life and for those that are lost.

God is who He says He is.  We get caught up in the turmoil of life and I think often, we lose focus.  We believe but, then, do we?  I often have to ask myself that question, especially in my personal life.  So many times unexpected things come up and I'm left with the feeling that I'm missing something and then I sit and read the Bible and I find myself once again.

It's easy to get lost in our lives.   I've thought about that for hours as I drove over 900 miles this week.  I'm not sure what that is in kilometers but it's a lot.  During those long drives, I have a ton of time to think and reflect.  Often it's over nothing but mostly it's over God.  Yesterday, I watched as a red tail hawk came swooping out of the sky and down into a field.  I would gather that he spotted his pray and was going to have a great feast.  I love to think about how God feeds all His creatures, great and small.  And as I drove I listened to Christian music and heard all the glory being given to God and I wondered, "Do I give You the glory enough?"

It's a resounding theme in my life to wonder if I truly give Him all the glory.  I am cognizant that I'm human and that often I fall back on what I know and that's to control what's controllable.  But then I wonder, "Do I have any control here?"  Probably not.  Today is about giving our Lord and Savior all the glory.  I still fight my fears, worries and feelings.  I still have to sit still and say, "I know You are God."  I still ponder the future and what God has for me and in the end; I have to trust Him with everything.  That's not easy for a girl that likes to control everything but that's why I'm a piece of clay and my molder hasn't given up on my shape yet.  Thank goodness!

You may be feeling like me and wondering, "Do I give Him the glory."  We need to really think about this and really step out of God's way.  If we believe what the word says then we must live it with passion. Doubts will creep in, our sinfulness may take over, but in the end, we need to bow down and say, "It's not I but You who should receive all the glory!"  If we're in the middle, how is He going to do all His great works?

I want to be like the hawk, who circles, watches, and waits and when the right time hits, swoops down to be fed.  Our feeding is in the word and all power and majesty is His.  At the end of the day, I want to know that I'm nothing and He's everything!  I hope you have drawn the same conclusions.

May God bless and keep you today and I'm sorry that I haven't written.  You can count on the next week a post a day and thank you for searching for our Lord.  I give Him all the glory!

1 Corinthians 15:21 NKJV:

     For since man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead.  For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall be made alive.  But each one in his own order:  Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ's at His coming.  Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power.  For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet.  The last enemy that will be destroyed is death.  For "He has put all under His feet."  But when He says, "all things are put under Him," it is evident that He who put all things under Him is excepted.  Now when all things are made subject to Him, then the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who put all things under Him, that God may be all in all.

May all the GLORY AND HONOR AND MAJESTY GO TO OUR KING TODAY AND MAY WE LIVE LIVES THAT GLORIFY HIM!

My prayer today:

O, Lord, I am humbled by Your sacrifice.  I am honored to be one of Your many chosen and to see Your hand in all things great and small.  As the hawk circles above to catch His pray, You are near, ready to feed Him and provide for His every need.  We are like hawks, circling and watching.  We were born to die and yet, You gave Your life first, so that we could have eternal life.  We need to be watching for You, studying to know You and giving You all the glory!  Our lives our Yours to do with what You will.  I give You mine today and those of my many sisters. Please unify the nations, feed the poor and heal our sick.  We need You Lord, not just for a moment but for a lifetime.  We need You to guide us and to help us understand what Your death means to our lives.  Only You can show us that.  Provide us with a great purpose and help us be bold where we are weak.  You are the one true God and we worship You today.  Please forgive us of our sins and mold us to be more like You.  In Jesus name, AMEN

Until tomorrow...

Thursday, February 7, 2013

February 7 2013

I have been traveling and haven't had a chance to write. I will have a full post tomorrow. Please pray for your nation today. May god bless America and the world!

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

February 5, 2013

Good morning all-

Yesterday I took my son to school.  He can drive now but for some reason there are days he just would rather be with me.  I call it our teenage bonding time.  He really doesn't talk much but he's in the car and every once in awhile he will answer my questions.  His team has been struggling this season.  They have lost every game in their league and I can tell that he is down and so is the team.  The passion that I saw at the beginning of the season has dwindled and with it, his confidence.

I've also been watching him escape to his computer as he tries to shake the frustration and disappointment of the season he so anticipated.  It's really hard to lose and it's even harder if you give up.  Passion is a rare emotion.  It's pure adrenaline and excitement when things are going well or you're great at something.  But when the emotions start to move from passion to despair, that's when you really have to watch yourself.  The two emotions are at the opposite of the spectrum and it's never good to be so passionate you can't see straight or so depressed you're inactive.

Passion begins when we feel good, when we're confident and when we feel we're invincible.  If you watched the Superbowl this weekend you saw passion and you watched defeat.  No one likes to lose but there is always a loser.  I guarantee that for San Francisco the passion went from high to low in about 3 hours.  We love to be full of love, passion and hope. It's part of our nature.  We like to win and we like to triumph.  How then do we keep the passion when loss is in our wake?  I believe that's when we have to pick ourselves up and look for our maker.  Passion in a good sense comes from loving God, believing in Him and walking even when life isn't going our way.  Passion should be steady and not all consuming but we should never be lukewarm because to be lukewarm Christians means we're dead.

Whether it be Hunter's losing team or a Christian down on their luck, there is always hope.  Like I told my son yesterday, I have never given up on him or his brother.  I never will.  Why?  Because I know that God has a plan for them and I believe that God can do all things and He has given them talents that will help them succeed for His kingdom.  It won't always be easy that's for sure but if we keep going, try not to lose hope and focus on Christ we will see His hand every time.

I know what it's like to be in the pit of despair and I know how it feels to have great passion.  Probably like you, I prefer the passion but over time I have learned that whether I was down or full of passion, Christ was right next to me.  I have learned more in my down times but I have found glory and comfort in the passionate times.  It's kind of like this blog.  When I started this blog over a year ago, I was full of passion, high on it almost and over time I have come to love sitting down and writing but the great passion has been lost and in its place is a peace beyond understanding.  It comes from me being obedient and giving the glory to Jesus.  There are those that take the passion and fill themselves with glory.  We are not to idol anything, especially our talents.  We are to give credit where credit is due and all the credit goes to Jesus.

I'm not sure my son understands what it means yet to live for Christ.  I hope that as he faces trials and tribulations he will learn to see the talents God gave Him and that will help him overcome any obstacle.  It took me a long time to see God in my life and to relish the talents He gave me.  Maybe he will be wiser with the knowledge.  I hope so because this life is full of wonder and when we close our eyes we can find passion, not for things here on earth but for a God who loves His people.

Don't get me wrong, I'm still hoping my son dunks in this game and that he finds confidence in the talents God gave him.  I continue to hope that his team will become likeminded and work toward winning.  Isn't that what Christ asked of us?  We're His team after all.  Can you imagine a world united for Him?  It would be wonderful.  I guess we will have to watch and wait and continue hoping that the Maker of heaven and earth comes once again.

I hope today finds you well and I'm praying for all of you.  Please pray for the women in all nations.  We need to be likeminded in Christ and love those we don't even know.  For today, I wish you well and may God bless and keep you until tomorrow.

Romans 15:5 NKJV:

      Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be likeminded toward one another according to Jesus Christ.

Philippians 2:2 NKJV:

      fulfill my joy be being likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

Acts 14:15 NKJV:

     and saying, "Men, why are you doing these things?  We also are men with the same nature as you, and preach to you that you should turn form these useless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea and all things that are in them,

My prayer today:

O, Lord, You are merciful and full of passion.  You are a God who loves His people.  You came to die for us and You gave Your life so that we may know You.  Fill our hearts with passion only for You and when life gets tough, please get tougher.  We often get downtrodden because we want to win and then we don't.  Help us to see You in everything and to learn the lessons You have before us.  We are Your people, desiring our Lord to lead us.  We come before You today, women from every nation and we ask that You provide for us in spirit, health and mind.  Make us likeminded, one with You, for not us but Your people.  We live in a world full of despair but every time I look up, I see You.  Give us hope for our futures and for those that we are near too.  I give You all the glory today my Lord and thank You once again for saving a retch like me.  Bless us as we find You in our lives and love us even when we don't deserve it.  We need You Lord, come to us once more!  In Jesus name, AMEN

Until tomorrow...

Monday, February 4, 2013

February 3, 2013

Good morning all-

Well I stumbled on a passage today that made me really think.  It's amazing how you begin to read anywhere in the Bible and out of the blue a light bulb goes off and you are amazed once again!  I began reading in Luke 19 this morning and once again saw God's great mercy on those that are lost.  You know the ones, the ones we don't think will ever find God.  Those are the ones He came to save.  When we give up, He just begins.  I hear it a lot.  This person won't ever change, they are too far gone and then after years of prayer, they find the Lord.

We just give up to easy.  If we aren't seeing results right away we lose hope.  Christ never lost hope for us or the lost.  We were once lost and maybe we weren't as lost as some people but we were all lost, sinners, wandering and waiting for something.  And when it appeared we were in awe.  People chased Jesus, they cried out to Him, they sent their children before Him and they believed if He touched them they would be healed.

There were many that believed and still today many are coming to know Him.  We can't give up on prayer and we definitely can't give up on Jesus.  I know some of us are more stubborn than others but when Jesus calls, He's persistent, there is not one fickle bone in His body.  He knows what all of us don't know, that waiting, watching and saving the lost is His mission.  We only like the easy way.  If someone comes to Christ after a few months, we feel a great accomplishment.  Sometimes it takes years of stepping out on faith, prayer and love.  Most people don't walk into God's arms after one bad encounter.  We are stubborn by nature and don't really want to believe we are sinners and yet, we are.

Christ didn't come for those that thought they were religious; He came for those that knew they weren't.   The disciples learned this and so did the many that came to Him.  The Pharisees were angered by the way Christ walked and talked to the people.  They were the ones with the knowledge.  They forgot that the knowledge of God was His to give and His to proclaim.  And so He did to every man, woman and child that needed and wanted a Savior.  He still does today and will until the end of time.

I hope this morning finds you well and that you are continuing to pray for the lost.  We are to love and by loving we will pray for those that need a Savior.  If all He wanted were the perfect religious people, we wouldn't be His.  Have a blessed day.

Luke 19:8-10 NKJV:

     And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, for so much as he also is a son of Abraham.  For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which is lost.

My prayer today:

O, Lord, how mighty and miraculous You are.  Before us was a path of destruction and then one day, You came and saved us.  You came to earth to fulfill a promise that one day we would be with You.   Many are skeptical and seek prophets, mystics and more but the only way to know our future is to cry out to You.  You are the keeper of the keys and our names are written in Your book.  You see what we can't see, You love who we do not love and You forgive in a manner humans just don't.  You see our flaws but You love us anyway.  You bring murders, thieves, prostitutes and more to Your kingdom.  Why some would ask?  Because You are the Lord of light and You came to earth to save us.  That's all we need to know today. I pray that You would write the names of the lost on our hearts and that we would become mighty prayer warriors for Your kingdom.  I pray that we would not give up on those that don't come to You quickly but we would seek You and pray for their souls.  You are mighty and although we try to fit You in our box, You are so much more powerful, full of grace and mercy than we ever could be.  Come before us now and heal the nations.  In Jesus name, AMEN

Until tomorrow...

Friday, February 1, 2013

February 1, 2013

Good morning all-

Today, I'm going to make a very bold statement and I would love to hear your feedback.  I have been on a journey for the last month to be courageous and strong.  It is essential to our walk and it's the one thing Jesus has placed on my heart.  I read many articles on the web and in the newspaper regarding activists and their causes.  It is interesting that we will fight for global warming, as if we're in control.  We will save animals but not children.  We seek to have our intimate lives all over the tabloids and when the inaugural committee chooses a singer for the national anthem those that are fighting for a healthier America want to ban her from singing it because she's on a Pepsi commercial.  We are so lost and many of us don't even know it.

The point is that we fight for lots of things.  Celebrities get on television and promote products and their agendas.  Politicians fight for what they think America wants to hear and many people fight for their morals but mostly, they don't match up to what the Bible states as fact.  We live in a culture where everything goes except speaking loudly about Jesus Christ.  Lucky for me, I live in America where I can speak, but believe me, people given the chance will ridicule me and not believe in the God I love.  I am one of the many that sat by for years being quiet and only coming out with my faith when I saw someone in dire need.  I never spoke as loudly as I have for the last couple of years.  I was afraid of what people would think about me and so I stood like the disciples did when Jesus hung on the cross.  Like them, I hid behind my faith instead of professing it with conviction.

I guess what started me on this rant was global warming and how we need to quit drilling for oil.  I find it fascinating that we continue to use it at a phenomenal rate but everyone wants to stop it.  I'm sure that we do have global warming and that the earth is changing but are we in control?  I think that's why I'm so fired up.  I feel as though everyone thinks that they can control the stars and the earth.  Like we have any power to do so.  It's an affront to our Lord to believe we have control.  However, we do need to be good stewards of what God has given to us and I think we should be mindful of that.  I think what's really got under my skin is the ability to openly criticize whatever you want and not to think about God.  I'm tired of hearing peoples opinions on the earth, around gun control and other issues.  We think we can fight these things in Congress, well we can't.  The only way to fight the corruption of our earth and our people is to be on our knees.  Through prayer we need to shout that Jesus is Lord, not man.  It's time that we become bold and courageous and walk a different path.

I have seen for myself that control of life can not happen.  Christ is in control.  He earned the right on the cross.  We haven't earned anything, it was given.  If God feels the need to destruct the earth, He will.   History shows us that the world has changed many times over.  The Mayans thought the end of the world would be in 2012, guess not.  Instead they were vanquished from their land and no one exists today.  Interesting?  An entire people group vanished.  The Sahara Desert was filled with water and baby whales are found all over in fossil form.  Was that Global warming or a change brought upon by God?  Something to think about at least.  Our God created the heavens and the earth.  He knows the time and hour He will return for us.  We don't have control over Him or over this world.  We do have the power behind us because of His death.  We do have hands and feet and we can fight fear and destruction on our knees.  He is all we need to have the courage to speak it.

I'm not saying that every one of you will be bold for God or that you have heard His call.  But if you're saved then you have a responsibility to infuse Christ into your daily life and those around you.  My call is to teach about the God I love to women everywhere.  Your call can only be defined by you and God so take it upon yourself to pray and ask what God would have you do.  It's time we quit letting the secular world dictate and announce to the world what truly is happening.  We already know whose in control.

With all my heart I'm praying for you and asking God to come into your life and fill you with His holy spirit.  I'm praying for all of us to be bold and to speak about God's love for us.  He is in control and if we speak it, people will eventually hear.  May God keep you today and as always, I'm praying for you.


Genesis 1:1 NKJV

     In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Psalm 104:30 NKJV

     You send forth Your Spirit, they are created and You renew the face of the earth.

Colossians 1:16 NKJV

      For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers.  All things were created through Him and for Him.

My prayer today:

O, Lord, come before the women in all nations and spread Your word.  Lift us up as we walk on the ground You created.  Give us strength, power and courage to speak of You in the face of a world that believes humans are in control.  Help us to teach Your sons and daughters to look for You and not at the world.  Give us hearts for the things You wish for us to know and seek.  We need You Lord as we navigate the world we live in.  Media dictates what should be right and wrong, countries are suffering under corruption and the world as we know it has changed because of the evil that lurks here.  Fill our hearts with gladness and give us a sense of You daily.  Show these women what their purpose is and help them fulfill it for today and always.  I yearn to know Your will, show all of us what our duties are and how we can better serve You.  Bring forth women that will be bold and courageous and will love You in all situations.  You are God and we are Yours.  Make us likeminded and forgive us of our sinful natures, we desire to be close to You and thank You for the mercy You bestow on us.  In Jesus name,
AMEN

Until tomorrow...