"After that, the Word of God came to me: “Zerubbabel started rebuilding this Temple and he will complete it. That will be your confirmation that God-of-the-Angel-Armies sent me to you. Does anyone dare despise this day of small beginnings? They’ll change their tune when they see Zerubbabel setting the last stone in place!” Going back to the vision, the Messenger-Angel said, “The seven lamps are the eyes of God probing the dark corners of the world like searchlights.”~Zechariah4:8-10(MSG)
Today I dropped my daughter off for her first day of first grade. As we sat there, I looked around. My baby girl is 6 and is in a multi-age classroom. That means that there are both first and second graders in one classroom. Even though she is not the oldest child in the classroom, she is the tallest child in the classroom. It made me think back to when I was a child. I hit my growth spurt sooner than a lot of my classmates. So, if you seen me you would have thought I was going to be tall. Well, that was not the case. See, I hit my growth spurt early but I stopped growing when others kept on growing. That is what happens a lot of times doesn't it? You can look around and it looks like everyone else is so much farther along than you. They can look so much bigger than you through your eyes. My friend, don't get discouraged or fooled by what you currently see! God is not through with you! Others may seem bigger but be encouraged because God is still stretching and growing you!
It is easy to look at others and compare ourselves to them. Comparison is one of the quickest robbers of joy! Don't you know that when we compare ourselves to our brothers and sisters in Christ we lose focus of our strengths? It is easy to see only your weaknesses when you look at someone else's strengths. Instead of comparing yourself to others, rejoice when you see God's anointing upon others. Pray for them. Encourage them. You do not know what seeds were sown and watered in there life for God to bring forth the increase of strength that you see. One thing you can be rest assured of is the fact that seeds were sown. If you know anything about a seed, you know that different seeds grow at different rates. Not only do different seeds grow at different rates but the ground the seed is sown in determines how well that seed will grow. Lets make sure we are good ground so that we can grow as God desires for us to grow us.
I want to leave you with some encouragement on today. Rest on this word. You, my friend, are unique and you are beautiful. You are God's handy work. Never allow yourself to feel smaller than you are. "I will confess and praise You for You are fearful and wonderful and for the awful wonder of my birth! Wonderful are Your works, and that my inner self knows right well."~Psalm139:14(AMP) I love that God, asked the question in Zechariah does any dare despise this day of small beginnings. Never allow yourself to despise where you are in God. God is yet working in and through you. Perfecting everything He started in you.
Let me pray with you on today. Father God, I come before you right now in the mighty name of Jesus. Father, I thank you for each person that took the time to read this blog. I pray that it encouraged them and drew them closer to you. Oh God, you declare in your word that when we draw close to you that you will draw close to us. We thank you of that drawing on today. Father, I ask that you would open their eyes so that they would see themselves through the eyes of Christ. Allow them to see who they are in your eyes. I bind the spirit of fear right now in the name of Jesus. I speak what your word declares for you have not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. Have your way in the lives of your people! Remove any hindrance or weight in the name of Jesus! We count it as done and we give you the highest praise due to your holy name in the matchless name of Jesus, amen!
If you do not know Jesus as your personal savior and would like to receive the greatest gift you will ever receive, the gift of salvation join me in prayer on today. Father, I confess that I have sinned against you. I believe in my heart and confess with my mouth that you are Lord. I believe that Jesus died on the cross for me and rose from the dead to sit on the right hand of God the Father. Enter into my heart today to live forever more. I give you access to every part of me. Thank you, Jesus for saving me on this day! In Jesus name, Amen!
Monday, August 25, 2014
Friday, August 15, 2014
You are too strong to be weak!
"The Lord is my Strength and my [impenetrable] Shield; my heart trusts in, relies on, and confidently leans on Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song will I praise Him."~Psalm28:7(AMP)
I was laughing, joking and play fighting with my oldest son when I told him, you are too strong to be weak. See, my eleven year old son is almost as tall as me and weighs ninety four pounds. He does not realize his strength. He does not realize how big he is. As soon as the words came out of my mouth, I got excited! Think about it. Let it marinate. Many of us do not realize our own strength. We don't realize just where our strength comes from. The world would have us think it is from our size, but don't you know our strength comes from our God! Psalm28:7 reminds us that the Lord is our shield not only our shield but a impenetrable shield. That means absolutely nothing will be able to get past that shield. Now, that is the very definition of strong. When we know that we know that we know that God is our strength, we are able to walk out and live the remainder of Psalm28:7. Our hearts trust in, rely on, and confidently lean on Him! We know that we are helped and our heart greatly rejoices and with our song will we praise God! Now, that right there is a promise to stand on.
As I began to think about the reasons that we forget just how strong we are and become paralyzed and weak, the first thing that came to my mind was we think we have to be in the fight all by ourselves. We forget that it is a "fixed" fight! "The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm."~Exodus14:14(NLT) Don't you know that the Lord Himself will fight for you. Sometimes we have to remind ourselves to stand on Exodus 14:13. We have to stand still and see the salvation of the Lord. The next time a situation tries to remind you of your weakness remind your situation who is perfected in your weakness! "But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me."~2Corinthians12:9(NIV) The next time fear and doubt come knocking and throwing up your weaknesses boast in them and let God's strength be perfected! God's grace is more than sufficient for every battle and storm you will face.
Never allow the size of your giant that you are up against cause you to forget the size of your God! "But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world." If that promise of God is not enough then lean on the strength that comes from this scripture: "I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who [a]infuses inner strength into me; I am [b]self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency]."~Philippians4:13(AMP) Our feelings change, our circumstances change, but the word of God remains the same. If you are having trouble seeing your strength, allow God to light up the path for you to see! You my friend, are too strong to be weak another day of your life! Embrace your strength on today.
I would love to pray with you on today. Father God, I thank you for each and every person that took the time to read this blog on today. I pray that it met them right where they were at and caused them to be reminded of how strong they are in you. Father, I thank you for perfecting your strength in them through their weaknesses. Oh God, I thank you that we can run to you in our times of not just trouble but of victory! How great it is to be able to come before the throne of grace and marvel at your majesty. Father, on today I pray that what ever battle my brother or sister is facing that you remind them that you are not only their guide but their guard! That not weapon that is formed against them will prosper and that every lying tongue will be condemned! Have your way God. Move by your spirit right now and cause every crooked place to be made straight for your glory! In the mighty and matchless name of Jesus Christ, Amen!
If you do not know Jesus Christ as your personal savior, I would love to pray with you on today to accept the greatest gift of all. The gift of eternal life. Repeat after me if you would desire to accept Him as Lord of your life. Father God, I believe in my heart and confess with my mouth that Jesus is Lord. I ask that you would come in to my heart and reign forever more. I believe that you died for my sins on the cross and that you rose from the dead and sit at the right hand of God. I repent of all past sins. I give you my life this day forever more. In Jesus name, Amen!
I was laughing, joking and play fighting with my oldest son when I told him, you are too strong to be weak. See, my eleven year old son is almost as tall as me and weighs ninety four pounds. He does not realize his strength. He does not realize how big he is. As soon as the words came out of my mouth, I got excited! Think about it. Let it marinate. Many of us do not realize our own strength. We don't realize just where our strength comes from. The world would have us think it is from our size, but don't you know our strength comes from our God! Psalm28:7 reminds us that the Lord is our shield not only our shield but a impenetrable shield. That means absolutely nothing will be able to get past that shield. Now, that is the very definition of strong. When we know that we know that we know that God is our strength, we are able to walk out and live the remainder of Psalm28:7. Our hearts trust in, rely on, and confidently lean on Him! We know that we are helped and our heart greatly rejoices and with our song will we praise God! Now, that right there is a promise to stand on.
As I began to think about the reasons that we forget just how strong we are and become paralyzed and weak, the first thing that came to my mind was we think we have to be in the fight all by ourselves. We forget that it is a "fixed" fight! "The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm."~Exodus14:14(NLT) Don't you know that the Lord Himself will fight for you. Sometimes we have to remind ourselves to stand on Exodus 14:13. We have to stand still and see the salvation of the Lord. The next time a situation tries to remind you of your weakness remind your situation who is perfected in your weakness! "But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me."~2Corinthians12:9(NIV) The next time fear and doubt come knocking and throwing up your weaknesses boast in them and let God's strength be perfected! God's grace is more than sufficient for every battle and storm you will face.
Never allow the size of your giant that you are up against cause you to forget the size of your God! "But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world." If that promise of God is not enough then lean on the strength that comes from this scripture: "I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who [a]infuses inner strength into me; I am [b]self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency]."~Philippians4:13(AMP) Our feelings change, our circumstances change, but the word of God remains the same. If you are having trouble seeing your strength, allow God to light up the path for you to see! You my friend, are too strong to be weak another day of your life! Embrace your strength on today.
I would love to pray with you on today. Father God, I thank you for each and every person that took the time to read this blog on today. I pray that it met them right where they were at and caused them to be reminded of how strong they are in you. Father, I thank you for perfecting your strength in them through their weaknesses. Oh God, I thank you that we can run to you in our times of not just trouble but of victory! How great it is to be able to come before the throne of grace and marvel at your majesty. Father, on today I pray that what ever battle my brother or sister is facing that you remind them that you are not only their guide but their guard! That not weapon that is formed against them will prosper and that every lying tongue will be condemned! Have your way God. Move by your spirit right now and cause every crooked place to be made straight for your glory! In the mighty and matchless name of Jesus Christ, Amen!
If you do not know Jesus Christ as your personal savior, I would love to pray with you on today to accept the greatest gift of all. The gift of eternal life. Repeat after me if you would desire to accept Him as Lord of your life. Father God, I believe in my heart and confess with my mouth that Jesus is Lord. I ask that you would come in to my heart and reign forever more. I believe that you died for my sins on the cross and that you rose from the dead and sit at the right hand of God. I repent of all past sins. I give you my life this day forever more. In Jesus name, Amen!
Sunday, August 10, 2014
Uncomfortable because of growing pains!
"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us."(Romans8:18NIV)
When I think about growing pains, I think of my children. Each of them are in different stages of life and with each stage there comes a different set of growing pains. The exciting thing about growing pains is that with it comes growth. My oldest son is eleven and almost as tall as me. When I look at him I still see my baby boy that I held in my arms and rocked to sleep. As I prepare for him to soon be going to middle school, I watch in amazement. The growth that he has experienced this summer has been awesome. The biggest change I see in him is his appetite. He is hungry all of the time now! What would once satisfy him is no longer enough. Let me let you in on a little secret. As you begin to grow, your appetite for the word will change. Your appetite will not only change but milk will no longer satisfy you. "For everyone who continues to feed on milk is obviously inexperienced and unskilled in the doctrine of righteousness (of conformity to the divine will in purpose, thought, and action), for he is a mere infant [not able to talk yet]!
14 But solid food is for full-grown men, for those whose senses and mental faculties are trained by practice to discriminate and distinguish between what is morally good and noble and what is evil and contrary either to divine or human law."(Hebrews5:13-14AMP)
I just wanted to encourage you to get excited about what God is doing in your life. Move from being unsure of what He was doing to rejoicing in what He is doing! Move from concentrating on the pain to rejoicing about His glory being revealed in you! Move from fitting in to standing out for His glory! You were not created to fit in."But you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, God’s instruments to do his work and speak out for him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference he made for you—from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted."(1Peter2:9MSG)
Let me pray with you today. Father God, I come before you thanking you for each person that took the time to read this blog. I ask God that you would meet them right where they are and fill whatever need they are standing with on today. Father, I thank you for the ability to come to you in prayer. I thank you that when we come before your throne of grace we leave differently than when we entered in. Oh, God I thank you for the work you are perfecting even now and that even though we will have times of growing pains and of being uncomfortable we know that the glory that will be revealed in us will be incomparable! Father, I pray for those who may not know you as their savor and the pardoner of their sins. If you don't know Jesus as Lord and Savior, won't you accept the greatest gift you have ever received? The gift of eternal life. The gift of a Savior. Join in this prayer. Father God, I believe in my heart and confess with my mouth that Jesus is Lord. That Jesus Christ died for my sins! That Jesus Christ rose from the dead and sits at the right hand of the father and I ask Him into my heart to reign forever more. In Jesus name, AMEN!
Thursday, June 5, 2014
Look in the mirror and stop looking out the window.
7 1-5 “Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It’s easy to see a smudge on your neighbor’s face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, ‘Let me wash your face for you,’ when your own face is distorted by contempt? It’s this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor."~Matthew 7:5(MSG)
It is always easier to look out of the window and see what is on our sister and brother's face then it is for us to look in the mirror and see what is on ours. The verse above goes as far to state that we will have the nerve to say, let me wash your face for you, when our own face is distorted by contempt. Let us get to a place in Christ where we are eager to get before Him and have Him search us and cleanse and purify us. When we are clean ourselves we will bear the fruit and not just talk about the seeds. It is time to be about our father's business through not just our words but our deeds. Our very actions are what display our fruit not how shiny we may look on the outside. How many of you know that an artificial piece of fruit can be one of the prettiest pieces of fruit you can find, but baby you will not be able to get any nutrients from that artificial fruit. The same is true with many of us we may very well be the prettiest or most handsome thing in the room but our vessels are empty and not empty in a good way. We are of no good to our Daddy because we do not have any of His fruit. This is what the scripture has to say about this type of person: “You’re hopeless, you religion scholars and Pharisees! Frauds! You’re like manicured grave plots, grass clipped and the flowers bright, but six feet down it’s all rotting bones and worm-eaten flesh. People look at you and think you’re saints, but beneath the skin you’re total frauds.~Matthew23:27-28
We each should strive to walk in holiness. For holiness is still the standard. It is the standard when we feel like it and it is still the standard when we don't. Holiness has nothing to do with feelings at all.When we walk in holiness we will not be so focused on pointing out everyone else's sins. But instead we point them to the king of kings. We will be offering a healing balm from on high. We serve a holy God. In our holiness and humility there is a healing that takes place. It is in our humility that we admit that we ourselves do not have it all together but we know the one who is able to cleanse us and purify us for His use. "If we claim that we’re free of sin, we’re only fooling ourselves. A claim like that is errant nonsense. On the other hand, if we admit our sins—make a clean breast of them—he won’t let us down; he’ll be true to himself. He’ll forgive our sins and purge us of all wrongdoing. If we claim that we’ve never sinned, we out-and-out contradict God—make a liar out of him. A claim like that only shows off our ignorance of God."~1John1:8-10
Let me pray with you today. Lord, I come before you with a humble heart asking that you would let us be vessels of your glory instead of trying to be mirrors for others. Father God, search us on today and cleanse and purify not only our minds and our hearts but our motives as well. Let us not be so quick to point out the sins of others but to be quick to offer a helping hand. Let our fruit display a close walk with you. Father, I ask that the Holy Ghost would come in and have its way in our hearts. Create in us clean hearts and renew a right spirit within us. Let nothing we do be for selfish gain. In the name of Jesus, Amen. If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal savior, won't you make the best decision of your life today and accept Him to be Lord of your life?
It is always easier to look out of the window and see what is on our sister and brother's face then it is for us to look in the mirror and see what is on ours. The verse above goes as far to state that we will have the nerve to say, let me wash your face for you, when our own face is distorted by contempt. Let us get to a place in Christ where we are eager to get before Him and have Him search us and cleanse and purify us. When we are clean ourselves we will bear the fruit and not just talk about the seeds. It is time to be about our father's business through not just our words but our deeds. Our very actions are what display our fruit not how shiny we may look on the outside. How many of you know that an artificial piece of fruit can be one of the prettiest pieces of fruit you can find, but baby you will not be able to get any nutrients from that artificial fruit. The same is true with many of us we may very well be the prettiest or most handsome thing in the room but our vessels are empty and not empty in a good way. We are of no good to our Daddy because we do not have any of His fruit. This is what the scripture has to say about this type of person: “You’re hopeless, you religion scholars and Pharisees! Frauds! You’re like manicured grave plots, grass clipped and the flowers bright, but six feet down it’s all rotting bones and worm-eaten flesh. People look at you and think you’re saints, but beneath the skin you’re total frauds.~Matthew23:27-28
We each should strive to walk in holiness. For holiness is still the standard. It is the standard when we feel like it and it is still the standard when we don't. Holiness has nothing to do with feelings at all.When we walk in holiness we will not be so focused on pointing out everyone else's sins. But instead we point them to the king of kings. We will be offering a healing balm from on high. We serve a holy God. In our holiness and humility there is a healing that takes place. It is in our humility that we admit that we ourselves do not have it all together but we know the one who is able to cleanse us and purify us for His use. "If we claim that we’re free of sin, we’re only fooling ourselves. A claim like that is errant nonsense. On the other hand, if we admit our sins—make a clean breast of them—he won’t let us down; he’ll be true to himself. He’ll forgive our sins and purge us of all wrongdoing. If we claim that we’ve never sinned, we out-and-out contradict God—make a liar out of him. A claim like that only shows off our ignorance of God."~1John1:8-10
Let me pray with you today. Lord, I come before you with a humble heart asking that you would let us be vessels of your glory instead of trying to be mirrors for others. Father God, search us on today and cleanse and purify not only our minds and our hearts but our motives as well. Let us not be so quick to point out the sins of others but to be quick to offer a helping hand. Let our fruit display a close walk with you. Father, I ask that the Holy Ghost would come in and have its way in our hearts. Create in us clean hearts and renew a right spirit within us. Let nothing we do be for selfish gain. In the name of Jesus, Amen. If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal savior, won't you make the best decision of your life today and accept Him to be Lord of your life?
Sunday, May 11, 2014
Out with the old and in with the new!
Have you ever bought a new outfit but were not able to wear it because you had no shoes to match? I am guilty of doing that. I was so excited about my new outfit and just knew that I had something in my closet to go with it. Only to return home to search and find nothing to match my new outfit. It is not a good feeling to be excited about wearing that outfit but not being able to because you don't have any shoes! The same is true with our walk with Christ. Many of us are looking mix matched. We are trying to put our new beautiful garments over our old dirty garments. It will not work. For in doing so we are ruining the new! “Besides, who would patch old clothing with new cloth? For the new patch would shrink and rip away from the old cloth, leaving an even bigger tear than before."~Matthew 9:16(NLT) It is time to get rid of the old in order to embrace the new. The word of God tells us that old things are passed away. "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."~2Corinthians5:17(KJV) Out with old and in with the new.
Another way to look at out with the old and in with the new is to look at how we view pouring new wine in old wine bottles. Does this make since to you? Would you do that? Do you know in doing so you not only waste the new wine but break the wine bottle? “And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. For the new wine would burst the wineskins, spilling the wine and ruining the skins."~Luke 5:37(NLT) We do this in our every day life when we start a day with out asking God to empty us. We enter the day full of heaviness from the day before. We need to start empty so that it is God who is filling us with His new mercy. God's mercy is new everyday. "Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning."~Lamentations 3:23 Let's remind our selves each morning to ask God to empty us. Out with the old and in with the new.
Is there an old pattern of behavior in your life that does not line up with your new identity in Christ? Is this behavior hindering your walk with Christ? Let today be the day you make up your mind to no longer hold on to your past. Let it go. Let old habits go. It is time to walk in the fulness of what God has prepared for you. Let today be the day you say out with the old and in with the new! New mindset and new focus on your purpose.
I would love to touch and agree with you today with a word of prayer. Father God, I come before you today praying for my brother or sister that took time on today to read this blog and that feels the wooing of your Holy Spirit. I pray that you have shown them what it is in their life that you a desiring for them to put aside. What you are desiring for them to get rid of through your grace and through the authority that you have given us through your son Jesus Christ. Father God we cry out to you today and ask that you would lead us on the path that you have for us. We long to do your will and be emptied daily so we can be filled with your glory! In the mighty name of Jesus we pray and praise you in advance for your work being completed amen! If you do not know Jesus Christ as your savior and you have not accepted Him into you heart and confessed Him as Lord, let today be the day that you receive eternal life.
Another way to look at out with the old and in with the new is to look at how we view pouring new wine in old wine bottles. Does this make since to you? Would you do that? Do you know in doing so you not only waste the new wine but break the wine bottle? “And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. For the new wine would burst the wineskins, spilling the wine and ruining the skins."~Luke 5:37(NLT) We do this in our every day life when we start a day with out asking God to empty us. We enter the day full of heaviness from the day before. We need to start empty so that it is God who is filling us with His new mercy. God's mercy is new everyday. "Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning."~Lamentations 3:23 Let's remind our selves each morning to ask God to empty us. Out with the old and in with the new.
Is there an old pattern of behavior in your life that does not line up with your new identity in Christ? Is this behavior hindering your walk with Christ? Let today be the day you make up your mind to no longer hold on to your past. Let it go. Let old habits go. It is time to walk in the fulness of what God has prepared for you. Let today be the day you say out with the old and in with the new! New mindset and new focus on your purpose.
I would love to touch and agree with you today with a word of prayer. Father God, I come before you today praying for my brother or sister that took time on today to read this blog and that feels the wooing of your Holy Spirit. I pray that you have shown them what it is in their life that you a desiring for them to put aside. What you are desiring for them to get rid of through your grace and through the authority that you have given us through your son Jesus Christ. Father God we cry out to you today and ask that you would lead us on the path that you have for us. We long to do your will and be emptied daily so we can be filled with your glory! In the mighty name of Jesus we pray and praise you in advance for your work being completed amen! If you do not know Jesus Christ as your savior and you have not accepted Him into you heart and confessed Him as Lord, let today be the day that you receive eternal life.
Sunday, April 20, 2014
It Is Finished!
28 "Jesus knew that his mission was now finished, and to fulfill Scripture he said, “I am thirsty.”[a] 29 A jar of sour wine was sitting there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put it on a hyssop branch, and held it up to his lips. 30 When Jesus had tasted it, he said, “It is finished!” Then he bowed his head and released his spirit."~John19:28-30
Some of the sweetest words you can say or hear are these 3..It is finished! During this time of reflection of the cross and what it represents for us these are inspiring words to meditate upon. How exciting it is to hear that it is finished. It is complete! It is done! Whatever you are facing be reminded that it will not last forever. There is a beginning and an ending for everything. 3 "For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven."~Ecclesiastes3:1(NLT) Rejoice in the promise that the king of kings gave us. It is finished!
There are 3 more words that serve as awesome reminders of God's power and sovereignty. These words are It is written! 3 "The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’[a]”~Matthew4:3-4(NIV) When we get tempted by doubt and unbelief tries to creep in, declare these words..It is written! The only way we can grab a hold of the promises of God is if we know them. The words it is written are powerful because even when we get tempted and when the enemy comes in with lies and plots and schemes, we just have to be reminded of what is written in God's holy word. It is written that we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us! It is written that “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”~1Corinthians2:9(NLT)
The next time you are faced with a decision to believe God's unfailing word or believe lives remind yourself that when you are redeemed by Christ you have an expected end! 11 "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end."~Jeremiah29:11(KJV) You have been redeemed and your redeemer lives! 23 "Oh, that the words I now speak were written! Oh, that they were inscribed in a book [carved on a tablet of stone]! 24 That with an iron pen and [molten] lead they were graven in the rock forever! 25 For I know that my Redeemer and Vindicator lives, and at last He [the Last One] will stand upon the earth."~Job19:23-25(AMP)
I would love to touch and agree with you today in prayer. Father God, I thank you for your unchanging word. I praise you that you are your word and your word is you. I ask that you would touch the people that read this prayer on today and remind them of your promises. Remind us on today that your word never changes and that every promise that is written is for each of us. Give us a desire to not only know your word but to become your word. Etch your words on our hearts Lord. Thank your for the ultimate sacrifice which was the offering of your son for our sins. Show each of us our expected end. Ignite a passion in us to continue to speak what you have written, It is finished and It is written! When we get weary, when we feel defeated, when we feel like giving up, and when we feel like giving in, let us meditate on the words it is finished and it is written. Father God, I thank you. In Jesus name, Amen. If you do not know the Lord Jesus as your personal savior, won't you accept the best gift of all? The gift of eternal life.
Some of the sweetest words you can say or hear are these 3..It is finished! During this time of reflection of the cross and what it represents for us these are inspiring words to meditate upon. How exciting it is to hear that it is finished. It is complete! It is done! Whatever you are facing be reminded that it will not last forever. There is a beginning and an ending for everything. 3 "For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven."~Ecclesiastes3:1(NLT) Rejoice in the promise that the king of kings gave us. It is finished!
There are 3 more words that serve as awesome reminders of God's power and sovereignty. These words are It is written! 3 "The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’[a]”~Matthew4:3-4(NIV) When we get tempted by doubt and unbelief tries to creep in, declare these words..It is written! The only way we can grab a hold of the promises of God is if we know them. The words it is written are powerful because even when we get tempted and when the enemy comes in with lies and plots and schemes, we just have to be reminded of what is written in God's holy word. It is written that we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us! It is written that “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”~1Corinthians2:9(NLT)
The next time you are faced with a decision to believe God's unfailing word or believe lives remind yourself that when you are redeemed by Christ you have an expected end! 11 "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end."~Jeremiah29:11(KJV) You have been redeemed and your redeemer lives! 23 "Oh, that the words I now speak were written! Oh, that they were inscribed in a book [carved on a tablet of stone]! 24 That with an iron pen and [molten] lead they were graven in the rock forever! 25 For I know that my Redeemer and Vindicator lives, and at last He [the Last One] will stand upon the earth."~Job19:23-25(AMP)
I would love to touch and agree with you today in prayer. Father God, I thank you for your unchanging word. I praise you that you are your word and your word is you. I ask that you would touch the people that read this prayer on today and remind them of your promises. Remind us on today that your word never changes and that every promise that is written is for each of us. Give us a desire to not only know your word but to become your word. Etch your words on our hearts Lord. Thank your for the ultimate sacrifice which was the offering of your son for our sins. Show each of us our expected end. Ignite a passion in us to continue to speak what you have written, It is finished and It is written! When we get weary, when we feel defeated, when we feel like giving up, and when we feel like giving in, let us meditate on the words it is finished and it is written. Father God, I thank you. In Jesus name, Amen. If you do not know the Lord Jesus as your personal savior, won't you accept the best gift of all? The gift of eternal life.
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
What insecurity or struggle in your life is keeping you from maturing in Christ?
11 When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things.~1 Corinthians 13:11(NLT)
I have a 3 and a half year old son. His name is Jonathan. Well, Jonathan is our 3rd child. He has an older brother and sister. All was well in Jonathan's world until my sweet baby girl, Jayda came along. When Jayda was born, Jonathan had a very hard time giving up his spot as the youngest child. You see, Jonathan still wanted to be mommy and daddy's baby. We noticed that once Jayda came he was no longer excited about potty training and he would tell us that he was our baby. See, Jonathan was wanting to hold on to his spot at whatever cost. He was not willing to put away childish things and be a big brother. Here recently he has officially became potty trained and in the process it made me start thinking. I began to think about our walk with Christ. When we get saved, we are babies in Christ. We are not ready for meat we have to have milk, but as we grow we become ready for meat. "Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ. 2 I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready."~1 Corinthians3:1-2 The problem many of us are having is that we are not growing in Christ. We are happy with staying the baby. We are happy drinking milk and not eating meat. We have to understand as we grow we need more. Milk will no longer be enough. Milk will no longer sustain you.
What is hindering you from maturing in Christ? What is stopping you from seeking Him more? What is keeping you from moving from reaching for His hand to becoming His hand? What insecurity in your life is keeping you from gaining knowledge of who He is? What struggle in your life right now is keeping you from drawing closer to Him? There is a reason that you are not wanting to give up your spot as a baby in Christ. There is a reason that you have been going to church Sunday after Sunday and Wednesday after Wednesday and there has not been a change in your life. Once you get to the root of your insecurity and your struggle you will be able to yank it up and mature in Christ.
See, Jonathan's insecurity was that he thought he was no longer going to be important because he was no longer the baby. He was not used to more responsibility. He was not use to being a big brother and he did not like it. Once it clicked for him that he was still special, he got excited about being a big boy. He got excited about being a big brother. Jonathan became okay with giving up his spot as a baby. We have to get before God and yank up the root of our insecurity and be okay with maturing in our calling. As we mature, we become able to help our brother's and sister's in Christ. As we mature, we get excited about our responsibilities. We must realize that our struggle was designed to draw us closer to God and not push us away from Him.
I would love to touch and agree with you on today in prayer. Father God, I come before you today on the behalf of my brother and sister in Christ. I come touching and agreeing with them in faith that as you reveal to some what their insecurity are and as you heal the insecurities in others that you will remind them that you will complete the work that you have begun in them. Father, I thank you for maturing them in their walk with you. I thank you for the desire and zeal that you are renewing in them for your glory. Continue to have your way in their lives. Remind them on today that their struggles are designed to draw them closer to you and that you will never leave them nor forsake them. In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen. If you have not accepted the most wonderful gift of eternal life, won't you accept that gift today? It is always the right time to accept the gift of eternal life.
I have a 3 and a half year old son. His name is Jonathan. Well, Jonathan is our 3rd child. He has an older brother and sister. All was well in Jonathan's world until my sweet baby girl, Jayda came along. When Jayda was born, Jonathan had a very hard time giving up his spot as the youngest child. You see, Jonathan still wanted to be mommy and daddy's baby. We noticed that once Jayda came he was no longer excited about potty training and he would tell us that he was our baby. See, Jonathan was wanting to hold on to his spot at whatever cost. He was not willing to put away childish things and be a big brother. Here recently he has officially became potty trained and in the process it made me start thinking. I began to think about our walk with Christ. When we get saved, we are babies in Christ. We are not ready for meat we have to have milk, but as we grow we become ready for meat. "Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ. 2 I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready."~1 Corinthians3:1-2 The problem many of us are having is that we are not growing in Christ. We are happy with staying the baby. We are happy drinking milk and not eating meat. We have to understand as we grow we need more. Milk will no longer be enough. Milk will no longer sustain you.
What is hindering you from maturing in Christ? What is stopping you from seeking Him more? What is keeping you from moving from reaching for His hand to becoming His hand? What insecurity in your life is keeping you from gaining knowledge of who He is? What struggle in your life right now is keeping you from drawing closer to Him? There is a reason that you are not wanting to give up your spot as a baby in Christ. There is a reason that you have been going to church Sunday after Sunday and Wednesday after Wednesday and there has not been a change in your life. Once you get to the root of your insecurity and your struggle you will be able to yank it up and mature in Christ.
See, Jonathan's insecurity was that he thought he was no longer going to be important because he was no longer the baby. He was not used to more responsibility. He was not use to being a big brother and he did not like it. Once it clicked for him that he was still special, he got excited about being a big boy. He got excited about being a big brother. Jonathan became okay with giving up his spot as a baby. We have to get before God and yank up the root of our insecurity and be okay with maturing in our calling. As we mature, we become able to help our brother's and sister's in Christ. As we mature, we get excited about our responsibilities. We must realize that our struggle was designed to draw us closer to God and not push us away from Him.
I would love to touch and agree with you on today in prayer. Father God, I come before you today on the behalf of my brother and sister in Christ. I come touching and agreeing with them in faith that as you reveal to some what their insecurity are and as you heal the insecurities in others that you will remind them that you will complete the work that you have begun in them. Father, I thank you for maturing them in their walk with you. I thank you for the desire and zeal that you are renewing in them for your glory. Continue to have your way in their lives. Remind them on today that their struggles are designed to draw them closer to you and that you will never leave them nor forsake them. In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen. If you have not accepted the most wonderful gift of eternal life, won't you accept that gift today? It is always the right time to accept the gift of eternal life.
Monday, April 14, 2014
It is time to shine some light on your dreams!
One of my favorite things about Germany is the shutters that are on all of the windows in the homes. It can literally be noon and you would not know it unless you opened up the shutters. Now, this is a wonderful thing if you have nothing to do but rest. It is not so much of a good thing when you are relying on the sun to wake you up. How many of you have been in a place like a tunnel or inside a house that had dark curtains on the windows and you were not able to tell what time it was? This is happening in our spiritual lives as well. We have put shutters up around our dreams. We have not allowed God's light to shine on the very dream that He placed in our hearts. When God give you something, He gives it to you for it to shine for His glory.
15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.~Matthew5:15-16(NLT)
When I put on my makeup I like to do it in natural sun light. It is amazing how different artificial light is compared to natural sun light. Natural sun light is so much better. It allows me to see my features better. The same is true with the light that the son of God shines forth on us. There is no substitute for His holy light. We can try and mimic His light with self help books and get right plans. We will learn that once His light shines upon us we will never be the same. We will never be able to just sit in the dark any longer. It is time to open up the window of your soul and let His holy light shine upon you.
There is power in getting before God and allowing Him to awaken our dreams. Many times when we are basking in His presence He gives us new dreams. I love the beach. I love relaxing on the beach. It can be very dangerous even at the pool in the summer. Time can get away from us and we can forget how long we have been exposed to the sun. Too much sun can be harmful to our flesh. Just as physically too much sun can be harmful to us, not enough of the Son of God can be harmful to our spirit. You may be at place where it is dark. You may have been at this place for some time now and you are weary. You have questioned the dream that God has placed in your heart. You have thought that this dream is too big for you. I came on today to remind you that we serve a Big God! My friend, it is time to shine some light on your dreams! It is time to let the son of God come in and do what only He can do. It is time to shine for His glory. 3 “Men and women who have lived wisely and well will shine brilliantly, like the cloudless, star-strewn night skies. And those who put others on the right path to life will glow like stars forever.~Daniel 12:3(MSG) When you shine light on your dreams, you direct others to the right path so they can shine light upon their dreams as well!
I would love to touch and agree with you today in prayer. Father God, I come before you asking that as my friend reads this blog that you awaken each and every dream that has been sleeping in their lives. I call forth every idea and vision that you placed in their heart for such a time as this. I pray that you stir up the gift that is inside of them. Shine your light upon them like only you can so that they can shine bright for your glory. Father, I ask that you would remind them of who they are in you. Show them their purpose. Show them their strengths. When they are weak, come in and make them strong in you. Continue to show yourself mighty in their lives. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, amen. If you do not know Jesus as Lord, won't you make the best decision of your life on today and accept Him as your personal savior?
15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.~Matthew5:15-16(NLT)
When I put on my makeup I like to do it in natural sun light. It is amazing how different artificial light is compared to natural sun light. Natural sun light is so much better. It allows me to see my features better. The same is true with the light that the son of God shines forth on us. There is no substitute for His holy light. We can try and mimic His light with self help books and get right plans. We will learn that once His light shines upon us we will never be the same. We will never be able to just sit in the dark any longer. It is time to open up the window of your soul and let His holy light shine upon you.
There is power in getting before God and allowing Him to awaken our dreams. Many times when we are basking in His presence He gives us new dreams. I love the beach. I love relaxing on the beach. It can be very dangerous even at the pool in the summer. Time can get away from us and we can forget how long we have been exposed to the sun. Too much sun can be harmful to our flesh. Just as physically too much sun can be harmful to us, not enough of the Son of God can be harmful to our spirit. You may be at place where it is dark. You may have been at this place for some time now and you are weary. You have questioned the dream that God has placed in your heart. You have thought that this dream is too big for you. I came on today to remind you that we serve a Big God! My friend, it is time to shine some light on your dreams! It is time to let the son of God come in and do what only He can do. It is time to shine for His glory. 3 “Men and women who have lived wisely and well will shine brilliantly, like the cloudless, star-strewn night skies. And those who put others on the right path to life will glow like stars forever.~Daniel 12:3(MSG) When you shine light on your dreams, you direct others to the right path so they can shine light upon their dreams as well!
I would love to touch and agree with you today in prayer. Father God, I come before you asking that as my friend reads this blog that you awaken each and every dream that has been sleeping in their lives. I call forth every idea and vision that you placed in their heart for such a time as this. I pray that you stir up the gift that is inside of them. Shine your light upon them like only you can so that they can shine bright for your glory. Father, I ask that you would remind them of who they are in you. Show them their purpose. Show them their strengths. When they are weak, come in and make them strong in you. Continue to show yourself mighty in their lives. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, amen. If you do not know Jesus as Lord, won't you make the best decision of your life on today and accept Him as your personal savior?
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Will you wear a cross or bear a cross?
23 And He said to all, If any person wills to come after Me, let him deny himself [[a]disown himself, [b]forget, lose sight of himself and his own interests, [c]refuse and give up himself] and take up his cross daily and follow Me [[d]cleave steadfastly to Me, conform wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying also].(Luke 9:23(Amp)
This past Sunday during the sermon a quote was read. This quote has played again and again in my mind. "It is much easier to wear a cross than to bear a cross."~Leonard Ravehill If you look around, you will see a cross displayed on just about everyones neck. It has became more of a fashion statement and less of a representation of our faith. To bear His cross is what we are called to do as His disciples. This is not always easy or comfortable, but it is always necessary.
In order to bear that cross we must deny ourselves. The word in the text that echoes very loudly is daily. We are to deny ourselves and take up our cross daily. Next in the text the important key to being able to do this is written. That important key is to follow Christ. There is no way we will be able to deny ourselves and pick up our cross on our own. Oh, but there is power in following Him. There is confidence and hope in knowing that the one we are following is able to keep us from falling. 24 Now to Him Who is able to keep you without stumbling or slipping or falling, and to present [you] unblemished (blameless and faultless) before the presence of His glory in triumphant joy and exultation [with unspeakable, ecstatic delight]—
When I think about the word bear, I think of child birth. I think of bearing a child or bringing forth fruit. Denying ourselves, picking up our cross, and following Christ will bring forth fruit in our lives. The more we give up of ourselves the more we gain our identity in Him. It is very empowering to know that daily we have the oppurtunity to be right where we need to be by making sure our minds, our hearts, and our feet are following Jesus. It is a choice that only we can make. It is a desire of our will.
Living over seas for the past 3 years has taught me to stretch out of my comfort zone. I have been stretched especially when it comes to driving places that I am unfamiliar with. I have learned to rely on my gps to be able to direct me to where I need to go. I am so relieved when I hear the gps talk to me and say recalculating! I get anxious sometimes when it seems like it is taking forever, even though it only takes seconds for it to put me back on the right track. Don't you know we are the same way with God? When we veer off of track and are in a wilderness, we get anxious and it may feel like it is taking forever for God to lead us back in the right direction. I came to remind you today my friend, that God is desiring to place your feet back on the right path. He is longing to see you deny yourself, pick up your cross, and follow after Him in every area of your life! Choose today to not just wear a cross but to bear a cross.
I want to end this blog today with touching and agreeing with you. I pray that your desire and your will come together on today and that you will experience the fullness of God's presence. That you will be reminded of how amazing it feels to abide in God's presence! Today, lay aside every weight that so easily draws your attention away from the Master. I pray that on today you will have a mind that is made up. A mind that is steadfast. That on today you will make a choice to stand for righteousness by releasing your need to be in control. Father I thank you for my sister or brother that took the time to read this and that is allowing you to touch them right now. In the mighty name of Jesus, amen! If you do not know Jesus, and you are feeling an amazing stirring on the inside. Won't you make the greatest decision of your life on today and ask Him into your heart as your personal savior?
This past Sunday during the sermon a quote was read. This quote has played again and again in my mind. "It is much easier to wear a cross than to bear a cross."~Leonard Ravehill If you look around, you will see a cross displayed on just about everyones neck. It has became more of a fashion statement and less of a representation of our faith. To bear His cross is what we are called to do as His disciples. This is not always easy or comfortable, but it is always necessary.
In order to bear that cross we must deny ourselves. The word in the text that echoes very loudly is daily. We are to deny ourselves and take up our cross daily. Next in the text the important key to being able to do this is written. That important key is to follow Christ. There is no way we will be able to deny ourselves and pick up our cross on our own. Oh, but there is power in following Him. There is confidence and hope in knowing that the one we are following is able to keep us from falling. 24 Now to Him Who is able to keep you without stumbling or slipping or falling, and to present [you] unblemished (blameless and faultless) before the presence of His glory in triumphant joy and exultation [with unspeakable, ecstatic delight]—
When I think about the word bear, I think of child birth. I think of bearing a child or bringing forth fruit. Denying ourselves, picking up our cross, and following Christ will bring forth fruit in our lives. The more we give up of ourselves the more we gain our identity in Him. It is very empowering to know that daily we have the oppurtunity to be right where we need to be by making sure our minds, our hearts, and our feet are following Jesus. It is a choice that only we can make. It is a desire of our will.
Living over seas for the past 3 years has taught me to stretch out of my comfort zone. I have been stretched especially when it comes to driving places that I am unfamiliar with. I have learned to rely on my gps to be able to direct me to where I need to go. I am so relieved when I hear the gps talk to me and say recalculating! I get anxious sometimes when it seems like it is taking forever, even though it only takes seconds for it to put me back on the right track. Don't you know we are the same way with God? When we veer off of track and are in a wilderness, we get anxious and it may feel like it is taking forever for God to lead us back in the right direction. I came to remind you today my friend, that God is desiring to place your feet back on the right path. He is longing to see you deny yourself, pick up your cross, and follow after Him in every area of your life! Choose today to not just wear a cross but to bear a cross.
I want to end this blog today with touching and agreeing with you. I pray that your desire and your will come together on today and that you will experience the fullness of God's presence. That you will be reminded of how amazing it feels to abide in God's presence! Today, lay aside every weight that so easily draws your attention away from the Master. I pray that on today you will have a mind that is made up. A mind that is steadfast. That on today you will make a choice to stand for righteousness by releasing your need to be in control. Father I thank you for my sister or brother that took the time to read this and that is allowing you to touch them right now. In the mighty name of Jesus, amen! If you do not know Jesus, and you are feeling an amazing stirring on the inside. Won't you make the greatest decision of your life on today and ask Him into your heart as your personal savior?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)