Have you ever seen a potter with clay? In a movie made years ago, GHOST, Demi Moore worked on a pottery wheel. It was fascinating to watch her mold the clay, slap it down and remold it into something beautiful. We are God's clay. Human in nature but our spirit is just like that clay. We get turned into many directions and he flattens us. Then when we don't think anything will change, He builds us back up into something He can be proud of.
Some of us are more easily molded, shaped and made beautiful. Others of us have to go through the process of being molded and then molded again, either way we become more like Christ. The process for clay is easy because it's malleable. For us, it is much harder. When we are being molded on the makers wheel, we have highs, lows, successes, failures and consequences. In the end, we are glad we went through the process but while in the midst, we may feel a little pain. His ultimate goal is for us to be men and women of Him. He has to mold us and make us more like Him to get us to that goal.
In order to have great faith, we must go through this process. We must want to be molded in His image and we must ask Him to freely do so. The more we want to be like Him the more He will reveal Himself to us. He is the maker of all things; He knows best. So today, if you feel as though you are spinning, ask the Lord to reveal Himself to you. Ask Him to mold you and make you new. He wants too; I assure you.
Isaiah 64: 8 NKJV:
But now, O LORD,
You are our Father;
We are the clay, and You our
potter;
And all we are the work of Your hand.
My prayer today:
Lord our God, how mighty are You. We come before you today a piece of clay. We relinquish our spirits to You and ask that You would mold us into a beautiful creation. We realize that this process takes time but we want to be great women of You. Please provide us with the ability to give you our hearts, minds and souls, so that we can become women of great faith. We thank you for Your unceasing love and for the encouragement You give us daily. Walk with us today on this journey and be our potter. We want to be beautiful in You. AMEN
Until tomorrow...
Monday, February 27, 2012
Sunday, February 26, 2012
February 26, 2012
I have spent a lot of time lately reflecting on my life. Mostly because of the personal things I am dealing with but also because I want to remember how I got to a place of great faith. I wish I could say I got here easily but I am one of those people that has to hit a wall a million times and then the epiphany happens. I have a son just like me and I guess that's why I am reflecting on it so much.
Is it bad to hit the wall? As my mother used to say, it's easier if you just learn the first time and man is it. But then, there are people like myself that must hit the wall multiple times to understand the lesson. I suggest to anyone reading this to only hit that wall once, but if you're like me, you will learn eventually.
The point I am trying to make in all of this is that we will make mistakes; we will hit walls and we will eventually learn from them. Is it wrong to make mistakes and when we do, should we reside in the shame of those mistakes? It is my belief that mistakes shape the fabric of who we will become. There are consequences to our mistakes but Jesus doesn't want anyone of us to continue to face shame and suffering for our mistakes; He wants us to repent and repent, until we get it into our thick skull that Jesus loves us. He doesn't like when we make mistakes but He died for us so that we would not have to face eternal shame for those mistakes. Look at the people most loved in the Bible. David killed a man, Peter denied Christ three times and Timothy doubted Him. Were any of these mistakes too large for our Father? No ma'am they were not.
I know that as your reading this; you are saying to yourself she doesn't know the mistakes I have made. My mistake is too great. Let me tell you here and now, there is no mistake too great for Jesus to forgive, unless you are going to deny He exists! Christ gave His life for all of us. Whether you have had an abortion, premarital sex, committed adultery, or killed someone; Jesus can and will forgive you as long as you commit yourself to Him. There will be consequences for your actions but you can count on Jesus to love you through them.
The question comes up, how can He forgive me when I can't forgive myself? Because He is God; He knew you in the womb and He loves you no matter what choices you have made. People may persecute you for your actions but Christ loved you enough to die for all of our sins. Thank goodness because I have made a ton in my time and I am so grateful to my confessor for giving me back my dignity and helping me along so that I don't make the same mistakes twice.
If you are facing a time of shame because you believe there is no way for Christ to forgive you, reach out and have the women on this blog pray for you. Satan wants to keep you from Christ. He wants you to relish in your shame. If he can remove you from Christ; he will try. Don't let him. Your Father might correct you in love but He doesn't want you to continue hurting yourself. Get on your knees and cry out to Him. He is your Father, your Confessor, your Savior! Let Him be there for you today; He loves you. If you don't believe me, take a moment and read the Bible. He died and was pure; He hung on a cross for our sins, not His. Remember that and breathe it in. Help yourself today and let Him love you right where you are!
Mark 3: 28-29 NKJV:
"Assuredly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they may utter; but he who blasphemies against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is subject to eternal condemnation"--
Acts 26:17-18 NKJV:
I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.'
Why would a God do this for you if He wanted you to suffer in your shame? Reflect on these passages and realize the power behind the Cross. Don't stay in your shame, find the light of Christ and walk with Him. You don't have to hit that wall anymore because He sent His soldiers to spread the word, that Christ is light and redemption! Be with Him today!
My prayer today:
Oh Lord, I often thank you in the dark for your undying love. Thank you for forgiving us even when we continue to hit the wall a million times. Thank you for carrying our burdens and for never giving up on us. We are like lambs, scattering on the pasture. But you're our shepherd, herding us back together. Take us and lead us to Your light and take us out from the darkness in our minds. Thank you for forgiving us today and every day and please help us to forgive ourselves the way you forgive us. May we all grow from our mistakes and build a tower of faith as we walk with You. Your love is amazing, Your forgiveness is great and Your correction is needed. Don't ever leave us dear Father for we need You in our lives today. AMEN
Is it bad to hit the wall? As my mother used to say, it's easier if you just learn the first time and man is it. But then, there are people like myself that must hit the wall multiple times to understand the lesson. I suggest to anyone reading this to only hit that wall once, but if you're like me, you will learn eventually.
The point I am trying to make in all of this is that we will make mistakes; we will hit walls and we will eventually learn from them. Is it wrong to make mistakes and when we do, should we reside in the shame of those mistakes? It is my belief that mistakes shape the fabric of who we will become. There are consequences to our mistakes but Jesus doesn't want anyone of us to continue to face shame and suffering for our mistakes; He wants us to repent and repent, until we get it into our thick skull that Jesus loves us. He doesn't like when we make mistakes but He died for us so that we would not have to face eternal shame for those mistakes. Look at the people most loved in the Bible. David killed a man, Peter denied Christ three times and Timothy doubted Him. Were any of these mistakes too large for our Father? No ma'am they were not.
I know that as your reading this; you are saying to yourself she doesn't know the mistakes I have made. My mistake is too great. Let me tell you here and now, there is no mistake too great for Jesus to forgive, unless you are going to deny He exists! Christ gave His life for all of us. Whether you have had an abortion, premarital sex, committed adultery, or killed someone; Jesus can and will forgive you as long as you commit yourself to Him. There will be consequences for your actions but you can count on Jesus to love you through them.
The question comes up, how can He forgive me when I can't forgive myself? Because He is God; He knew you in the womb and He loves you no matter what choices you have made. People may persecute you for your actions but Christ loved you enough to die for all of our sins. Thank goodness because I have made a ton in my time and I am so grateful to my confessor for giving me back my dignity and helping me along so that I don't make the same mistakes twice.
If you are facing a time of shame because you believe there is no way for Christ to forgive you, reach out and have the women on this blog pray for you. Satan wants to keep you from Christ. He wants you to relish in your shame. If he can remove you from Christ; he will try. Don't let him. Your Father might correct you in love but He doesn't want you to continue hurting yourself. Get on your knees and cry out to Him. He is your Father, your Confessor, your Savior! Let Him be there for you today; He loves you. If you don't believe me, take a moment and read the Bible. He died and was pure; He hung on a cross for our sins, not His. Remember that and breathe it in. Help yourself today and let Him love you right where you are!
Mark 3: 28-29 NKJV:
"Assuredly, I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they may utter; but he who blasphemies against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is subject to eternal condemnation"--
Acts 26:17-18 NKJV:
I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.'
Why would a God do this for you if He wanted you to suffer in your shame? Reflect on these passages and realize the power behind the Cross. Don't stay in your shame, find the light of Christ and walk with Him. You don't have to hit that wall anymore because He sent His soldiers to spread the word, that Christ is light and redemption! Be with Him today!
My prayer today:
Oh Lord, I often thank you in the dark for your undying love. Thank you for forgiving us even when we continue to hit the wall a million times. Thank you for carrying our burdens and for never giving up on us. We are like lambs, scattering on the pasture. But you're our shepherd, herding us back together. Take us and lead us to Your light and take us out from the darkness in our minds. Thank you for forgiving us today and every day and please help us to forgive ourselves the way you forgive us. May we all grow from our mistakes and build a tower of faith as we walk with You. Your love is amazing, Your forgiveness is great and Your correction is needed. Don't ever leave us dear Father for we need You in our lives today. AMEN
Friday, February 24, 2012
February 24, 2012
I learned today that one of my closest friends went to be with Jesus. I was very quiet in High School with very few friends. I remember how she laughed and told me not to worry. She understood how scared I was and how lonely I felt, having few friends and not really fitting in. She understood because she was fighting Lupus. She had been since she was a baby and it was killing her. She spent more time in the hospital than at school but that never stopped her from fighting the disease. She would fight it until this week with courage and grace. She taught me never to give up and to look at the challenges in my life with courage and perseverance. She was a great lady and although we have not seen each other in years; I loved her like a sister. She was bold and beautiful and she epitomized what a true friend is and should be. She held me in my hour of need and I held her. She was my matron of honor and I was hers. Time might have gotten away from us but I will see her again and today, I acknowledge what she meant to me. Rest in peace my dear Katie. I love you with all my heart.
1 Timothy 6:12 NKJV:
Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
If you don't know Jesus today, please get to know Him. He is here for all of us and just like my dear friend, time is short. We don't know the time or hour but we do know that God is calling us. We might never have another chance to say I love you on earth, but we will in Heaven if we will confess with our mouths that Jesus is Lord. Don't wait, give your life to Him!
My prayer today:
In every journey there is a time when it comes to an end. This week was that for my dear friend. Please Lord help those families that are losing a loved one today and help them understand how loved they truly are. God bring the lost to us so that we can share Your love with them. Give us a heart for all people and help us stand up and deliver the message that You are LORD! I thank you for the ability to be with you in Heaven and for being able to once again see those that are lost to us on earth. Lord we love you and honor you today. Thank you for sacrificing your life so that we may have eternal life!
1 Timothy 6:12 NKJV:
Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
If you don't know Jesus today, please get to know Him. He is here for all of us and just like my dear friend, time is short. We don't know the time or hour but we do know that God is calling us. We might never have another chance to say I love you on earth, but we will in Heaven if we will confess with our mouths that Jesus is Lord. Don't wait, give your life to Him!
My prayer today:
In every journey there is a time when it comes to an end. This week was that for my dear friend. Please Lord help those families that are losing a loved one today and help them understand how loved they truly are. God bring the lost to us so that we can share Your love with them. Give us a heart for all people and help us stand up and deliver the message that You are LORD! I thank you for the ability to be with you in Heaven and for being able to once again see those that are lost to us on earth. Lord we love you and honor you today. Thank you for sacrificing your life so that we may have eternal life!
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
February 20, 2012
The lost, the brokenhearted, the misfits, the sinners. What do these people represent to you? They represent to me, God's chosen. In church yesterday, I listened to a man that has a way of painting mind pictures. He made the story in Luke come to life. He talked about the man, who asked his father for his inheritance, only to leave and throw it all away. That same son came back to his father and was welcomed and celebrated.
We must all be very careful and guard from becoming hard to the homeless, the drunkard, the drug addict, or anyone we deem unworthy or on the wrong path. It's these very people, Christ came and walked with. They all knew what the pharisees had forgotten, Christ was their answer to salvation.
It's easier for us to judge, than to love. I have people in my own family that are lost. That don't believe that Christ is real. Today is the only day they look forward too. They mask themselves in work, family, or just plain busyness. They don't take time to investigate whether Christ is real. I ache for them and I am praying that someday they will know the resounding joy I felt the day I said, "YES," to Jesus!
If you know someone that needs Jesus, don't walk away from them, pray for them. When I felt called to write this blog, I sent it out to all my Christian friends. I thought it would be a good place to start but I am writing daily because Christ has called me to encourage and be there for the lost, as well as, His people. Women need to know that Christ is in all their circumstances. In the United States, we are free. In other countries, they aren't. They are persecuted for being women. We need to use our freedom and speak truth to the world. We are the chosen to bear witness to the next generation. When called, come and when asked to speak, speak. Christ needs us to be obedient so that He can use today and every day thereafter.
1Corinthians 7: 17 NKJV:
But as God has distributed to each one, as the Lord has called each one, so let him walk. And so I ordained in all the churches.
Deuteronomy 11: 22 NLT:
Be careful to obey all these commands I am giving you. Show love to the Lord your God by walking in his ways and holding tightly to him.
John 13:34 NKJV:
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, as I have loved you, that you also love another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.
We are called to be His disciples, to love and cherish the way He loves us. Because we are human, feelings get in the way, but if we ask for His heart we will love one another and show the lost the love He has for all of us.
My prayer today:
Lord, please give us Your heart. We desire to be in Your army. Give us the courage to speak of Your goodwill toward men. Help us to not grow weary but to see You in everything. Give us sight to see the greatness that You are and to not throw You into a box. You are mighty and we want to experience it and know it. Please bring women to us that need You and help us love them in their time of need. Let us not turn our backs on the brokenhearted but lift them in prayer and petition. Give us the ability to know You through our journey and help us love everyone more. AMEN
Until tomorrow...
We must all be very careful and guard from becoming hard to the homeless, the drunkard, the drug addict, or anyone we deem unworthy or on the wrong path. It's these very people, Christ came and walked with. They all knew what the pharisees had forgotten, Christ was their answer to salvation.
It's easier for us to judge, than to love. I have people in my own family that are lost. That don't believe that Christ is real. Today is the only day they look forward too. They mask themselves in work, family, or just plain busyness. They don't take time to investigate whether Christ is real. I ache for them and I am praying that someday they will know the resounding joy I felt the day I said, "YES," to Jesus!
If you know someone that needs Jesus, don't walk away from them, pray for them. When I felt called to write this blog, I sent it out to all my Christian friends. I thought it would be a good place to start but I am writing daily because Christ has called me to encourage and be there for the lost, as well as, His people. Women need to know that Christ is in all their circumstances. In the United States, we are free. In other countries, they aren't. They are persecuted for being women. We need to use our freedom and speak truth to the world. We are the chosen to bear witness to the next generation. When called, come and when asked to speak, speak. Christ needs us to be obedient so that He can use today and every day thereafter.
1Corinthians 7: 17 NKJV:
But as God has distributed to each one, as the Lord has called each one, so let him walk. And so I ordained in all the churches.
Deuteronomy 11: 22 NLT:
Be careful to obey all these commands I am giving you. Show love to the Lord your God by walking in his ways and holding tightly to him.
John 13:34 NKJV:
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, as I have loved you, that you also love another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.
We are called to be His disciples, to love and cherish the way He loves us. Because we are human, feelings get in the way, but if we ask for His heart we will love one another and show the lost the love He has for all of us.
My prayer today:
Lord, please give us Your heart. We desire to be in Your army. Give us the courage to speak of Your goodwill toward men. Help us to not grow weary but to see You in everything. Give us sight to see the greatness that You are and to not throw You into a box. You are mighty and we want to experience it and know it. Please bring women to us that need You and help us love them in their time of need. Let us not turn our backs on the brokenhearted but lift them in prayer and petition. Give us the ability to know You through our journey and help us love everyone more. AMEN
Until tomorrow...
Sunday, February 19, 2012
February 19, 2012
Yesterday, I was reminded how great love really is. I believe that some people are gifted in serving and loving others. It's a talent and if you happen to know someone like that, thank them for being used by God and for the tremendous gift they were given. Maybe, you had a parent that sacrificed everything for you or a husband that has stood by you through many trials, either way, love is a gift.
When we talk about falling in love or loving someone, I am not sure we truly know what love is. For most, it's a feeling. Love is far deeper than a feeling. It's a choice, a commitment, eternity. Christ chose to die for us. He committed his life to His Father. He saved the world, not because He felt like it, but because it was His Father's will.
To experience that kind of love is the greatest gift of all. I think we have moments of that in our lives. When we are carrying our children, we know that kind of love. When our children are going astray, we know that kind of love. And when we go through times of fire with our spouses, we know that kind of love. If you are single, you know that kind of love because God surrounds you with people that are committed to supporting and loving you in all your circumstances.
So what is love, it's God's way of committing to you for all time. He sent His son to die for you and me. Think about that for a minute! Could you send your child to die? Men and women may choose to go into the armed forces but rarely, do parents send them there. In life, a parent's greatest fear is that they will bury their children before them. No one wants that and yet, Mary watched as Her son fulfilled His legacy. She watched as He was put on a cross and she watched as He took His last breath. He is love personified and we need to remember it and live it, just as He did.
Women have a beautiful capacity to love but we also have a capacity to forget what love is. We must stay in the fire and love through our circumstances. We must bond together and love one another, not just today, but every day. We can't let our feelings get in the way; we must choose to love even when the feeling isn't there. The only way we will accomplish loving better is through prayer and reading. God will help us choose to love, when we align our will to His. We must not get into head games. The only question we should ever ask is what direction do you want me to go and who do you want me to love today.
Take every opportunity to say, "I LOVE YOU." But more importantly, take every opportunity to show your love, by choosing to love through sacrifice. At the end of the day, to fully experience love, we must sacrifice our wishes and our desires so that we can know Jesus!
Romans 5:6-9 NKJV:
For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
If you find yourself with no strength, take heart, for Christ is with you. We are not alone in this life. Reach out to a good friend and have them pray for you. Meditate on the facts, like Christ died for you, He loves you and He will never forsake you. And then thank Him for His sacrifice. We may never know the depths of love that Jesus has but we can continue to grow in His love by loving others. He is the present that keeps on giving!
My prayer today:
O, LORD, teach us what love truly is. Give us an understanding far beyond feelings and open our hearts to the love you have for Your people. Help us to remember those that have gone before us, who, like you, have shown great love and sacrifice. Remind us daily that this journey is short but in every day there is an opportunity to love. We love You and we thank you for loving us. Keep us close as we grow closer to you. Watch over us and provide the means for us to love others the way you loved us. AMEN
Until tomorrow...
When we talk about falling in love or loving someone, I am not sure we truly know what love is. For most, it's a feeling. Love is far deeper than a feeling. It's a choice, a commitment, eternity. Christ chose to die for us. He committed his life to His Father. He saved the world, not because He felt like it, but because it was His Father's will.
To experience that kind of love is the greatest gift of all. I think we have moments of that in our lives. When we are carrying our children, we know that kind of love. When our children are going astray, we know that kind of love. And when we go through times of fire with our spouses, we know that kind of love. If you are single, you know that kind of love because God surrounds you with people that are committed to supporting and loving you in all your circumstances.
So what is love, it's God's way of committing to you for all time. He sent His son to die for you and me. Think about that for a minute! Could you send your child to die? Men and women may choose to go into the armed forces but rarely, do parents send them there. In life, a parent's greatest fear is that they will bury their children before them. No one wants that and yet, Mary watched as Her son fulfilled His legacy. She watched as He was put on a cross and she watched as He took His last breath. He is love personified and we need to remember it and live it, just as He did.
Women have a beautiful capacity to love but we also have a capacity to forget what love is. We must stay in the fire and love through our circumstances. We must bond together and love one another, not just today, but every day. We can't let our feelings get in the way; we must choose to love even when the feeling isn't there. The only way we will accomplish loving better is through prayer and reading. God will help us choose to love, when we align our will to His. We must not get into head games. The only question we should ever ask is what direction do you want me to go and who do you want me to love today.
Take every opportunity to say, "I LOVE YOU." But more importantly, take every opportunity to show your love, by choosing to love through sacrifice. At the end of the day, to fully experience love, we must sacrifice our wishes and our desires so that we can know Jesus!
Romans 5:6-9 NKJV:
For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
If you find yourself with no strength, take heart, for Christ is with you. We are not alone in this life. Reach out to a good friend and have them pray for you. Meditate on the facts, like Christ died for you, He loves you and He will never forsake you. And then thank Him for His sacrifice. We may never know the depths of love that Jesus has but we can continue to grow in His love by loving others. He is the present that keeps on giving!
My prayer today:
O, LORD, teach us what love truly is. Give us an understanding far beyond feelings and open our hearts to the love you have for Your people. Help us to remember those that have gone before us, who, like you, have shown great love and sacrifice. Remind us daily that this journey is short but in every day there is an opportunity to love. We love You and we thank you for loving us. Keep us close as we grow closer to you. Watch over us and provide the means for us to love others the way you loved us. AMEN
Until tomorrow...
Saturday, February 18, 2012
February 18, 2012
I often wonder if we find our purpose in the tests of life. It seems to me that on every side of a Christian's life; there is light and darkness. The devil tries to steal your joy and hope. On the other side, Christ is our light, when we conquer our circumstances, He is glorified and we find hope, peace and joy.
Have you ever thought about what you learned during a challenging situation in your life? Looking back was it worth it? I know when you're in the midst of it; you're hoping it ends. But really, putting your mind to it, didn't you learn something that defined you?
I have had moments of great darkness in my life. What do women do when they aren't saved? Where do they go in the midst of the world's trials? Every hour someone is facing the possible loss of their lives, their children's lives, financial devastation, a loss of their home, or divorce. These are not random issues. They are issues we are all facing and it's our job to face them together. Life does not hold the key to our happiness. That is a myth. The key to our happiness is a closeness to Jesus Christ that can't be explained. In that closeness, there is light. And only then will we feel the resounding love of our Father. There will always be tests; it's what we do with them that matters.
I have several friends who are facing massive challenges in their lives. One is losing all her hair, with no cure in sight. The other has lost her job and is a single woman. The last is a woman who has 5 kids and has just been diagnosed with uterine cancer. I am one person and I know of three very hurting souls. I love these women with all my heart and I will not give up on them. We are called to love the lost, the widowed, the sick. Stand up with me today and ask our Lord to heal the broken and move mountains for them. This is not just their fight; it's all of ours. We are sisters in an army for the Lord and we must battle along with them. Don't forget the poor, homeless or destitute. Christ called His disciples to go out and heal the sick and take care of the poor. We are now His disciples. Spread the only words that matter, Christ died for you so that you can have everlasting life! Don't be afraid, we are needed and there is a purpose far beyond our understanding. I want to be part of that purpose, don't you?
Proverbs 29:25 NLT:
Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the LORD means safety.
Philippians 4:4-9 NLT:
Always be full of joy in the LORD. I say it again--rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 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. And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right and pure, and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me--everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.
The highlight in this passage is mine. Why? Because I want us to fix our thoughts on Jesus Christ. He is the maker and breaker of the world. He holds the keys to light and darkness. He is able to heal the sick, give hope to the hopeless and provide shelter to the shelterless. We can do nothing without Him. If your thoughts are going in every direction but on Him, change them to Him. I have no idea how long my friends will struggle. Their situations could be corrected tomorrow or last for months. What I am asking from all of us, is to not give up. Praise the Lord in everything and lean on Him. We must unite for our sisters and ask God to be in the middle of their situations. We don't have to be alone but we do need to straighten our minds. They are very powerful. Don't let negativity rob you of your joy! Focus on Jesus today. And if you have friends like mine, be there for them. Encourage them and try to set their minds back on Jesus. Lift them up in prayer and let them know that you are thinking about them. They need us and someday we will need them!
My prayer today:
Oh LORD how great you are! Our minds are so powerful and often when we struggle they go down a path of destruction. Lord, I know that the challenges we face are only for a season but during that season I pray that we would fix our thoughts on You. I pray that we would rejoice in our inequities and that we would look toward you at every corner. I pray for the lost that don't know you and ask that they would come to you, so that they can experience the resounding love we have. I pray for the sick that the Holy Spirit would come upon them and heal them. I pray for the homeless that You would provide shelter. I pray for the broken hearted that they would find safety in You. There are no words to describe our love for You. Please Lord, give us the power to encourage and to pray for women! We want to be with you and with them during their darkest hour. Give us a heart for the lost and lift us up as we praise Your name. Holy Holy is the Lamb! AMEN
Until tomorrow...
Have you ever thought about what you learned during a challenging situation in your life? Looking back was it worth it? I know when you're in the midst of it; you're hoping it ends. But really, putting your mind to it, didn't you learn something that defined you?
I have had moments of great darkness in my life. What do women do when they aren't saved? Where do they go in the midst of the world's trials? Every hour someone is facing the possible loss of their lives, their children's lives, financial devastation, a loss of their home, or divorce. These are not random issues. They are issues we are all facing and it's our job to face them together. Life does not hold the key to our happiness. That is a myth. The key to our happiness is a closeness to Jesus Christ that can't be explained. In that closeness, there is light. And only then will we feel the resounding love of our Father. There will always be tests; it's what we do with them that matters.
I have several friends who are facing massive challenges in their lives. One is losing all her hair, with no cure in sight. The other has lost her job and is a single woman. The last is a woman who has 5 kids and has just been diagnosed with uterine cancer. I am one person and I know of three very hurting souls. I love these women with all my heart and I will not give up on them. We are called to love the lost, the widowed, the sick. Stand up with me today and ask our Lord to heal the broken and move mountains for them. This is not just their fight; it's all of ours. We are sisters in an army for the Lord and we must battle along with them. Don't forget the poor, homeless or destitute. Christ called His disciples to go out and heal the sick and take care of the poor. We are now His disciples. Spread the only words that matter, Christ died for you so that you can have everlasting life! Don't be afraid, we are needed and there is a purpose far beyond our understanding. I want to be part of that purpose, don't you?
Proverbs 29:25 NLT:
Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the LORD means safety.
Philippians 4:4-9 NLT:
Always be full of joy in the LORD. I say it again--rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 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. And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right and pure, and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me--everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.
The highlight in this passage is mine. Why? Because I want us to fix our thoughts on Jesus Christ. He is the maker and breaker of the world. He holds the keys to light and darkness. He is able to heal the sick, give hope to the hopeless and provide shelter to the shelterless. We can do nothing without Him. If your thoughts are going in every direction but on Him, change them to Him. I have no idea how long my friends will struggle. Their situations could be corrected tomorrow or last for months. What I am asking from all of us, is to not give up. Praise the Lord in everything and lean on Him. We must unite for our sisters and ask God to be in the middle of their situations. We don't have to be alone but we do need to straighten our minds. They are very powerful. Don't let negativity rob you of your joy! Focus on Jesus today. And if you have friends like mine, be there for them. Encourage them and try to set their minds back on Jesus. Lift them up in prayer and let them know that you are thinking about them. They need us and someday we will need them!
My prayer today:
Oh LORD how great you are! Our minds are so powerful and often when we struggle they go down a path of destruction. Lord, I know that the challenges we face are only for a season but during that season I pray that we would fix our thoughts on You. I pray that we would rejoice in our inequities and that we would look toward you at every corner. I pray for the lost that don't know you and ask that they would come to you, so that they can experience the resounding love we have. I pray for the sick that the Holy Spirit would come upon them and heal them. I pray for the homeless that You would provide shelter. I pray for the broken hearted that they would find safety in You. There are no words to describe our love for You. Please Lord, give us the power to encourage and to pray for women! We want to be with you and with them during their darkest hour. Give us a heart for the lost and lift us up as we praise Your name. Holy Holy is the Lamb! AMEN
Until tomorrow...
Thursday, February 16, 2012
February 16, 2012
Who do you put your trust in? I ask this question because it is so easy for all of us to put our trust in circumstances and not in God. If you're single, do you really believe God will provide your mate? Or if you currently have a serious medical condition no one can diagnose, where is your trust? There are millions of other questions I could ask but the biggest one is, do you trust in Jesus?
Recently, my son was going through a major test. He likes to rely on himself. Wonder where he gets that from? Anyway, learning from experience, I knew that God was putting him through a test. Jesus never wants us to rely on ourselves. We are always to rely on Him. But like everything in this world, we believe that if we seek long enough and try hard enough, we can solve our problems. Wrong!
I am a firm believer in everything happens for a reason. I also believe our Father wants us to grow up and to depend upon Him. This is a contradiction to what the world wants you to believe. Being self sufficient is the worlds motto but it's not Christ's. And if you are thinking life isn't fair, well then you are so right. We are not here so that life can treat us fairly. We are here to be molded and used for Christ's purpose, not ours. If you are going through a tough test right now, realize it's not a punishment, He is perfecting your soul.
No parent let's their child go down the road astray, if they can help them. Our Father is no different. He wants to be right there with us. That's why we have the Holy Spirit. We may not be able to touch Christ but we can be guided by Him. Praise the Lord for that!
Proverbs 3: 5-6 NIV:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him. And He will make your paths straight.
Can you see anything in this proverb that says, do it your way? We aren't all knowing and many times we won't understand God's ways but when we acknowledge Him, our paths become straight. I have experienced this lesson first hand. By the way, it wasn't easy and it won't be easy for you either but it's the truth. Live it, breathe it and believe it! Scripture isn't there to be pretty; it's there to help us and to mold us. Take time daily to really meditate on a passage; it may just be your lifeline.
My prayer today:
Oh LORD, help us to trust in you with all our heart. We don't want to lean on ourselves but we want to lean on You. We want to walk away from the worldly ways and be made straight, by You. There is nothing on earth more precious to us than You. Solomon knew that to really trust You; He had to surrender. We surrender our hearts and minds to You today, so that when we are tested, You will be there to pick us up. Lord, we pray for those that have lost heart and are possibly grieving today. We don't always understand why things happen but we can count on You to help us through them. Give us today our daily bread and forgive us for not trusting You in all things. Mold us and make us Yours as we walk on our path today! GLORY, GLORY IS THE LORD ON HIGH, WHO WAS AND IS TO COME! AMEN
Until tomorrow...
Recently, my son was going through a major test. He likes to rely on himself. Wonder where he gets that from? Anyway, learning from experience, I knew that God was putting him through a test. Jesus never wants us to rely on ourselves. We are always to rely on Him. But like everything in this world, we believe that if we seek long enough and try hard enough, we can solve our problems. Wrong!
I am a firm believer in everything happens for a reason. I also believe our Father wants us to grow up and to depend upon Him. This is a contradiction to what the world wants you to believe. Being self sufficient is the worlds motto but it's not Christ's. And if you are thinking life isn't fair, well then you are so right. We are not here so that life can treat us fairly. We are here to be molded and used for Christ's purpose, not ours. If you are going through a tough test right now, realize it's not a punishment, He is perfecting your soul.
No parent let's their child go down the road astray, if they can help them. Our Father is no different. He wants to be right there with us. That's why we have the Holy Spirit. We may not be able to touch Christ but we can be guided by Him. Praise the Lord for that!
Proverbs 3: 5-6 NIV:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him. And He will make your paths straight.
Can you see anything in this proverb that says, do it your way? We aren't all knowing and many times we won't understand God's ways but when we acknowledge Him, our paths become straight. I have experienced this lesson first hand. By the way, it wasn't easy and it won't be easy for you either but it's the truth. Live it, breathe it and believe it! Scripture isn't there to be pretty; it's there to help us and to mold us. Take time daily to really meditate on a passage; it may just be your lifeline.
My prayer today:
Oh LORD, help us to trust in you with all our heart. We don't want to lean on ourselves but we want to lean on You. We want to walk away from the worldly ways and be made straight, by You. There is nothing on earth more precious to us than You. Solomon knew that to really trust You; He had to surrender. We surrender our hearts and minds to You today, so that when we are tested, You will be there to pick us up. Lord, we pray for those that have lost heart and are possibly grieving today. We don't always understand why things happen but we can count on You to help us through them. Give us today our daily bread and forgive us for not trusting You in all things. Mold us and make us Yours as we walk on our path today! GLORY, GLORY IS THE LORD ON HIGH, WHO WAS AND IS TO COME! AMEN
Until tomorrow...
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
February 15, 2012
Patience and pride are the two most difficult human attributes to overcome. I have heard over the years that patience is an art and yet, I know many woman that have the gift of patience. So, is it an art or a choice? And then there is pride. What makes one person full of pride and another humble?
I really couldn't tell you because I struggle with both. I am patient when I am standing in a grocery line or when I hear screaming children, but I am never patient when it comes to waiting for an event to occur and nothing is happening. And then there is my pride, I suffer from wanting to be the best at everything. Not that I achieve it often but surrendering has never been something that comes easy to me.
We will die by our lack of patience and our overwhelming pride. Can you imagine a God that had no patience? Scary isn't it? As for pride, I think there are times when some pride is necessary but the overwhelming need to be better than God is our downfall. We are not perfect and therefore, we must surrender our pride to Him.
If this is hitting you where you live, believe me I feel your pain. A true test of faith is when a woman that is Type A can be patient and let God work. Another step of faith is humbling ourselves before God and realizing we don't have all the answers and we definitely aren't perfect. It's hard when God chooses for us to wait on Him. It's harder when He shows us that we need to be humble.
How do we work through these issues? Like everything in our lives, we must go to Scripture. One time of reading it won't cure us but meditating on the words will help us be convicted, we will repent, and God will mold us in His image. Not bad for a day's work!
Romans 15: 4 NKJV:
For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.
1 Timothy 6:11 NKJV:
But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.
Hebrews 6: 12 NKJV:
That you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
Proverbs 29: 23 NKJV:
A man's pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor.
Proverbs 11: 2 NKJV:
When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom.
I realize this is a lot to chew on today. But I would encourage you to examine your life and see if patience and pride are something you struggle with. If they are, meditate upon God's word and ask Him to forgive you today. His love will correct us but we must choose daily to die to our patience and pride. I would rather have hope and wisdom in Jesus, than to fall at my own hand.
My prayer today:
LORD teach us Your ways. Provide understanding and help us to have more patience, especially when we can't see. Give us hope, gentleness, and honor as we humble ourselves to You. Please forgive us when we grow impatient and when we believe we have the power to do all things. Encourage us to help others that fall from these same weaknesses. Thank you for helping us to admit them and to move through them with the help of the Holy Spirit. Our desire is to be molded and made new through You. Thank you for providing insight into our weaknesses and for loving us through Scripture. We bow down to You and humbly ask for correction so that we might have Godly perspective. AMEN
Until tomorrow...
I really couldn't tell you because I struggle with both. I am patient when I am standing in a grocery line or when I hear screaming children, but I am never patient when it comes to waiting for an event to occur and nothing is happening. And then there is my pride, I suffer from wanting to be the best at everything. Not that I achieve it often but surrendering has never been something that comes easy to me.
We will die by our lack of patience and our overwhelming pride. Can you imagine a God that had no patience? Scary isn't it? As for pride, I think there are times when some pride is necessary but the overwhelming need to be better than God is our downfall. We are not perfect and therefore, we must surrender our pride to Him.
If this is hitting you where you live, believe me I feel your pain. A true test of faith is when a woman that is Type A can be patient and let God work. Another step of faith is humbling ourselves before God and realizing we don't have all the answers and we definitely aren't perfect. It's hard when God chooses for us to wait on Him. It's harder when He shows us that we need to be humble.
How do we work through these issues? Like everything in our lives, we must go to Scripture. One time of reading it won't cure us but meditating on the words will help us be convicted, we will repent, and God will mold us in His image. Not bad for a day's work!
Romans 15: 4 NKJV:
For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.
1 Timothy 6:11 NKJV:
But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.
Hebrews 6: 12 NKJV:
That you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
Proverbs 29: 23 NKJV:
A man's pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor.
Proverbs 11: 2 NKJV:
When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom.
I realize this is a lot to chew on today. But I would encourage you to examine your life and see if patience and pride are something you struggle with. If they are, meditate upon God's word and ask Him to forgive you today. His love will correct us but we must choose daily to die to our patience and pride. I would rather have hope and wisdom in Jesus, than to fall at my own hand.
My prayer today:
LORD teach us Your ways. Provide understanding and help us to have more patience, especially when we can't see. Give us hope, gentleness, and honor as we humble ourselves to You. Please forgive us when we grow impatient and when we believe we have the power to do all things. Encourage us to help others that fall from these same weaknesses. Thank you for helping us to admit them and to move through them with the help of the Holy Spirit. Our desire is to be molded and made new through You. Thank you for providing insight into our weaknesses and for loving us through Scripture. We bow down to You and humbly ask for correction so that we might have Godly perspective. AMEN
Until tomorrow...
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
February 14, 2012
Today is Valentine's Day. It's one of the most awaited days for women. We look upon it almost as an idol. We wait in wonder to see what the day will bring and for most, we will be let down. If you are single, today means you have no one to bring you candy and tell you, "I love you." If you are married, your spouse will be your greatest hero or your biggest disappointment. We put way too much weight into this holiday!
Love is not a feeling; it is a choice. Anyone that has been married for longer than 10 years knows it. We must choose to love the people around us, even when we don't feel like it. If you wait for one day a year to show someone you care, you're too late. If you are feeling lonely today, stop and realize that this day doesn't represent love. How can one day take care of hundreds? There is no way it can. So, concentrate on the love that Jesus Christ has for you. He is bigger than a box of chocolates and He is certainly bigger than a diamond.
His love is for all time. He gives it freely and He chooses to love us even when we don't deserve it. As long as we have Him, Valentine's Day is every day. His present to us was His ultimate sacrifice and our present to Him is to love and follow Him daily.
I know that in every woman there is a desire to feel loved and in our heart's we want someone to come in and sweep us off our feet. In our minds, we are that princess in the tower that wants to be captured and cherished. You will have moments like that in your life; I promise. But when you don't, choose to love those around you and remember, Jesus died for You. There is no greater love in the world like that!
Happy Valentine's day to all my sisters. I love you. God has given me a heart for all of you and He chooses daily to love you. Love Him today and thank him for the beauty of the cross!
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 NKJV:
Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked; thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.
We are nothing without love. One day a year does not signify love. Every day signifies love. If you love to celebrate today, celebrate! But celebrate for the right reasons; celebrate in Jesus and know that every day you are thoroughly loved. For without love, we have nothing!
My prayer today:
Lord, I pray that every woman who reads this will feel the power of your love. You are the keeper and teacher of love. Help us to remember that whether today brings us all the joy we hoped for or not; Yours is the only love we need. Your love has given us eternal life, hope, joy and power. Through Your love, we can do anything and without it, we will be lost. I pray that Your Holy Spirit will cover all of us today and that we will celebrate You today more than anything. Today, we desire to be in Your love! AMEN PS. Help us not to have expectations of today, so our men can always be our heros.
Love is not a feeling; it is a choice. Anyone that has been married for longer than 10 years knows it. We must choose to love the people around us, even when we don't feel like it. If you wait for one day a year to show someone you care, you're too late. If you are feeling lonely today, stop and realize that this day doesn't represent love. How can one day take care of hundreds? There is no way it can. So, concentrate on the love that Jesus Christ has for you. He is bigger than a box of chocolates and He is certainly bigger than a diamond.
His love is for all time. He gives it freely and He chooses to love us even when we don't deserve it. As long as we have Him, Valentine's Day is every day. His present to us was His ultimate sacrifice and our present to Him is to love and follow Him daily.
I know that in every woman there is a desire to feel loved and in our heart's we want someone to come in and sweep us off our feet. In our minds, we are that princess in the tower that wants to be captured and cherished. You will have moments like that in your life; I promise. But when you don't, choose to love those around you and remember, Jesus died for You. There is no greater love in the world like that!
Happy Valentine's day to all my sisters. I love you. God has given me a heart for all of you and He chooses daily to love you. Love Him today and thank him for the beauty of the cross!
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 NKJV:
Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked; thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.
We are nothing without love. One day a year does not signify love. Every day signifies love. If you love to celebrate today, celebrate! But celebrate for the right reasons; celebrate in Jesus and know that every day you are thoroughly loved. For without love, we have nothing!
My prayer today:
Lord, I pray that every woman who reads this will feel the power of your love. You are the keeper and teacher of love. Help us to remember that whether today brings us all the joy we hoped for or not; Yours is the only love we need. Your love has given us eternal life, hope, joy and power. Through Your love, we can do anything and without it, we will be lost. I pray that Your Holy Spirit will cover all of us today and that we will celebrate You today more than anything. Today, we desire to be in Your love! AMEN PS. Help us not to have expectations of today, so our men can always be our heros.
February 13, 2012
It's nearing Valentine's Day, where everyone will run to the store and buy a card for their sweetheart. Sometimes, it feels like that's the only day we ever really tell the people around us that we love them. I am so glad that our Father doesn't wait for the anniversary of His resurrection to let us know how much He loves us. If He did, this would be a sad and lonely world.
Thankfully, He tells us every day what we mean to Him. All we have to do is open the Old and New Testament and find the love He had for us, then and now. He came for Israel and then He came for all of us. When Israel did not respond, He sent His disciples out to the masses. And because of our sin, He died on a cross so that we could have eternal life.
I have really been meditating on the power of the cross lately. I think its because it's so easy for me to look down, rather than looking up. Up until the last couple of years, I spent most of my time just trying to get by, walking daily, hoping that tomorrow would be a brighter day. Amazingly, the closer I am to Jesus the brighter the days get. That doesn't mean I don't falter from time to time. It just means that I have learned that looking at the cross gives me more joy, more hope, and more security. There is a rainbow in every day and the only way for us to see it, is to look upon Jesus and what He did for you and me.
Matthew 10: 5-8 NLT:
Jesus sent out the twelve apostles with these instructions: "Don't go to the Gentiles or the Samaritans, but only to the people of Israel--God's lost sheep. Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!"
Exodus 20:6 NLT:
But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands.
John 15: 13 NLT:
There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends.
Romans 1: 7 NLT:
I am writing to all of you in Rome who are loved by God and are called to be his only holy people. May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.
Throughout the Bible, love is the resounding theme. It is the essence of our Father and the sacrifice He made with His own son. This life is hard and sometimes very lonely but look up and see the power in the love your Father has for you. He doesn't wait to tell us one day a year; He has spoken it upon our lives from generation to generation. Feel His love today!
My prayer today:
Lord there is none like You. You are the maker of the Universe, the power of the people, the essence of who we are. We are being molded in Your image. This is Your time, Your kingdom, Your people. Fill us today with the holy love You have for us and give us confidence to do all things for You because we are Your disciples. Thank you for showing your unfailing love daily and walking with us from the beginning of time. Please help us keep our heads up as we look upon You today. AMEN
Thankfully, He tells us every day what we mean to Him. All we have to do is open the Old and New Testament and find the love He had for us, then and now. He came for Israel and then He came for all of us. When Israel did not respond, He sent His disciples out to the masses. And because of our sin, He died on a cross so that we could have eternal life.
I have really been meditating on the power of the cross lately. I think its because it's so easy for me to look down, rather than looking up. Up until the last couple of years, I spent most of my time just trying to get by, walking daily, hoping that tomorrow would be a brighter day. Amazingly, the closer I am to Jesus the brighter the days get. That doesn't mean I don't falter from time to time. It just means that I have learned that looking at the cross gives me more joy, more hope, and more security. There is a rainbow in every day and the only way for us to see it, is to look upon Jesus and what He did for you and me.
Matthew 10: 5-8 NLT:
Jesus sent out the twelve apostles with these instructions: "Don't go to the Gentiles or the Samaritans, but only to the people of Israel--God's lost sheep. Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!"
Exodus 20:6 NLT:
But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands.
John 15: 13 NLT:
There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends.
Romans 1: 7 NLT:
I am writing to all of you in Rome who are loved by God and are called to be his only holy people. May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.
Throughout the Bible, love is the resounding theme. It is the essence of our Father and the sacrifice He made with His own son. This life is hard and sometimes very lonely but look up and see the power in the love your Father has for you. He doesn't wait to tell us one day a year; He has spoken it upon our lives from generation to generation. Feel His love today!
My prayer today:
Lord there is none like You. You are the maker of the Universe, the power of the people, the essence of who we are. We are being molded in Your image. This is Your time, Your kingdom, Your people. Fill us today with the holy love You have for us and give us confidence to do all things for You because we are Your disciples. Thank you for showing your unfailing love daily and walking with us from the beginning of time. Please help us keep our heads up as we look upon You today. AMEN
Sunday, February 12, 2012
February 12, 2012
Last night news of Whitney Houston came out. They quoted, "dead at 48." I don't know what's worse, no one knowing who you are or being so famous. I am sure for her family; it just doesn't matter. As I listened to the reports, all I could think about was the loss her daughter and mother now faced. It reminded me that a life works it's journey and one day it comes to an end. We are left with memories, videos and laughter but we are also left with the pain.
How do you want to be remembered? What do you want people to say about you in the end? Have you thought about it. Probably not, because we believe that we will be here forever. I doubt Whitney thought yesterday would be her last. We just don't know.
Early in the morning the LORD woke me up, out of a sound sleep and I began to pray for Whitney's family. I don't know them, never spoke to them, but God knows them and He knows their loss. He knows right where they're at. Everyday, someone leaves this earth. Whether you are famous or not, God knows right where you are and He is near.
We may not know what it's like to be famous but that doesn't matter to God. What matters to Him is that we know Him and we love Him. Don't wait and think you have plenty of time; choose now. He wants us all to know His love. While you read this passage, think about all the people you know. Some will see Heaven and some will see Hell. If God calls you to witness, don't lose the opportunity. We are here to help others understand the power of His love.
PSALM 42 NLT:
As the deer longs for streams of water,
so I long for you, O God.
I thirst for God, the living God.
When can I go and stand before him?
Day and night I have only tears for food,
while my enemies continually taunt me, saying,
"Where is this God of yours?"
My heart is breaking
as I remember how it used to be:
I walked among the crowds of worshipers,
leading a great procession to the house of God,
singing for joy and giving thanks
amid the sound of a great celebration!
Why am I discouraged?
Why is my heart so sad
I will put my hope in God!
I will praise him again--
my Savior and my God!
God doesn't care if you are famous. He cares that You are His. He wants as many people that will come, to come to Him. Not because He needs us but because we need Him. Give yourselves to Him daily and remember that waiting on Him is how we will leave a legacy!
My prayer today:
Oh LORD, I can't believe how quick life goes. We are so worried about our daily lives that I think we forget our eternal life with You. Lord give us a heart for those we don't know and give us the strength to conquer our fears. Provide us a heart that longs to be part of your great army and help us prepare for Your coming. Life is so short and time is precious. Give us a heart for Your timing Lord and help us to lift up those that are hurting. Keep us from judging the lost. We don't want to judge, Lord; we want to love. Thank you for loving us with all our many flaws and forgive us of our sins as we work the fields. Be with us always and help us wait on You. We come before You as David did and ask that You make us thirst for You as You raise us up to be great women for You! AMEN
Until tomorrow...
How do you want to be remembered? What do you want people to say about you in the end? Have you thought about it. Probably not, because we believe that we will be here forever. I doubt Whitney thought yesterday would be her last. We just don't know.
Early in the morning the LORD woke me up, out of a sound sleep and I began to pray for Whitney's family. I don't know them, never spoke to them, but God knows them and He knows their loss. He knows right where they're at. Everyday, someone leaves this earth. Whether you are famous or not, God knows right where you are and He is near.
We may not know what it's like to be famous but that doesn't matter to God. What matters to Him is that we know Him and we love Him. Don't wait and think you have plenty of time; choose now. He wants us all to know His love. While you read this passage, think about all the people you know. Some will see Heaven and some will see Hell. If God calls you to witness, don't lose the opportunity. We are here to help others understand the power of His love.
PSALM 42 NLT:
As the deer longs for streams of water,
so I long for you, O God.
I thirst for God, the living God.
When can I go and stand before him?
Day and night I have only tears for food,
while my enemies continually taunt me, saying,
"Where is this God of yours?"
My heart is breaking
as I remember how it used to be:
I walked among the crowds of worshipers,
leading a great procession to the house of God,
singing for joy and giving thanks
amid the sound of a great celebration!
Why am I discouraged?
Why is my heart so sad
I will put my hope in God!
I will praise him again--
my Savior and my God!
God doesn't care if you are famous. He cares that You are His. He wants as many people that will come, to come to Him. Not because He needs us but because we need Him. Give yourselves to Him daily and remember that waiting on Him is how we will leave a legacy!
My prayer today:
Oh LORD, I can't believe how quick life goes. We are so worried about our daily lives that I think we forget our eternal life with You. Lord give us a heart for those we don't know and give us the strength to conquer our fears. Provide us a heart that longs to be part of your great army and help us prepare for Your coming. Life is so short and time is precious. Give us a heart for Your timing Lord and help us to lift up those that are hurting. Keep us from judging the lost. We don't want to judge, Lord; we want to love. Thank you for loving us with all our many flaws and forgive us of our sins as we work the fields. Be with us always and help us wait on You. We come before You as David did and ask that You make us thirst for You as You raise us up to be great women for You! AMEN
Until tomorrow...
February 11, 2012
I started writing one thing today only to change it. Have you ever had something happen that made you literally pause? Today, I took my son for his ACT preliminary test and guess what, no calculator. It was in his bag that he left at school. I am sure you can guess how the car ride to the school went, especially since we approached the front doors at 7:57, three minutes before the test starts. Oh what a proud moment for me as I pulled up to the school and he had no calculator and was emphatic that he wasn't going to take the test. It made me realize that being prepared isn't something we should just preach but it's how we should live. For a moment, after he left the car, and my blood pressure had time to come down, I realized that so often we just aren't prepared. And of course, the question arises, am I preparing my children for what's to come? I am sure that Jesus asked Himself the same question. Are my disciples prepared for the hardships they will face? Better yet, will they understand why I have come to save the Gentiles too?
Needing a calculator for the ACT is a far cry from being prepared to save the masses but if you examine the analogy, you will see that like my son, many of us are not prepared. Either we think we are invincible or we believe we have many more years. No one knows the day or hour Christ will call us back, so if we aren't preparing for that day, what are we doing with our time? He says, he will come again. Are we taking the time necessary to be fully prepared for what's to come?
The Old Testament promised that Christ would come to save the Gentiles. It was prophesied in Amos and then quoted in Acts.
Acts 14: 27 NKJV:
Now when they had come and gathered the church together, they reported all that God had done with them, and that He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.
Acts 15: 16-17 NKJV:
'After this I will return
And will rebuild the tabernacle of
David, which has fallen down;
I will rebuild its ruins,
And I will set it up;
So that the rest of mankind may
seek the LORD,
Even all the Gentiles who are
called by My name,
Says the LORD who does all these things.'
1 Corinthians 2: 9 NLT:
"No eye has seen, no ear has heard,
and no mind has imagined
what God has prepared
for those who love him."
It's time we quit looking at our time and how busy we are and help ourselves and the future generations prepare for our future with Christ. Time is running out. Whether it's tomorrow or hundreds of years from now, let's take up the cross and prepare to be with our maker.
My prayer today:
Only You LORD know the hour of our last breath. We have no idea what the future holds but we want to be prepared and we want to prepare future generations. Please give us the time to sit down and be with You, even if it's just for a little while. Give us a heart to pursue You and worship You in all things. Help us not to lose site of the only goal that matters and protect us as we win the lost. Open the doors for us Jesus, so that we may help You. AMEN
Until tomorrow...
Needing a calculator for the ACT is a far cry from being prepared to save the masses but if you examine the analogy, you will see that like my son, many of us are not prepared. Either we think we are invincible or we believe we have many more years. No one knows the day or hour Christ will call us back, so if we aren't preparing for that day, what are we doing with our time? He says, he will come again. Are we taking the time necessary to be fully prepared for what's to come?
The Old Testament promised that Christ would come to save the Gentiles. It was prophesied in Amos and then quoted in Acts.
Acts 14: 27 NKJV:
Now when they had come and gathered the church together, they reported all that God had done with them, and that He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.
Acts 15: 16-17 NKJV:
'After this I will return
And will rebuild the tabernacle of
David, which has fallen down;
I will rebuild its ruins,
And I will set it up;
So that the rest of mankind may
seek the LORD,
Even all the Gentiles who are
called by My name,
Says the LORD who does all these things.'
1 Corinthians 2: 9 NLT:
"No eye has seen, no ear has heard,
and no mind has imagined
what God has prepared
for those who love him."
It's time we quit looking at our time and how busy we are and help ourselves and the future generations prepare for our future with Christ. Time is running out. Whether it's tomorrow or hundreds of years from now, let's take up the cross and prepare to be with our maker.
My prayer today:
Only You LORD know the hour of our last breath. We have no idea what the future holds but we want to be prepared and we want to prepare future generations. Please give us the time to sit down and be with You, even if it's just for a little while. Give us a heart to pursue You and worship You in all things. Help us not to lose site of the only goal that matters and protect us as we win the lost. Open the doors for us Jesus, so that we may help You. AMEN
Until tomorrow...
Friday, February 10, 2012
February 10, 2012
Yesterday, I went by my mom and dad's house. It will be gone soon. Someone else will live there and make memories, hopefully as wonderful as mine are. But, nevertheless, gone from my family, just like they are. As I was sitting in the driveway, I looked down and watched as leaves were poking up through the ground. Years ago my brother, who has now passed on, planted hundreds of tulips in their front garden. And every year, for over 10 years, they poke out of the ground, letting us know that spring is almost here. It made me pause and think about the care in which they were planted and how those painstaking hours in that garden brings so much beauty and it gave me comfort. My parents and brother are gone but the seeds they planted are forever here.
We are like those seeds. God planted us to grow and become more like Him. He has fed us, watered us and cared for us, so that we can care for others. He has fertilized us by providing the Holy Spirit and the Bible, so that we can take His seedlings and make great women and men for Him. Our purpose, if you are looking for one, is to be the caretaker of the lost, raise the next generation, and fortify those around you when difficulties arise. We are not the weeds that grow rapidly for He has painstakingly planted us for His purpose and as He pauses, glory arises.
If you are wondering what's next in your journey, remember that you were planted and taken care of, just as if you were the bulbs my brother planted so many years ago. Spring is almost here. It is a new season, full of the Cross, stand behind Jesus and ask Him to reveal what's next in your journey. There are so many that are lost and so few workers. He is calling us as women to work for the future generations. Arise my sisters and realize He wants us to be His caretakers. Let's be his voice, his hands, his love, so that future generations can pause and find comfort in their Savior.
Matthew 13: 4-9 NKJV:
Then He spoke many things to them in parables, saying: "Behold, a sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds came and devoured them. Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth. But when the sun was up they were scorched, and because they had no root they withered away. and some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them. But others fell on good ground and yielded a crop: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!"
We are like those seeds. Some of us will bring many to Christ and some will bring little. It will be determined by Christ how many we will sow. However, like the tulips that will be popping up soon, we are the workers and Christ is the master gardner. Without Him, the seeds will surely die, but with Him they will flourish. We need to be ready, so that when He calls us to give time and energy; we hear His call. Take heart my sister's; He will call and we will be ready!
My prayer today:
Thank you Lord for the beauty of Spring. For when one season goes, another is around the corner. We desire to work in your fields, to plant your seeds and to nurture them for You. You will feed and water them but we will love them for You. Give us a heart for the lost and broken. Protect us as we enter into Spiritual battles and give us the tools to grow hundreds of warriors for You. This is Your planting ground but we want to help. Thank you for the comfort You provide but thank you mostly, for saving us! We don't deserve any of this but are thankful for all of it. AMEN
Until tomorrow...
We are like those seeds. God planted us to grow and become more like Him. He has fed us, watered us and cared for us, so that we can care for others. He has fertilized us by providing the Holy Spirit and the Bible, so that we can take His seedlings and make great women and men for Him. Our purpose, if you are looking for one, is to be the caretaker of the lost, raise the next generation, and fortify those around you when difficulties arise. We are not the weeds that grow rapidly for He has painstakingly planted us for His purpose and as He pauses, glory arises.
If you are wondering what's next in your journey, remember that you were planted and taken care of, just as if you were the bulbs my brother planted so many years ago. Spring is almost here. It is a new season, full of the Cross, stand behind Jesus and ask Him to reveal what's next in your journey. There are so many that are lost and so few workers. He is calling us as women to work for the future generations. Arise my sisters and realize He wants us to be His caretakers. Let's be his voice, his hands, his love, so that future generations can pause and find comfort in their Savior.
Matthew 13: 4-9 NKJV:
Then He spoke many things to them in parables, saying: "Behold, a sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds came and devoured them. Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth. But when the sun was up they were scorched, and because they had no root they withered away. and some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them. But others fell on good ground and yielded a crop: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!"
We are like those seeds. Some of us will bring many to Christ and some will bring little. It will be determined by Christ how many we will sow. However, like the tulips that will be popping up soon, we are the workers and Christ is the master gardner. Without Him, the seeds will surely die, but with Him they will flourish. We need to be ready, so that when He calls us to give time and energy; we hear His call. Take heart my sister's; He will call and we will be ready!
My prayer today:
Thank you Lord for the beauty of Spring. For when one season goes, another is around the corner. We desire to work in your fields, to plant your seeds and to nurture them for You. You will feed and water them but we will love them for You. Give us a heart for the lost and broken. Protect us as we enter into Spiritual battles and give us the tools to grow hundreds of warriors for You. This is Your planting ground but we want to help. Thank you for the comfort You provide but thank you mostly, for saving us! We don't deserve any of this but are thankful for all of it. AMEN
Until tomorrow...
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