Last night I dreamt I was visiting a friend. In the midst of visiting out came a group of people who made donations towards my calling. Instantly, I was in tears in this dream. I did not know any of the people in my dream and I never mentioned what I was pursuing, people just gave.
This past Sunday I went to the altar and I gave the Lord my all my concerns about finances for this mission He has placed on my life. To dream what I have dreamt assures me that He has received my concerns and it is no longer a burden, for He is to be expected to take care of the finances of His will.
When we expect great things from God and do great things for God, we in fact are following the footsteps of Christ. Jesus expected much from the Father and He attempted much. When feeding the 5000 Jesus expected God to multiply the little to feed masses. When He was on the cross He expected God to bring Him back. These things He expected from the Father were not ordinary things, it was great things. His expectations showed great faith. It showed He knew God on a level of keeping His word.
Jesus constantly worked when He was on earth. As a child he could grasp the attention of others. Once He ministered saying “I must work the works of Him that sent Me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work" (John 9:4).
Jesus was disciplined in working; the same strength that manifested within Christ is to be developed in us. Not once do we see Jesus complaining of working. Even when He was on the cross He did not complain.
Our heavenly Father is there for us. “Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered” (Psalms 40:6).
As you lay our concerns on the altar, He wants you to keep them there and He will assure you that He has it all worked out. Some of us take our concerns to the altar and tell the Father to take them but we pick them right back up.
Maybe you think He needs your help. Perhaps you need the problem just a little bit longer.
When you turn your focus from pressing forward you loose sight of 'the will' and create a new will. When you try to design a plan to take care of matters that are not your responsibility you get off the boat.
Today if you are wondering why is this life so hard. If you are tired of never having a balanced life; leave that extra baggage at the altar.
Consider revising your plan. Entreat the Lord to know Him in a more intimate way of reliance. Pray to God to give you strength to look to Him. Ask God to give you the right mind to just depend on Him. Call upon the Lord to give you assurance as you trust, rely and focus on Him.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Help and Tell
The other day I was surrounded by a group of children in a church. They were having a discussion about sin.
An adult asked them if they knew what sin was. Shy to respond to the lady, she replied “Sin is evil doing as well as a mistake you might have made at some point.”
The youth’s eyes were filled with interest once she said “I have made many mistakes.” They sat at the edge of their chairs, as she said “let me include you in on a little secret, so have your parents.”
She revealed one of many mistakes that she made and they opened up. One eleven year old said, “Mistakes are good for you because you learn from them and grow.”
As I thought of this predicament, I considered our young people today and their outlook of sin. Many of them are not aware of what sin is and how it is harmful.
In life the mistakes we make are not a secret. Our heavenly Father knows everything we do. It is when we try to keep our mistakes a secret that someone will fall and be hurt.
Consider Abraham, he went to Egypt because there was a severe famine. He told his wife to pretend she was his sister. Sarah was beautiful and he knew the Egyptians would fall over when they got a look at her. He believed they would kill him but spare her life if they presented themselves as married.
He said to Sara, “Say you are my sister, so that I will be treated well for your sake and my life will be spared because of you” (Genesis 12:13).
The Egyptians did think she was beautiful. She was taken into the palace and they treated Abraham well (Genesis 12:14-16).
But Pharaoh and his household was inflicted with serious diseases by the Lord because of Abrahams wife. Pharaoh called Abraham in his room and asked “What have you done to me, why didn’t you tell me she was your wife?” (Genesis 12:18)
Because Abraham lied Pharaoh and his household had became ill with diseases. It is against God to mess with a married woman just as it is against God to lie. Nevertheless, the trickling of this mistake does not stop here.
Isaac Abraham’s son came to a time that there was a famine in the land. He went to the king of the Philistines in Gerar. “When the men of that place asked him about his wife, he said, ‘She is my sister,’ because he was afraid to say, ‘She is my wife.’ He like his father thought the men would kill him on account that his wife was beautiful” (Genesis 26:7).
Abimelech said to Isaac. “What have you done to us?” one of the men might have slept with your wife, and you would have brought guiltiness upon us. “And Abimelech charged all his people, saying; He that toucheth this man or his wife shall surely be put to death” (Genesis 26:10-11).
This repeated act tells me that Abraham never sat down to tell Isaac the mistake he made. It reveals that Abraham must have felt bad about his actions. Perhaps it was unheard of for him to speak of it again because of the infliction that he caused upon the Pharaoh.
How many mistakes have you made and not shared with another? The youngster recognized that mistakes are good for you because you learn from them and grow. What area in your life are you not fertile because you refuse to share a mistake that has been made in your life?
Don’t be ashamed to the point that you cause another to fall. Be a blessing and help someone else today from falling. Look at the youth in your life and help the generations that are coming behind you. Reveal what the Lord has placed on your heart to reveal and be a testimony.
Pray to God to help you share the true meaning of sin to others. Ask the Lord to grant you an opportunity to admit your faults or areas you have felt victimized so someone else might not be a victim? Call upon the Lord to help you increase the awareness of sin to others. For the Lord calls us to encourage one another.
An adult asked them if they knew what sin was. Shy to respond to the lady, she replied “Sin is evil doing as well as a mistake you might have made at some point.”
The youth’s eyes were filled with interest once she said “I have made many mistakes.” They sat at the edge of their chairs, as she said “let me include you in on a little secret, so have your parents.”
She revealed one of many mistakes that she made and they opened up. One eleven year old said, “Mistakes are good for you because you learn from them and grow.”
As I thought of this predicament, I considered our young people today and their outlook of sin. Many of them are not aware of what sin is and how it is harmful.
In life the mistakes we make are not a secret. Our heavenly Father knows everything we do. It is when we try to keep our mistakes a secret that someone will fall and be hurt.
Consider Abraham, he went to Egypt because there was a severe famine. He told his wife to pretend she was his sister. Sarah was beautiful and he knew the Egyptians would fall over when they got a look at her. He believed they would kill him but spare her life if they presented themselves as married.
He said to Sara, “Say you are my sister, so that I will be treated well for your sake and my life will be spared because of you” (Genesis 12:13).
The Egyptians did think she was beautiful. She was taken into the palace and they treated Abraham well (Genesis 12:14-16).
But Pharaoh and his household was inflicted with serious diseases by the Lord because of Abrahams wife. Pharaoh called Abraham in his room and asked “What have you done to me, why didn’t you tell me she was your wife?” (Genesis 12:18)
Because Abraham lied Pharaoh and his household had became ill with diseases. It is against God to mess with a married woman just as it is against God to lie. Nevertheless, the trickling of this mistake does not stop here.
Isaac Abraham’s son came to a time that there was a famine in the land. He went to the king of the Philistines in Gerar. “When the men of that place asked him about his wife, he said, ‘She is my sister,’ because he was afraid to say, ‘She is my wife.’ He like his father thought the men would kill him on account that his wife was beautiful” (Genesis 26:7).
Abimelech said to Isaac. “What have you done to us?” one of the men might have slept with your wife, and you would have brought guiltiness upon us. “And Abimelech charged all his people, saying; He that toucheth this man or his wife shall surely be put to death” (Genesis 26:10-11).
This repeated act tells me that Abraham never sat down to tell Isaac the mistake he made. It reveals that Abraham must have felt bad about his actions. Perhaps it was unheard of for him to speak of it again because of the infliction that he caused upon the Pharaoh.
How many mistakes have you made and not shared with another? The youngster recognized that mistakes are good for you because you learn from them and grow. What area in your life are you not fertile because you refuse to share a mistake that has been made in your life?
Don’t be ashamed to the point that you cause another to fall. Be a blessing and help someone else today from falling. Look at the youth in your life and help the generations that are coming behind you. Reveal what the Lord has placed on your heart to reveal and be a testimony.
Pray to God to help you share the true meaning of sin to others. Ask the Lord to grant you an opportunity to admit your faults or areas you have felt victimized so someone else might not be a victim? Call upon the Lord to help you increase the awareness of sin to others. For the Lord calls us to encourage one another.
Monday, December 29, 2008
I Thank Him
This morning when I woke up the house was quiet for a moment. All I could consider doing was thanking the Lord. He has been so good to me and my family. He has brought me from being arrogant about doing things only my way to yielding to His way. He did not force me to change. He gave me opportunity after opportunity to just say yes to His will. I love Him for that.
Isn’t He an awesome God? Man doesn’t give you chance after chance. If you mess up with man that’s it, they cut you off and do not want to be bothered with you any more but my God…my God gives chance after chance.
I thank Him this morning for being understanding, compassionate, loving when I couldn’t even love myself. I thank Him.
The song says “Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is He who made us and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture” (Psalm 100:2-3).
Because He is fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14) we can and shall praise Him. Everyone is facing some sort of trail in there life; there is some issue going on right now today in everyone’s life but that issue, that trail is not bigger than the Lord and for that very reason we shall praise Him.
This is the day that the Lord has made (Psalm 118:24) and on this day you live. I read the oldest man in the world, that happen to be an African American died at 112 years old. It amazed me because this man was called the man of three centuries. "He lived four years in the 19th century, 100 years in the 20th century, and 8 years in the 21st century.”
It was reported that he lived off his children and devoted his life to his friends and family. He survived his four children, 18 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren and 16 great-great grandchildren. This reminded me that God is still in the business of doing miraculous things.
Today, you might be aware that the year is ending but God is not ending. He is still granting opportunities for us to worship Him and for Him to bless you.
Today consider changing your perspective as you go in the New Year. Ask the Lord to help you focus on praising Him and demoting your problems. Call upon the Lord and praise Him on this day.
Isn’t He an awesome God? Man doesn’t give you chance after chance. If you mess up with man that’s it, they cut you off and do not want to be bothered with you any more but my God…my God gives chance after chance.
I thank Him this morning for being understanding, compassionate, loving when I couldn’t even love myself. I thank Him.
The song says “Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is He who made us and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture” (Psalm 100:2-3).
Because He is fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14) we can and shall praise Him. Everyone is facing some sort of trail in there life; there is some issue going on right now today in everyone’s life but that issue, that trail is not bigger than the Lord and for that very reason we shall praise Him.
This is the day that the Lord has made (Psalm 118:24) and on this day you live. I read the oldest man in the world, that happen to be an African American died at 112 years old. It amazed me because this man was called the man of three centuries. "He lived four years in the 19th century, 100 years in the 20th century, and 8 years in the 21st century.”
It was reported that he lived off his children and devoted his life to his friends and family. He survived his four children, 18 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren and 16 great-great grandchildren. This reminded me that God is still in the business of doing miraculous things.
Today, you might be aware that the year is ending but God is not ending. He is still granting opportunities for us to worship Him and for Him to bless you.
Today consider changing your perspective as you go in the New Year. Ask the Lord to help you focus on praising Him and demoting your problems. Call upon the Lord and praise Him on this day.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Top Secret
When I was younger I had a math test that I did not do well on. I was so ashamed of it I could not stomach to tell my mother. I felt terrible, my mother was a school teacher and I thought because she is a teacher there was no reason that I should do wrong in my studies. I felt she would have thought "I was a failure."
I put so much pressure on myself that I could not face my mother. Several times, I went to her thinking I could tell her but the words would not come out. This wasn’t a test that had to be signed and returned to school so it was left up to me; if I was going to tell her.
The first few days I was okay. I put my feelings and test away. The test was in my cubby but I kept seeing it. I took the test and put it in my folder out of my sight and for over a week, all I could think about was how she would think of me. Then I start feeling like I was wrong because I should not have kept it from her. It was then that I could not take it any more; after all she is my mother.
I am reminded of the Lord saying “my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:30). As I search the scripture it says “we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:15-16).
When we file things away we leave the door open for the enemy to dangle it in our face. We give the enemy access to show up in our hour of weakness and have victory over us.
But when we face our issue, when we stand up and say” I remember when I did what I should not have done, when I was where I had no business being. When I took what I should not have taken. When I was creeping and I should have been sleeping.”
When we confess boldly before others that we made a mistake and the Lord brought me through. When we confess before the others that I was weak but the Lord saw fit to make me strong again. When we tell people I was a victim too. It is then that we have victory over that issue leaving the enemy no access to show up because he is defeated. The devil is defeated when we overcome our embarrassment of testifying our faults; for the Lord is then glorified.
Maybe you thought I prayed about the issue and it is okay. Possibly you and the other person are not in disagreement any more and you think it is fine. But have you considered you're giving victory over by saying “I will speak of it no more.” It is through our testimonies that we uplift the name of Jesus.
Consider being an open testifier not a confidential testifier. An open testifier tells of their heart aches and pains while glorifying His name; a confidential testifier only tells some of the information leaving things humid. Is there a test you might not have passed and felt like you were an embarrassment? Has someone hurt you in such a way that you can not speak of it?
Allow God to help you face that one thing that hurts in the midnight hour. Ask God to open what you have secretly stored away. Pray to God to give you ability to be humiliated for His name. Call upon the Lord to use you so your testimony may be a blessing. “We also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received our reconciliation” (Rom. 5:11). “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1Peter 5:7).
I put so much pressure on myself that I could not face my mother. Several times, I went to her thinking I could tell her but the words would not come out. This wasn’t a test that had to be signed and returned to school so it was left up to me; if I was going to tell her.
The first few days I was okay. I put my feelings and test away. The test was in my cubby but I kept seeing it. I took the test and put it in my folder out of my sight and for over a week, all I could think about was how she would think of me. Then I start feeling like I was wrong because I should not have kept it from her. It was then that I could not take it any more; after all she is my mother.
I am reminded of the Lord saying “my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:30). As I search the scripture it says “we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:15-16).
When we file things away we leave the door open for the enemy to dangle it in our face. We give the enemy access to show up in our hour of weakness and have victory over us.
But when we face our issue, when we stand up and say” I remember when I did what I should not have done, when I was where I had no business being. When I took what I should not have taken. When I was creeping and I should have been sleeping.”
When we confess boldly before others that we made a mistake and the Lord brought me through. When we confess before the others that I was weak but the Lord saw fit to make me strong again. When we tell people I was a victim too. It is then that we have victory over that issue leaving the enemy no access to show up because he is defeated. The devil is defeated when we overcome our embarrassment of testifying our faults; for the Lord is then glorified.
Maybe you thought I prayed about the issue and it is okay. Possibly you and the other person are not in disagreement any more and you think it is fine. But have you considered you're giving victory over by saying “I will speak of it no more.” It is through our testimonies that we uplift the name of Jesus.
Consider being an open testifier not a confidential testifier. An open testifier tells of their heart aches and pains while glorifying His name; a confidential testifier only tells some of the information leaving things humid. Is there a test you might not have passed and felt like you were an embarrassment? Has someone hurt you in such a way that you can not speak of it?
Allow God to help you face that one thing that hurts in the midnight hour. Ask God to open what you have secretly stored away. Pray to God to give you ability to be humiliated for His name. Call upon the Lord to use you so your testimony may be a blessing. “We also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received our reconciliation” (Rom. 5:11). “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1Peter 5:7).
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Who
I remember being a young girl, being concerned about our bills, troubled about what we would eat, disturbed about our transportation. We only had one car and I had 5 siblings and my mother was a single parent. There was no other car to get in, if one messed up.
Our car would break down very often. It is interesting, thinking about the things I was concerned about as a child. I wonder, “Why didn’t I just have happy thoughts as a kid and be concerned about my home work.” I know it has a lot to do with, my homework was never a challenge to me because I did good in my studies, but home life was always an issue.
It is not a good thing to say but it is true. In my life, there was always an issue. At one time I blamed my mother because my dad was not with us and then I blamed my dad for not being with us. It was not until I reached the age of 28 that I accepted my parents divorce.
I grew up thinking my life is hard. Then I got married and realized, “Oh those issues I was concerned about as a child, its all coming back to me.”
When I first married my husband we did not have much so I was able to with stand the hardships. We have enough now and I am most grateful for it.
This morning as I search my childhood my mind takes me to David speaking to the Lord.“You, who have shown me great and severe troubles, Shall revive me again, And bring me up again from the depths of the earth” (Psalm 71:20) .
David is saying the God who has gave me food when I had no food, blessed with money when I had no employment, made sure I had a roof over my head, provided for me like no other, allowed me to take vacations, see my family, be loved by others, let me see great things, that God.
The God who brought me through Katrina, Stopped the tsunami from swallowing me, restored my marriage, gave me peace in times of troubles; that God shall perk me up, breathe life into me again, stimulate me to move forward.
God has shown His people many severe troubles and will show His people many dear mercies. David said he was almost killed and buried, but the Lord will bring him up from the lowest parts of the earth.
Some of us today feel like we are being buried alive. Some are fleeing from being executed but the Lord will restore you. The fact that you are sinking is not the issue. You must understand that the Lord is allowing you to sink and since He is allowing the sinking He will do the fixing.
The more you focus on the sinking and how you are sinking the less you focus on the who that is in control of the sinking. How gets all our attention and Who is getting the least.
As the year closes consider, Who. Who brought you from the pits of hell? Who saved you from the lions den? Who gave you a blood donation so you may be seen holy? Pray to God that you stop looking at how I got to this point. Ask the Lord to hinder your thoughts from thinking, how am I going to get to the next day. Call upon the Lord to take you by the hand, cradle you so you can stand and focus on Him and praise Him.
Our car would break down very often. It is interesting, thinking about the things I was concerned about as a child. I wonder, “Why didn’t I just have happy thoughts as a kid and be concerned about my home work.” I know it has a lot to do with, my homework was never a challenge to me because I did good in my studies, but home life was always an issue.
It is not a good thing to say but it is true. In my life, there was always an issue. At one time I blamed my mother because my dad was not with us and then I blamed my dad for not being with us. It was not until I reached the age of 28 that I accepted my parents divorce.
I grew up thinking my life is hard. Then I got married and realized, “Oh those issues I was concerned about as a child, its all coming back to me.”
When I first married my husband we did not have much so I was able to with stand the hardships. We have enough now and I am most grateful for it.
This morning as I search my childhood my mind takes me to David speaking to the Lord.“You, who have shown me great and severe troubles, Shall revive me again, And bring me up again from the depths of the earth” (Psalm 71:20) .
David is saying the God who has gave me food when I had no food, blessed with money when I had no employment, made sure I had a roof over my head, provided for me like no other, allowed me to take vacations, see my family, be loved by others, let me see great things, that God.
The God who brought me through Katrina, Stopped the tsunami from swallowing me, restored my marriage, gave me peace in times of troubles; that God shall perk me up, breathe life into me again, stimulate me to move forward.
God has shown His people many severe troubles and will show His people many dear mercies. David said he was almost killed and buried, but the Lord will bring him up from the lowest parts of the earth.
Some of us today feel like we are being buried alive. Some are fleeing from being executed but the Lord will restore you. The fact that you are sinking is not the issue. You must understand that the Lord is allowing you to sink and since He is allowing the sinking He will do the fixing.
The more you focus on the sinking and how you are sinking the less you focus on the who that is in control of the sinking. How gets all our attention and Who is getting the least.
As the year closes consider, Who. Who brought you from the pits of hell? Who saved you from the lions den? Who gave you a blood donation so you may be seen holy? Pray to God that you stop looking at how I got to this point. Ask the Lord to hinder your thoughts from thinking, how am I going to get to the next day. Call upon the Lord to take you by the hand, cradle you so you can stand and focus on Him and praise Him.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Treatment
A child goes to their mother in tears because of doing something he was ashamed of doing. The mother asked him “did you know, you weren’t supposed to do what you did?” He slumps in his chair, with his head down and murmurs the words, “No, but I couldn’t, I shouldn’t have, but I did.”
The mother says to her son in a soft spoken voice, “its okay sweetheart, not that you did wrong but that you noticed that what you did was wrong and that you should not have done it. For that my child it is okay. I want you to work really hard to not do it again.” The boy rises up from his chair with a half smile upon his face, and joyfully says “Yes mommy, I will.”
This scenario captures my attention to Jesus on the cross speaking to God. He says to the Lord, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). Jesus was basically saying to God, Daddy, these kids are crazy.
My thoughts lead me to look up the definition of crazy and it means full of cracks or flaws. I continued and considered the word insane which means mentally disordered.
I continued to think more and could see Jesus in my sanctified imagination. He was before the Father saying because these children are crazy they don't know what they are doing. They have a mental disorder;therefore, their plea is insanity.
When a person goes to court and is recognized as being insane the judge sentences the person to treatment. Many of us are doing things today and we know not what we are doing. We sense we should not do it but are vulnerable and leap to the other side, the dark side. We are insane and Jesus is still standing before the Father saying, forgive them Father.
The little boy went to his mother in tears not because he necessarily knew if it was right or wrong but he was ashamed of what he did. Just as the mother forgave her son, we have a heavenly Father, waiting to forgive us of what we have done wrong. As the year is ending don’t carry on your flaws to the next year.
Consider getting treatment before the Lord and asking for forgiveness. Pray to God that He brings to your attention all you have not repented of. Ask the Lord to forgive you and give you strength not to do such thing again. For He sent His only begotten son, so He may see us, as holy.
The mother says to her son in a soft spoken voice, “its okay sweetheart, not that you did wrong but that you noticed that what you did was wrong and that you should not have done it. For that my child it is okay. I want you to work really hard to not do it again.” The boy rises up from his chair with a half smile upon his face, and joyfully says “Yes mommy, I will.”
This scenario captures my attention to Jesus on the cross speaking to God. He says to the Lord, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). Jesus was basically saying to God, Daddy, these kids are crazy.
My thoughts lead me to look up the definition of crazy and it means full of cracks or flaws. I continued and considered the word insane which means mentally disordered.
I continued to think more and could see Jesus in my sanctified imagination. He was before the Father saying because these children are crazy they don't know what they are doing. They have a mental disorder;therefore, their plea is insanity.
When a person goes to court and is recognized as being insane the judge sentences the person to treatment. Many of us are doing things today and we know not what we are doing. We sense we should not do it but are vulnerable and leap to the other side, the dark side. We are insane and Jesus is still standing before the Father saying, forgive them Father.
The little boy went to his mother in tears not because he necessarily knew if it was right or wrong but he was ashamed of what he did. Just as the mother forgave her son, we have a heavenly Father, waiting to forgive us of what we have done wrong. As the year is ending don’t carry on your flaws to the next year.
Consider getting treatment before the Lord and asking for forgiveness. Pray to God that He brings to your attention all you have not repented of. Ask the Lord to forgive you and give you strength not to do such thing again. For He sent His only begotten son, so He may see us, as holy.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
A.S.K.
My daughter's birthday is today. She came to me the day before advising me of her wish list. She said, "Mom I only want 2 things, one is $24.99 and the other is $10.00. You will need about$35 and you can locate them at Walmart and Toy's R Us." She continued on to tell me, it is okay if you don't get them for my birthday because Christmas is only 7 days away."
I initially wanted to ask her, who she thought she was talking to but I was reminded she is being herself. As I contemplated more on what she actually did I noticed, not only did she tell me what she wanted but she did an assessment. She located where the items were sold, how much they cost and considered a time frame of getting the items. Then I thought, well Lord that is what you want us to do.
I initially wanted to ask her, who she thought she was talking to but I was reminded she is being herself. As I contemplated more on what she actually did I noticed, not only did she tell me what she wanted but she did an assessment. She located where the items were sold, how much they cost and considered a time frame of getting the items. Then I thought, well Lord that is what you want us to do.
He ask us to ask, seek and knock. We are told in the gospel of Luke 11:9-10 "So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."
Today, many of us have needs and we have yet to implement an assessment. We pray yet not for what we need. We ask and don't seek and we hate to wait.
As you face each day needing, consider taking the time to research what you need to move forward. Ask God to help you focus on your needs and not your wants. Call upon the Lord to help you wait without complaining. For He waits to supply all your needs.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Child Like Faith
I was sitting reading a card from a friend and it reminded me that Jesus has already paid the price. I immediately start thinking of how God asks His children to do things and it’s already paid for. I continued to think of how my children will ask to go to Chuckie Cheese; they don’t consider how much it cost. When they ask you to get new items they don’t think maybe Daddy doesn’t have money for it or Mommy can’t get it. Children expect their parents to get what they desire as well as need.
It’s interesting because by nature they expect and believe we can. It is when we grow and develop from the chanting words of I can’t get you this or that which spirals our development to think, no we can’t.
Jesus paid the price for you and me. To have salvation, to be free but we keep trapping our minds. Each time we question can I get through this, can I be bold for the Lord; it is as if we are saying God you are lying. Matthew 9:29 tells us we have according to what we believe. When we let our imagination override what God has said we can do which is " I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13). We tell the Father you are lying... I can't do that.
We all have something that we struggle with but it is up to us to take what we struggle with to the Lord, so He can work a miracle.
What do you believe today? Are you expecting God to give as a child believes? How is your faith? Instead of second guessing the Lord, ask him and believe He will. Pray to God that you have child like faith. Ask the Lord to help you trust Him fully."Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths" (Proverbs 3:5-6).
It’s interesting because by nature they expect and believe we can. It is when we grow and develop from the chanting words of I can’t get you this or that which spirals our development to think, no we can’t.
Jesus paid the price for you and me. To have salvation, to be free but we keep trapping our minds. Each time we question can I get through this, can I be bold for the Lord; it is as if we are saying God you are lying. Matthew 9:29 tells us we have according to what we believe. When we let our imagination override what God has said we can do which is " I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13). We tell the Father you are lying... I can't do that.
We all have something that we struggle with but it is up to us to take what we struggle with to the Lord, so He can work a miracle.
What do you believe today? Are you expecting God to give as a child believes? How is your faith? Instead of second guessing the Lord, ask him and believe He will. Pray to God that you have child like faith. Ask the Lord to help you trust Him fully."Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths" (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Fear
When I was a young child my sister and I played in my grandmother’s back yard. We ran through the bushes and she came through with hives. As I looked at her I started to wonder if she had them, I must have them. Her upper body was covered in hives and I stared scared because I did not know if I had what she had.
The very thought of having such hives frightened me. Ever since I was a child I have had the tendency to allow my imagination to run in fear of what might be. If I cross someone that has any type of skin rash, I too begin to act as if I have a rash. The issue is it is a fear all in my head.
I recall the story of Job and consider his one issue, fear.
“For the thing I greatly feared has come upon me, and what I dreaded has happened to me” (Job 3:25).
Fear is a spirit designed to stop you. Fear can cause the worse of your imagination to be engaged. You can destroy yourself just by having fear. What do you fear?
Maybe your parents had financial problems when you were growing up and now you have fears about money or security. Perhaps you fear your fears. God’s mission is to strengthen us. When we are encountering trouble and can not discern the real problem, it could be that we are in the problem because we have, yet to identify the source.
Don’t allow your fear to control you attracting more trouble. Ask God to help you not focus on your fears. Pray to God that you look your fear in the eye and move it. Call upon the Lord to narrow the source of your fear; so you may take heed to the warning of danger. Have a little talk with Jesus today about your fear.
The very thought of having such hives frightened me. Ever since I was a child I have had the tendency to allow my imagination to run in fear of what might be. If I cross someone that has any type of skin rash, I too begin to act as if I have a rash. The issue is it is a fear all in my head.
I recall the story of Job and consider his one issue, fear.
“For the thing I greatly feared has come upon me, and what I dreaded has happened to me” (Job 3:25).
Fear is a spirit designed to stop you. Fear can cause the worse of your imagination to be engaged. You can destroy yourself just by having fear. What do you fear?
Maybe your parents had financial problems when you were growing up and now you have fears about money or security. Perhaps you fear your fears. God’s mission is to strengthen us. When we are encountering trouble and can not discern the real problem, it could be that we are in the problem because we have, yet to identify the source.
Don’t allow your fear to control you attracting more trouble. Ask God to help you not focus on your fears. Pray to God that you look your fear in the eye and move it. Call upon the Lord to narrow the source of your fear; so you may take heed to the warning of danger. Have a little talk with Jesus today about your fear.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Release
Two friends were talking about forgiving others when that hurt you. One mentioned “it is difficult to forgive another that you viewed as a true friend, that decides to stay distant from you.” It was as if she was wounded by the pain of them being distant from her and she did not know how to get such wound to heal.
The other friend proclaimed, “If you look at the situation with your spiritual lens, you will be able to shake the dust from your feet and move on with no hard feelings towards the other.”
When a person hurts you it can be an intricate position, to forgive. As Christians we are called to forgive without the expectancy of the other apologizing. That is easier said than done yet the thing one must fathom is, it can be done.
My mind captures attention to Jesus was on the cross. Prior to Him on the cross; the disciples traveled with Jesus, saw Him perform many miracles, knew He was a righteous man yet when the hour came one disciple, Judas turned on Him. Jesus spoke to His Father as He was nailed to the cross. “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34
Jesus spoke to His mother Mary and His disciple John who were standing together nearby. To his mother he said: “Dear woman, Behold, your son” (John 19:26)! To John He said: “Behold, your mother” (John 19:27)! John took Mary into his home as his own mother. Of all the disciples it only records Him speaking to one.
Imagine your siblings being there for you, cheering you on, supporting you and believing the mission you have set out and even join you in the mission. One day word gets to your siblings, you think you are better than them. Word gets back to your siblings, that you are trying to force them to believe what you are doing and disregard their beliefs. Someone drops a message in their ear, they can pursue their own mission without the help of you because they are just as great, if not better than your selfish, no good sibling.
Your siblings suck in these negative words and form a belief that you are the enemy. It is the hour when all hell breaks loose that you have to jerk off your flesh and discern from a spiritual perspective, what is actually taking place.
When the serpent came to Eve, he came to deceive her (Genesis 3:1-6). Because they failed to look at their scenario from a spiritual perspective, the fall of man came about. The serpent’s goal was to get man to believe they are just as great, if not better than their selfish, strict, no good God. He wanted them to believe God wanted to keep them from the good stuff when God was protecting them from evil. Eve sucked in the negative words and the fall was engaged.
It is easy to allow our flesh to seek out our issues. It is too easy to allow our feelings of disappointment and pain to control our view. When we look at our issues from a spiritual view we have to rely on God to bring us through. It is a time to demonstrate our faith in the Lord and that is much too hard, or is it?
When Jesus was on the cross, what were the disciples doing? The disciples that displayed love for Him moments before He was on the cross, how many lashed out to those hurting Him? Because Jesus kept His eyes on the mission of God He was able to forgive them. He never asked or demanded an apology before He forgave them.
Are you hurt today? Has someone hurt you so deeply, that the wound needs more than a band aid? Call on God to give you a spiritual healing. Ask God to help you zoom in to what is occurring, for you have held on the pain, too long. Pray to the Lord as you see the true essence of the strong hold that is going on in your life, ask the Lord to release it and watch Him release a blessing in you.
The other friend proclaimed, “If you look at the situation with your spiritual lens, you will be able to shake the dust from your feet and move on with no hard feelings towards the other.”
When a person hurts you it can be an intricate position, to forgive. As Christians we are called to forgive without the expectancy of the other apologizing. That is easier said than done yet the thing one must fathom is, it can be done.
My mind captures attention to Jesus was on the cross. Prior to Him on the cross; the disciples traveled with Jesus, saw Him perform many miracles, knew He was a righteous man yet when the hour came one disciple, Judas turned on Him. Jesus spoke to His Father as He was nailed to the cross. “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34
Jesus spoke to His mother Mary and His disciple John who were standing together nearby. To his mother he said: “Dear woman, Behold, your son” (John 19:26)! To John He said: “Behold, your mother” (John 19:27)! John took Mary into his home as his own mother. Of all the disciples it only records Him speaking to one.
Imagine your siblings being there for you, cheering you on, supporting you and believing the mission you have set out and even join you in the mission. One day word gets to your siblings, you think you are better than them. Word gets back to your siblings, that you are trying to force them to believe what you are doing and disregard their beliefs. Someone drops a message in their ear, they can pursue their own mission without the help of you because they are just as great, if not better than your selfish, no good sibling.
Your siblings suck in these negative words and form a belief that you are the enemy. It is the hour when all hell breaks loose that you have to jerk off your flesh and discern from a spiritual perspective, what is actually taking place.
When the serpent came to Eve, he came to deceive her (Genesis 3:1-6). Because they failed to look at their scenario from a spiritual perspective, the fall of man came about. The serpent’s goal was to get man to believe they are just as great, if not better than their selfish, strict, no good God. He wanted them to believe God wanted to keep them from the good stuff when God was protecting them from evil. Eve sucked in the negative words and the fall was engaged.
It is easy to allow our flesh to seek out our issues. It is too easy to allow our feelings of disappointment and pain to control our view. When we look at our issues from a spiritual view we have to rely on God to bring us through. It is a time to demonstrate our faith in the Lord and that is much too hard, or is it?
When Jesus was on the cross, what were the disciples doing? The disciples that displayed love for Him moments before He was on the cross, how many lashed out to those hurting Him? Because Jesus kept His eyes on the mission of God He was able to forgive them. He never asked or demanded an apology before He forgave them.
Are you hurt today? Has someone hurt you so deeply, that the wound needs more than a band aid? Call on God to give you a spiritual healing. Ask God to help you zoom in to what is occurring, for you have held on the pain, too long. Pray to the Lord as you see the true essence of the strong hold that is going on in your life, ask the Lord to release it and watch Him release a blessing in you.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Be You
Yesterday, I recalled being a teenager and having to go on stage to say a speech or perform a song or act in drama. I remembered how important it was for me to see my mother in the audience.
I would peek beyond the curtains, over and over until I saw her. If I did not see her I would have a tense feeling all inside. As it came time for me to do my part I would still seek, hoping that she was out in the audience and then I spotted her.
Once I spotted her, I was relaxed. I could say what I practiced to say because she was there. When I knew she was there I could go on with confidence, as if she was the only person in the room.
When Jesus left the disciples, He told them I must go now but I will leave behind for you the Spirit. “... I go away, and come again unto you ....” (John 14:28).
“Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.” (John 16:7) The Spirit is what Jesus left as a constant reminder that He is still within. The Holy Spirit is the life of Jesus. While Jesus was human, this spirit was not available to us.
As we grow into adults we are suppose to have that same type of reliance on the Lord. We are supposed to always seek His presence. Once we gain sight of His smile, His Spirit, a feeling of relaxation shall consume us; allowing us to be free to do as He wills with confidence.
In life, we will face times that we are timid to do things; yet, if we seek the Spirit as I sought my mother, we will know that Spirit resides within us.
Don’t allow fear to override what God has given you authority to do. Pray to God to fill you with His Spirit. Call upon the Lord to rain down on you. Ask God to give you courage to be free and to be the you He created you to be. For He has left us saying “I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one ...” (John 17:23).
I would peek beyond the curtains, over and over until I saw her. If I did not see her I would have a tense feeling all inside. As it came time for me to do my part I would still seek, hoping that she was out in the audience and then I spotted her.
Once I spotted her, I was relaxed. I could say what I practiced to say because she was there. When I knew she was there I could go on with confidence, as if she was the only person in the room.
When Jesus left the disciples, He told them I must go now but I will leave behind for you the Spirit. “... I go away, and come again unto you ....” (John 14:28).
“Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.” (John 16:7) The Spirit is what Jesus left as a constant reminder that He is still within. The Holy Spirit is the life of Jesus. While Jesus was human, this spirit was not available to us.
As we grow into adults we are suppose to have that same type of reliance on the Lord. We are supposed to always seek His presence. Once we gain sight of His smile, His Spirit, a feeling of relaxation shall consume us; allowing us to be free to do as He wills with confidence.
In life, we will face times that we are timid to do things; yet, if we seek the Spirit as I sought my mother, we will know that Spirit resides within us.
Don’t allow fear to override what God has given you authority to do. Pray to God to fill you with His Spirit. Call upon the Lord to rain down on you. Ask God to give you courage to be free and to be the you He created you to be. For He has left us saying “I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one ...” (John 17:23).
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Your Perception
Today, I got a message from someone so dear to me. She told me, “I always knew you would be successful because you have a sincere heart. That’s all God asks of us. That, and of course, trusts Him.
I sat and tears filled my eyes, feeling, so overjoyed. I can’t recall ever feeling so complete in my life. For years, I struggled with trying to balance my priorities and pursuing my writing. While trying to make such adjustment I did not consult the Lord, I didn’t even know Him enough to know,, I could call on Him about adjusting my priorities.
It was many years, before I came to understand that our Father who are in heaven cared so deeply for me. As I search my life, I believe the rejection, hurt and pain, I experienced was so I could relate to those God sends in my life. I believe the ongoing hassle of “how to balance my life and pursue my calling” is so vivid in my life because it is evident in many others lives.
To come to know who you are in God is a miraculous feeling, like no other. To be in His will is such a delight. As my faith grows daily, I am more and more at odds with the enemy; but, nonetheless, more intimate with the Father.
I compare my ups and downs in life, to the roller coaster of Job. He was doing things in a noble manner but one day he was tested. I felt like all I was doing was right; I went to college; I focused on my writing. But there was an abrupt interruption in my life, as in Job. The interruption tested my strength, but I failed.
I failed so, that I became like Adam, blaming others as He did in the garden with Eve. Because my faith was so low I could not stand. I thought less and less of myself. Others around me would tell me how much potential I had. However, when looking in the mirror I wondered who they are looking at, because I could never see her. The only thing that was clear to me was I failed. Solomon wrote, “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7).
This is further explained when Jesus called a crowd asking them to pay attention to the words he was about to say “It is not what enters into the mouth that defiles the man, but what proceeds out of the mouth, this defiles the man"(Matthew 15:11).
Peter did not understand and asked for an explanation. Jesus explained “that everything that goes into the mouth passes into the stomach, and is eliminated? But the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man.
For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders.
These are the things which defile the man; but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile the man"(Matthew 15:17-20).
Many struggle with their life not because they were given a bad hand but because of how they perceive themselves. When we look at our self in a depressing manner, we speak of our self in a negative manner which leads to the determination of what we will be. Our Father is most concerned with what is in our heart and what we think.
Maybe you have wondered if God cared what you thought. Perhaps you have concluded that you are not that great so God doesn’t have great things for you. Yet what is held in our heart effects us spiritually, mentally, and physically.
Consider changing your out look today. If you hear positive things from others about you, speak them over your life and receive them. Ask God to help you see yourself as He sees you. Call upon the Lord to eject the negative words within so you may blossom in the Lord. “For God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart" (1Samuel 16:7).
I sat and tears filled my eyes, feeling, so overjoyed. I can’t recall ever feeling so complete in my life. For years, I struggled with trying to balance my priorities and pursuing my writing. While trying to make such adjustment I did not consult the Lord, I didn’t even know Him enough to know,, I could call on Him about adjusting my priorities.
It was many years, before I came to understand that our Father who are in heaven cared so deeply for me. As I search my life, I believe the rejection, hurt and pain, I experienced was so I could relate to those God sends in my life. I believe the ongoing hassle of “how to balance my life and pursue my calling” is so vivid in my life because it is evident in many others lives.
To come to know who you are in God is a miraculous feeling, like no other. To be in His will is such a delight. As my faith grows daily, I am more and more at odds with the enemy; but, nonetheless, more intimate with the Father.
I compare my ups and downs in life, to the roller coaster of Job. He was doing things in a noble manner but one day he was tested. I felt like all I was doing was right; I went to college; I focused on my writing. But there was an abrupt interruption in my life, as in Job. The interruption tested my strength, but I failed.
I failed so, that I became like Adam, blaming others as He did in the garden with Eve. Because my faith was so low I could not stand. I thought less and less of myself. Others around me would tell me how much potential I had. However, when looking in the mirror I wondered who they are looking at, because I could never see her. The only thing that was clear to me was I failed. Solomon wrote, “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7).
This is further explained when Jesus called a crowd asking them to pay attention to the words he was about to say “It is not what enters into the mouth that defiles the man, but what proceeds out of the mouth, this defiles the man"(Matthew 15:11).
Peter did not understand and asked for an explanation. Jesus explained “that everything that goes into the mouth passes into the stomach, and is eliminated? But the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man.
For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders.
These are the things which defile the man; but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile the man"(Matthew 15:17-20).
Many struggle with their life not because they were given a bad hand but because of how they perceive themselves. When we look at our self in a depressing manner, we speak of our self in a negative manner which leads to the determination of what we will be. Our Father is most concerned with what is in our heart and what we think.
Maybe you have wondered if God cared what you thought. Perhaps you have concluded that you are not that great so God doesn’t have great things for you. Yet what is held in our heart effects us spiritually, mentally, and physically.
Consider changing your out look today. If you hear positive things from others about you, speak them over your life and receive them. Ask God to help you see yourself as He sees you. Call upon the Lord to eject the negative words within so you may blossom in the Lord. “For God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart" (1Samuel 16:7).
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Satisfy Him
I was talking to a friend and she was getting around to asking “how will I help in the body of the church?” It is an issue I had been seeking God about because I wanted to make sure where ever I went it was where He wanted me to go. It has been instilled in me that when you’re in His will you will be blessed. She expressed to me that the church really needs my help and hoped I was up for the challenge.
With saying all that I believe, I still have to move. I can’t just pray about it and do nothing. I have to attempt in some area, as the Lord ignites me and moves me as He sees fit. I was reminded of Jesus speaking to His disciples; He told them to go and spread the word. They were not only supposed to just stay in the ambiance of the Lord. They had a commission.
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age"(Matthew 28:19-20).
When you are sent to a church it is a two way relationship- you give what you give according to God’s wishes and the church gives what it gives. If you give nothing don't expect nothing: if you half way give expect half way giving back; but, if you give your heart, love, dedication, and loyalty being obedient to God's will, God will give you the same and even more.
There are many churches hurting today for help. There are many people who have been hurt by the some of the people at the church, but we all have a commission.
Maybe someone stopped you from saying the announcements at church, or they did not let you sing “your song” they let someone else sing it. Perhaps you are not able to serve where you desire to serve but being asked to serve some where else. Serving for the Lord can’t be based on how you feel; your emotions can’t be in control. Serving for the Lord has to be based on what is needed in the body of Christ. That doesn’t mean you won’t one day get to the area you desire, it just means you have to satisfy the Lord by giving the church what is needed, first.
Consider not looking at everything that is wrong. Glance around your church and ask the Lord which one of the areas that is broken; how does He want you to serve. Look at the walls of the church and ask God do you need me to paint your house, oh Lord. Ask Him do you need me to donate the paint for the wall. Tip toe in the restroom and ask the Lord do you need me to supply hand soap, air freshener, tissue paper, anything so that when one enters the doors it smells citrus. Possibly you only need to get some plug INS, just so it smells warm when you enter, His house. Instead of rendering a wish list, ask the Father how can I be of service and where you can I serve. “Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm37:4).
With saying all that I believe, I still have to move. I can’t just pray about it and do nothing. I have to attempt in some area, as the Lord ignites me and moves me as He sees fit. I was reminded of Jesus speaking to His disciples; He told them to go and spread the word. They were not only supposed to just stay in the ambiance of the Lord. They had a commission.
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age"(Matthew 28:19-20).
When you are sent to a church it is a two way relationship- you give what you give according to God’s wishes and the church gives what it gives. If you give nothing don't expect nothing: if you half way give expect half way giving back; but, if you give your heart, love, dedication, and loyalty being obedient to God's will, God will give you the same and even more.
There are many churches hurting today for help. There are many people who have been hurt by the some of the people at the church, but we all have a commission.
Maybe someone stopped you from saying the announcements at church, or they did not let you sing “your song” they let someone else sing it. Perhaps you are not able to serve where you desire to serve but being asked to serve some where else. Serving for the Lord can’t be based on how you feel; your emotions can’t be in control. Serving for the Lord has to be based on what is needed in the body of Christ. That doesn’t mean you won’t one day get to the area you desire, it just means you have to satisfy the Lord by giving the church what is needed, first.
Consider not looking at everything that is wrong. Glance around your church and ask the Lord which one of the areas that is broken; how does He want you to serve. Look at the walls of the church and ask God do you need me to paint your house, oh Lord. Ask Him do you need me to donate the paint for the wall. Tip toe in the restroom and ask the Lord do you need me to supply hand soap, air freshener, tissue paper, anything so that when one enters the doors it smells citrus. Possibly you only need to get some plug INS, just so it smells warm when you enter, His house. Instead of rendering a wish list, ask the Father how can I be of service and where you can I serve. “Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm37:4).
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Happily Married
A woman speaks out loud about her marriage saying, her husband "is at odds with her. He does not help her with what she aspires to do. He never compliments her." She goes on and on as a very unhappily married woman. She states, how she does not understand how a Christian man can be so into God but not into loving her. When asked if she goes to church with him her response is “every now and then, I’ll go because it’s really nothing there for me.” Or is it?
Many view marriage as a certificate that binds two people together. However, it is a public covenant between two people with God. As the economy is experiencing its many earth quakes some people will divorce for financial reasons and then you will have many that join for assuming financial security. Nonetheless, the list of marrying another can be enduring but until the couple starts to properly live out marriage in the terms of a covenant relationship they will not get the fulfillment of being married.
To be married in covenant with God is to obey the hierarchy which God created. It is to be in submission to what the Lord has to say about marriage. When visiting the scripture we see the importance of the wife aligning with the Lord about marriage. In addition, you will discover how honoring the wife will answer the prayers of the husband.
“Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement. Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered”(1Peter3:6-7).
Are you thinking your spouse is the reason your relationship is sour? Maybe your relationship is experiencing a mud slide at this time. Perhaps your relationship has lightning every now and then. How is your marriage today? Have you wondered when will I get to the benefits of marriage? When will the happy days begin?
The unhappy married woman was able to dissect the issues she had with her husband but she could not come to terms with what was her role in the down fall of her marriage. This woman did not understand to get to her husband; she would need to follow him to church. Not because every once in a while she felt like going. Not because every once in a while they were going to be singing her favorite song but because winning the heart of her husband could be found in the house of the Lord.
Don’t be fooled by the storms in your relationship, for they could be used to bring you closer or distract you from bringing unity in your relationship. Pray to God to help you honor your spouse. Ask God to bring your relationship with your spouse closer to Him so you may grow happily married. Seek the Father about your marriage and then it shall be altered.
Many view marriage as a certificate that binds two people together. However, it is a public covenant between two people with God. As the economy is experiencing its many earth quakes some people will divorce for financial reasons and then you will have many that join for assuming financial security. Nonetheless, the list of marrying another can be enduring but until the couple starts to properly live out marriage in the terms of a covenant relationship they will not get the fulfillment of being married.
To be married in covenant with God is to obey the hierarchy which God created. It is to be in submission to what the Lord has to say about marriage. When visiting the scripture we see the importance of the wife aligning with the Lord about marriage. In addition, you will discover how honoring the wife will answer the prayers of the husband.
“Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement. Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered”(1Peter3:6-7).
Are you thinking your spouse is the reason your relationship is sour? Maybe your relationship is experiencing a mud slide at this time. Perhaps your relationship has lightning every now and then. How is your marriage today? Have you wondered when will I get to the benefits of marriage? When will the happy days begin?
The unhappy married woman was able to dissect the issues she had with her husband but she could not come to terms with what was her role in the down fall of her marriage. This woman did not understand to get to her husband; she would need to follow him to church. Not because every once in a while she felt like going. Not because every once in a while they were going to be singing her favorite song but because winning the heart of her husband could be found in the house of the Lord.
Don’t be fooled by the storms in your relationship, for they could be used to bring you closer or distract you from bringing unity in your relationship. Pray to God to help you honor your spouse. Ask God to bring your relationship with your spouse closer to Him so you may grow happily married. Seek the Father about your marriage and then it shall be altered.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
The Source
Saturday when I woke up, the family starts cleaning. My two year old wanted to eat but I told him “no you have to wait until we finish cleaning.” He kept hinting that he wanted breakfast and I continued cleaning. Eventually, he joined in the cleaning as everyone else. I thought it was interesting because he never asked anyone else for food, only me.
As I thought more, I considered my daughter whom went out with her friends Friday evening. I supplied her money; in case she needed something but when she got home, she said she wanted food. All of my children look to me to get them food.
My daughter showed me she could strategically think of what to spend her money on. She returned home with the money and an appetite. When we finished cleaning I then prepared breakfast for the family and my two year old was most excited looking for the next thing to get into.
My children reminded me an important lesson; we should always go to the main source for our necessities. This is how God wants His children to rely on Him. He wants us to ask, wait, join in the working, wait and then He will supply what is needed. For He is God alone, He is the source of all needs, all blessings, all strength, all vitality, "God said to Moses: I AM WHO AM,"(Exodus 3:14).
Today you might be seeking for something. You might be asking, but who are you asking? You might be waiting, but how are you waiting? You might be working, but who are you working for? This is a time in our life to recognize who the source is. Don't look to money as the source for it is "Better to be a poor person who has integrity than to be rich and double-dealing,"(Proverbs 28:6). Don't consider someone else or thing as the healer in your broken life for "He is the healer of the brokenhearted. He is the one who bandages the wounds," (Psalm 147:3).
Consider God alone as the source. Pray to God that you recognize Him as the source. Call upon the Lord to calm you in your race. Ask Him to forgive you for looking to another, for seeking something else as the source. For He is faithfull and just.
As I thought more, I considered my daughter whom went out with her friends Friday evening. I supplied her money; in case she needed something but when she got home, she said she wanted food. All of my children look to me to get them food.
My daughter showed me she could strategically think of what to spend her money on. She returned home with the money and an appetite. When we finished cleaning I then prepared breakfast for the family and my two year old was most excited looking for the next thing to get into.
My children reminded me an important lesson; we should always go to the main source for our necessities. This is how God wants His children to rely on Him. He wants us to ask, wait, join in the working, wait and then He will supply what is needed. For He is God alone, He is the source of all needs, all blessings, all strength, all vitality, "God said to Moses: I AM WHO AM,"(Exodus 3:14).
Today you might be seeking for something. You might be asking, but who are you asking? You might be waiting, but how are you waiting? You might be working, but who are you working for? This is a time in our life to recognize who the source is. Don't look to money as the source for it is "Better to be a poor person who has integrity than to be rich and double-dealing,"(Proverbs 28:6). Don't consider someone else or thing as the healer in your broken life for "He is the healer of the brokenhearted. He is the one who bandages the wounds," (Psalm 147:3).
Consider God alone as the source. Pray to God that you recognize Him as the source. Call upon the Lord to calm you in your race. Ask Him to forgive you for looking to another, for seeking something else as the source. For He is faithfull and just.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Change Come
A couple was married for over 10 years and the husband often told his wife, “I saved you from all the hell you were going through. When you married me girl, I saved your life.” The wife glances at him and roles her eyes mumbling of his arrogance.
Five years past and he is asking the Lord, “When is she going to change? He pleads to the Lord of how willing he is to go to work and provide for the family, how he goes to church every Sunday, how he is a deacon and sings in the church choir praising God but still no change.” However, the Lord is looking at him asking when will you change?
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her; to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word” (Ephesians 25-26).
The husband is instructed to love his wife just as Christ loved the church and gave his self up for the church. This scripture is saying love your wife so much that you would die. Jesus is our savior because He was willing to die.
The husband that boasts about how he saved his wife when she married him is not incorrect; he is looked upon as a savoir. However, his actions are not Christ like. Jesus did not rise and tell the people “if it had not been for me you would not be in heaven with my Father.” He did not tease the people and say “I am the savior so you better acknowledge me that way.” He gave them choice even after he sacrificed himself, because of love.
The husband is also instructed to cleanse her by the washing with water through the word. This is saying in order to get a change in your wife your words have to be raindrops of the word to her.
Some men are wishing their wife would change. Perhaps they want their wife to communicate more, respect them more or care for them more. The thought of her changing consumes their mind but as the husband the thought of you changing is far from your thoughts.
Don’t focus on when will she change, look deeper in the word as of the steps for your request to be granted. Ask God to help you die of your self. Pray to God that you sacrifice something in your life so your mate knows you are sincere. Ask Him to help you evaluate yourself for a change to come. Call upon the Lord to help you embrace your place as being pastor in your home. So your wife may present herself “as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless”
(Ephesians 5:27).
Five years past and he is asking the Lord, “When is she going to change? He pleads to the Lord of how willing he is to go to work and provide for the family, how he goes to church every Sunday, how he is a deacon and sings in the church choir praising God but still no change.” However, the Lord is looking at him asking when will you change?
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her; to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word” (Ephesians 25-26).
The husband is instructed to love his wife just as Christ loved the church and gave his self up for the church. This scripture is saying love your wife so much that you would die. Jesus is our savior because He was willing to die.
The husband that boasts about how he saved his wife when she married him is not incorrect; he is looked upon as a savoir. However, his actions are not Christ like. Jesus did not rise and tell the people “if it had not been for me you would not be in heaven with my Father.” He did not tease the people and say “I am the savior so you better acknowledge me that way.” He gave them choice even after he sacrificed himself, because of love.
The husband is also instructed to cleanse her by the washing with water through the word. This is saying in order to get a change in your wife your words have to be raindrops of the word to her.
Some men are wishing their wife would change. Perhaps they want their wife to communicate more, respect them more or care for them more. The thought of her changing consumes their mind but as the husband the thought of you changing is far from your thoughts.
Don’t focus on when will she change, look deeper in the word as of the steps for your request to be granted. Ask God to help you die of your self. Pray to God that you sacrifice something in your life so your mate knows you are sincere. Ask Him to help you evaluate yourself for a change to come. Call upon the Lord to help you embrace your place as being pastor in your home. So your wife may present herself “as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless”
(Ephesians 5:27).
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Lord Give
Last night I was in prayer about raising money for the “I Made It conference”. I have one sponsor and many people to serve. I don’t have much time before January and I just needed to hear from the Lord what to do next.
A friend emailed me this morning offering to be a sponsor. I felt odd because she was already helping me from another aspect. She gave me advice and I told her I wanted the event to be free so people can give freely. She understood and as I was emailing her back I realized I was stopping her from being a blessing to me by not freely accepting her sponsorship. I stopped in my tracks and apologized for it was as if I was telling "God no thanks, I will get it another way."
As I have been going through my growing pains; I have had to be willing to obey. I have not always felt like doing all the things in order to get this conference together but I would pray to God help me be willing to want to push forward.
“If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land” (Isaiah 1:19).
I recall God talking to Moses, the Lord said “tell the children to pick what they will give as a special contribution. “You must accept whatever contribution each person freely gives. This is the kind of contribution you will accept from them: gold, silver, and bronze” (Exodus 25:1-3-7).
God was specific to Moses he says to him, tell them to give a special contribution such as gold, silver and bronze. He directs Moses to accept what they give and to accept theses exact contributions.
My friend was already helping in one way but I believe God was saying to me this is what you specifically asked for and receive it.
Today my friends we are asking God and saying, “No God I want it another way.” Don’t make the mistake I almost made. I would like to ask each of you to make a contribution of $25 or more. If all you can give is $5 it will gladly be accepted. I pray that your contribution is something that you are willing to freely give. If you are going to hold grudges about it talk to the Lord a little bit longer.
If you are asking the Lord for something and need direction, pray that you are willing to obey. Ask God to give you a heart to exist for Him and be willing to do the work. For after being in the wilderness the Lord “brought Israel out with silver and gold, and no one among his tribes stumbled” (Psalm105:37). No one was feeble or sick every one was healed, because they gave.
A friend emailed me this morning offering to be a sponsor. I felt odd because she was already helping me from another aspect. She gave me advice and I told her I wanted the event to be free so people can give freely. She understood and as I was emailing her back I realized I was stopping her from being a blessing to me by not freely accepting her sponsorship. I stopped in my tracks and apologized for it was as if I was telling "God no thanks, I will get it another way."
As I have been going through my growing pains; I have had to be willing to obey. I have not always felt like doing all the things in order to get this conference together but I would pray to God help me be willing to want to push forward.
“If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land” (Isaiah 1:19).
I recall God talking to Moses, the Lord said “tell the children to pick what they will give as a special contribution. “You must accept whatever contribution each person freely gives. This is the kind of contribution you will accept from them: gold, silver, and bronze” (Exodus 25:1-3-7).
God was specific to Moses he says to him, tell them to give a special contribution such as gold, silver and bronze. He directs Moses to accept what they give and to accept theses exact contributions.
My friend was already helping in one way but I believe God was saying to me this is what you specifically asked for and receive it.
Today my friends we are asking God and saying, “No God I want it another way.” Don’t make the mistake I almost made. I would like to ask each of you to make a contribution of $25 or more. If all you can give is $5 it will gladly be accepted. I pray that your contribution is something that you are willing to freely give. If you are going to hold grudges about it talk to the Lord a little bit longer.
If you are asking the Lord for something and need direction, pray that you are willing to obey. Ask God to give you a heart to exist for Him and be willing to do the work. For after being in the wilderness the Lord “brought Israel out with silver and gold, and no one among his tribes stumbled” (Psalm105:37). No one was feeble or sick every one was healed, because they gave.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
God In Me
Things in my life have been very unusual. I have a conference right around the corner and the publishing of my book is almost exactly a month away and every distraction has arrived at my front door, some are even trying to come in my room.
I told my husband, I needed God the other day. As I continued with more distraction popping up I realized, I had the power to not allow such distractions use me as a puppet on a string. I decided I must press on and allow the God in me to move about.
This process I am going through is a growing phase. When I was younger in my faith I would not rely on the God in me to move. In fact, I questioned if I could press on. I got irritated and told myself “I need to rest; this is straining me too much.” However, today I am rearranging things in my life. I am not looking for 12 hours of sleep, I am content with 6.
As I study the scripture “leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity” (Hebrews 6:1). It is clear to me that I must press on and continue to grow and allow the God in me to push me through and knock the distractions out the way.
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:12-13).
Paul is saying carry out your salvation. Salvation is victory over sin. Stop rebelling against what the Lord has told you to do and move in the direction He is charging you to go.
He is not going to tell me to go the same way as you but the conduct and manner that we go is the same. Our experiences are different but goal is the same, glorifying His name. As you are going through growing pains know that you will have some challenges but it is up to you to grow up.
Allow a change in your life today. The year is ending, don’t you desire a change. Ask God to point you in the direction He wants you to go and help you follow. Pray to God to give you strength and allow the God in you to take over.
I told my husband, I needed God the other day. As I continued with more distraction popping up I realized, I had the power to not allow such distractions use me as a puppet on a string. I decided I must press on and allow the God in me to move about.
This process I am going through is a growing phase. When I was younger in my faith I would not rely on the God in me to move. In fact, I questioned if I could press on. I got irritated and told myself “I need to rest; this is straining me too much.” However, today I am rearranging things in my life. I am not looking for 12 hours of sleep, I am content with 6.
As I study the scripture “leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity” (Hebrews 6:1). It is clear to me that I must press on and continue to grow and allow the God in me to push me through and knock the distractions out the way.
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure” (Philippians 2:12-13).
Paul is saying carry out your salvation. Salvation is victory over sin. Stop rebelling against what the Lord has told you to do and move in the direction He is charging you to go.
He is not going to tell me to go the same way as you but the conduct and manner that we go is the same. Our experiences are different but goal is the same, glorifying His name. As you are going through growing pains know that you will have some challenges but it is up to you to grow up.
Allow a change in your life today. The year is ending, don’t you desire a change. Ask God to point you in the direction He wants you to go and help you follow. Pray to God to give you strength and allow the God in you to take over.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Best Deal
The holidays are very exciting times. People pull out their best recipes, family makes travel arrangements, children write their Christmas wish list and adults go out to grant the little one’s wishes.
It is great to give gifts but at what cost? A security guard was recently killed, as a group of people rushed to get some items that were on sale.
“Since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought to be…?” (2 Peter 3:11).
When I was little I always wanted toys but I remember being told it is a season for celebrating the birth of Jesus. I’d ask, “If we are celebrating Jesus’ birthday, why are we getting gifts? On my birthday, we don’t issue gifts to other people.” It was the most puzzling thing for me to comprehend.
As I consider those that have been killed or harmed for possessions it deeply hurts me. Jesus did not die for a possession, so why are people being killed for things?
My mind continues thinking of the scripture, “What manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God” (2 Peter 3:11-12).
People set aside money for the holidays for things. Many plan a party to be just right but few plan for the party of the coming of God.
What are you anticipating this holiday season? A special gift, a vacation, the perfect turkey. Are you moving money or creating debt for something on sale? Have you been planning, how to give the gift of Jesus?
Don’t fall for the cheap schemes because times are hard. Consider the most elegant priceless gift of all. For your wish list ask God to grant you an opportunity to share Christ with others. Pray to God to channel your attention away from possessions. For sharing the gift of Jesus is, the best deal.
It is great to give gifts but at what cost? A security guard was recently killed, as a group of people rushed to get some items that were on sale.
“Since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought to be…?” (2 Peter 3:11).
When I was little I always wanted toys but I remember being told it is a season for celebrating the birth of Jesus. I’d ask, “If we are celebrating Jesus’ birthday, why are we getting gifts? On my birthday, we don’t issue gifts to other people.” It was the most puzzling thing for me to comprehend.
As I consider those that have been killed or harmed for possessions it deeply hurts me. Jesus did not die for a possession, so why are people being killed for things?
My mind continues thinking of the scripture, “What manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God” (2 Peter 3:11-12).
People set aside money for the holidays for things. Many plan a party to be just right but few plan for the party of the coming of God.
What are you anticipating this holiday season? A special gift, a vacation, the perfect turkey. Are you moving money or creating debt for something on sale? Have you been planning, how to give the gift of Jesus?
Don’t fall for the cheap schemes because times are hard. Consider the most elegant priceless gift of all. For your wish list ask God to grant you an opportunity to share Christ with others. Pray to God to channel your attention away from possessions. For sharing the gift of Jesus is, the best deal.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Stir It Up
When I was a teenager the only thing I loved writing was poetry. I entered contest and found much pleasure in writing. As an adult I have come to understand more of my gift of writing and as I learn more; it as if it is growing more and more like a person from birth.
This past week as my daughter was persistent about me coming along to help her compose a book. I found myself writing a few children stories. It was fun and a great way to spend time with each other.
As I was thinking this morning I contemplated more on the scripture from Paul advising Timothy to stir up his gift.
“Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.” (2 Timothy 1:6).
When we stir up something it is blended, roused, or mixed with other things. It is defined as to cause an especially slight movement or change of position of: to disturb the quiet of: agitate: to rouse to activity. The more I thought of what was going on with me with the stirring of this gift it made more and more sense.
With each gift there is another level to your gift. Some are granted many gifts soem few yet if we are dormant to the one we are to lead with, how can we agitate our gift to the flowing of others? Have you felt like maybe you should do something else? What are you being charged to do?
Don’t be afraid to leap out because it seems impossible. Mark Twain said, “Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear -- not absence of fear.” Pray to God to give you courage to stir up your gift. Ask the Lord to deliver your state of mind from being afraid so you may have mastery over fear. For God has given us spirit of “power and love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).
This past week as my daughter was persistent about me coming along to help her compose a book. I found myself writing a few children stories. It was fun and a great way to spend time with each other.
As I was thinking this morning I contemplated more on the scripture from Paul advising Timothy to stir up his gift.
“Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.” (2 Timothy 1:6).
When we stir up something it is blended, roused, or mixed with other things. It is defined as to cause an especially slight movement or change of position of: to disturb the quiet of: agitate: to rouse to activity. The more I thought of what was going on with me with the stirring of this gift it made more and more sense.
With each gift there is another level to your gift. Some are granted many gifts soem few yet if we are dormant to the one we are to lead with, how can we agitate our gift to the flowing of others? Have you felt like maybe you should do something else? What are you being charged to do?
Don’t be afraid to leap out because it seems impossible. Mark Twain said, “Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear -- not absence of fear.” Pray to God to give you courage to stir up your gift. Ask the Lord to deliver your state of mind from being afraid so you may have mastery over fear. For God has given us spirit of “power and love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).
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