Secrets of Heaven

”To those who are open to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge.” Matthew 13:12

As I open the Word of God it is my deepest desire to not miss a single thing that my precious Savior wants to teach me. I cry out for my eyes, heart, and mind to be open to all that His Word has in it. I cannot express in words how much I hunger for deeper understanding. I love how each time I study and meditate on who Jesus is how much He challenges me to dig deeper.

Number 9 on our list of things to crave-Understanding

It is more than just reading a quick passage and then moving on. It is slowing down and actually comprehending what you are reading. It is searching for that hidden treasure that His word is full of. 

Proverbs 2:3-5 says “Cry out for insight and understanding. Search for them as you would for lost money or hidden treasure. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God.”

It is not enough for me to just hear or read the Word of God. I so badly want from the bottom of my soul to have more understanding of who Jesus is. I want to know every detail of His life, His love, what makes Him joyful, what He desires. I want to be filled with understanding and insight so that I can gain more knowledge of God. I want to be able to take that understanding and share it with the world. I want to shout from the roof tops how amazing our God is. I want to help the lost who are stumbling in the dark understand that all they have to do is flip the switch within. I want to help the confused who are wrestling with who Jesus is understand that He is their Savior who loves them and gave up His life for them. And I want more understanding of Jesus and His word because I am so madly in love with every single thing about Him that I cannot get enough! Even Jesus’ disciples searched for understanding.

In Matthew 13 Jesus had just finished speaking the parable of the Four Soils when His disciples came up to Him and asked “Why do you always tell stories when you talk to the people? And Jesus replied “You have been permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven, but others have not. To those who are open to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But to those who are not listening, even what they have will be taken away from them. That is why I tell stories, because people see what I do, but they don’t really see. They hear what I say, but they don’t really hear, and they don’t understand.” (Matthew 13:10-14)

Even Jesus wants us to seek and search for more understanding of His Word. It is not enough for Him either that we just hear. He says people like that don’t understand and don’t really hear. If we don’t understand and or hear what God is teaching us we can become more susceptible to false teaching and we will miss out on knowing the secrets of Heaven. Who in the world wants to miss that!!! Would you pursue Jesus today, would you cry out for a deeper understanding of Him and His Word? Don’t settle with just knowing the basics, you are missing out!

Prayer: Jesus it is not enough for me to just hear or read, I want the very guts of what You and Your word has to offer. Lord open my heart and allow more understanding to be poured in so that I can receive an abundance of knowledge. In Your precious name Jesus, Amen.

I know a great Counselor!

“If you love me obey my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world at large cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him. But you do, because he lives with you now and later will be in you.”John 14:15

I have an amazing mentor who over the last several years has taught me, guided me, and encouraged me to be all that I can be for the Lord. I adore our meeting times because I get to sit and be counseled by someone of such wisdom, discernment and knowledge of the Word of God.

He has taught me the significance of seeking advice from the Holy Spirit first before I seek his or anyone else’s advice. I remember during one of our meetings he made the comment that I should seek the Lord’s counsel in the direction He wanted me to go and I thought to myself “Why can’t you just tell me.”  He continued to say that the Lord would make it very clear how He wanted to use me and where. But I would have to be patient and listen!

Number 10 on our list of things to crave-Wise Counsel

I believe that the Lord gives us two counselor’s the first being the most important and needed is the Holy Spirit. He is the very one and the only one that can lead us into all truth. He is the one that teaches us how to discern right from wrong, and He is the very one that opens our eyes to understand the Word of God. He also counsels us to know the path’s we should take and that is the one the Lord has already mapped out for us.

The Holy Spirit, the one that lives and dwells within us, is also the one that speaks on our behalf. “He prays for us with groaning that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will.”Romans 8:26

Our second counselor is those who obtain true spiritual maturity and knowledge from the Word of God, such as our Pastor’s and Church Counselors. They have been called by the Lord and filled with the Holy Spirit. Though our earthly counselors cannot lead us into all truth, they can help guide and lead us to the one who can. I believe that we need to be very cautious and aware (drawing from the counselor within) when we do pick an earthly counselor. Our earthly counselor’s must exemplify this verse. “Let the words of Christ, in all their richness, live in your hearts and make you wise. Use his words to teach and counsel each other. And whatever you do or say let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus, all while giving thanks through him to God the Father.” Colossians 3:16-17

Isn’t it wonderful to know that we have our very own Counselor that lives within our hearts? When you are seeking advice would you first seek the one that can lead you into all truth?

Prayer: Jesus thank you for not leaving us empty handed when You died and rose again. Thank you for sending Your counselor that has been with You from the very beginning. May we always listen to His advice first, in Jesus name, Amen.

You are never too old to receive it!!

“My child, don’t ignore it when the Lord disciplines you, and don’t be discouraged when he corrects you. For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes those he accepts as his children.” Hebrews 12:5-6

It was the dreaded words my mom would say.”When your dad gets home, you are getting a spanking” “Oh no, please mama, please we will be good, we will stop arguing and talking back, please don’t tell dad!” My sisters and I would say. And to make it worse she would make us sit on the couch until he got home. Can you say miserable?

So there we were sitting on the couch and we would see him pull up and immediately the tears and begging began. He would walk in and say three words.”Get the belt” “ Awe, please daddy we are so sorry. We won’t do it again (yay right).” But it didn’t make a difference, no matter how much we begged or how much we cried he ALWAYS followed through!

I am 31 years old and when I think back on those moments it still puts knots in my tummy! But can I tell you my brothers and sisters, today at 31, I am so glad I had two parents who loved me so much they believed in discipline. My sisters and I know we are better people today because of the discipline (yes the spankings!) we received. Though it hurt and we felt they were to strict, we knew and know today we were loved.

Number 11 on our list of things to crave-Discipline

Jesus’ discipline comes from the Word of God, and there is not a day that goes by that I am not disciplined by my heavenly Father, and I am so thankful to be so loved and accepted as His child.

I believe that is why some people don’t read the Word more or go to church more, because they don’t want to be disciplined, corrected, and or punished for the actions and choices they make. I mean really, who wants to be corrected and punished? No one, but we have to look at it from the Lord’s perspective. And that is those of whom he does correct, discipline and punish are those of whom He loves!

My child you are loved! You are loved so much by the Father who created you that He desires for you to learn, grow, and to mature spiritually.

That is why I love our passage today! Every time I read it I smile because I am so thankful that I have a Father who wants me to be the very best I can be. He wants so much for me to be joyful, successful, pure and holy like Him. He wants nothing to harm or hurt me!

Are you running from discipline? Turn to Jesus today, yes there will be times it hurts, burns, and makes you angry, but I promise it will result in a deeper love relationship between you and Christ.

Prayer: Jesus I will take being disciplined by You every day of the week, because I know it results in growth and it reveals how deep Your love is for me. Thank You! Amen

There is nothing prettier!

“Solid food is for those who are mature, who have trained themselves to recognize the difference between right and wrong and then do what is right.”Hebrews 5:14

It is the difference between teaching and being taught, it is the difference between deep understanding and the basics. It wants to be active, challenged, and confident.

It comes from time and growth, without the two it will not develop!

Number 12 on our list of things to crave-Spiritual Maturity

Every Wednesday I sit in a room filled with devout madly in love, and extremely wise Christians! I would consider these men and women to be the backbone of our church. And just this last Wednesday as I was looking around the room I noticed how much beauty was present. Spiritual beauty, that came from a group of men and women who possessed something that I so badly desire, spiritual maturity.

These men and women all obtain character qualities as those given above. They have deep understanding, they are active, they seek to be challenged, and they are confident in their relationship with Christ. Oh my brothers and sisters that is beauty that we should all long for.

Do you know how to tell if you are maturing spiritually? Answer these questions;

 Are you teaching or just wanting to be taught?

Are you developing a deeper understanding of God’s word or are you still struggling with the basics?  

Do you self-evaluate or self-criticize?

 Do you seek unity or disunity?

 Do you desire to be challenged spiritually or do you desire to be entertained?

 Do you carefully study and observe God’s Word or do you base things off of opinion and half-hearted efforts?

Are you active in your faith or cautious and doubtful?

 Are you confident or fearful?

And do you base your feelings and experiences from God’s Word or from your own feelings?

If you desire to obtain true beauty than you should desire Spiritual Maturity!

It begins with time, which leads to growth, which then develops spiritual maturity. What are you seeking to mature in?

Prayer: Jesus thank you for the men and women who have been so faithful to their commitment to You and as a result, possess such amazing beauty. Jesus that is the beauty I crave with such an intense burning desire, In Jesus name, Amen!

Get off the milk!

“You have been Christians a long time now, and you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things a beginner must learn about the Scriptures. You are like babies who drink only milk and cannot eat solid food. And a person who is living on the milk isn’t very far along in the Christian life and doesn’t know much about doing what is right.” Hebrews 5:12-13

Have you ever thought how amazing it is that every human and creature born starts out on either their mother’s milk or formula. It is their source of food and it is exactly what is required in order for them to grow.

Number 13 on our list of things to crave-Spiritual Growth

Jesus has the same desire for us as Christians to grow spiritually. I could sit here and type and type but in reality the truth is when it comes to our Spiritual Growth it is very simple.

We must get off the milk! Just as a mother must wean here baby from nursing, we too have to be weaned from the basics of Christianity. Meaning, get off of John 3:16 and start getting deeper into the Word of God! Start learning more than one Scripture!

Start introducing solid food! Start tasting the variety of flavors God’s Word has to offer. Allow your spiritual taste buds to experience the lasting fulfillment of a deeper understanding of who Jesus is. We need to start applying Scripture to our lives and living them out! We need to start being more faithful to our commitment to Jesus and living in complete obedience! We must allow the Word of God to penetrate within us, or from our food prospective we need to take a bite(Read the word) chew it up(meditate on it, take it in), swallow it( apply it)and allow it to digest(store within us).  When we do that we start developing the ingredients for our recipe of growth! Each and every day we must learn new things from God’s Word and add those ingredients to our recipe. This recipe can NEVER have too much in it!

And lastly we must take our recipe out into the world and share it with all the newborns and with those who want to be weaned, and introduced to solids!

So today I hope you try a new ingredient to your recipe of growth, I promise you will be so surprised with how amazing just that one ingredient will make your recipe!

Prayer: Jesus help us to taste all the flavors of Your Word and allow it to digest and settle within us, filling us up and allowing our faith to grow, In Jesus name, Amen.

Humble

“Don’t be selfish; don’t live to make a good impression on others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself. Don’t think only about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and what they are doing.” Philippians 2:3-4

He was one of the top angels and yet it was not good enough, he wanted more. He wanted to be equal to God. Because of His pride he was cast out of heaven. And now he fills the minds of people to think they cannot function without impressing others, or being the wealthiest, most successful and the best at what they do no matter the cost. He takes pride in watching people become greedy and self-conceited. He finds pride in watching people destroy their image all for the sake of feeling important and fitting in. He wants everyone to think they should be served and not serve! He wants us to think our value comes from focusing on ourselves and evaluating our success, wealth, and achievements from a worldly prospective.

Number 15 on our list of things to crave-Humbleness

And then you have Him “Though he was God, he did not demand and cling to his rights as God. He made himself nothing; he took the humble position of a slave and appeared in human form. And in human form he obediently humbled himself even further by dying a criminal’s death on a cross.” Philippians 2:6-8

He showed humbleness from the time He entered the world. He did not demand to be born in a king’s palace, or wear the finest clothing. He did not request to be served, but He served! He did not throw His power around or bring attention to Himself. He did not care about being the most liked and He never compromised any part of Himself to fit in! He never focused on Himself or measured His value by the world’s standards. He evaluated His value from God’s eyes!

He spoke softly and gently with loving kindness.  When He holds us accountable and reprimands us He does it because He loves us, not because He wanted to throw His authority and power around, but because He wants His best for us.

He is the true example of how humbleness should be displayed!

So whose example are you going to follow?                

                                            

Prayer: Jesus today we seek to follow Your example of how to be humble. Forgive us for being to prideful thus missing our value in Your eyes. In Jesus name, Amen!

Her Healing Begins

 “Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.” 3 John 1:2

Precious woman, as I sit here this morning my heart breaks for you. My chest seems to sense the agony of yours, and it breaks my heart even more. I can’t seem to grasp the fear that you feel, nor can I even begin to comprehend the sadness that has filled your home.

I cannot truly understand the anger, but I know if it were me, I too would be angry. Angry at the sickness, angry at the what if’s and why's, just angry. 

Precious woman, the very day I heard my heart has not been the same, nor have my thoughts, and yet I cannot even begin to comprehend what you felt or thought the moment you heard.

As I sit here this morning I know that today is the beginning of your fight; the fight to win, the fight to heal, the fight to not lose the precious you, the fight to not let this get the best of you.  And yet, you and I know the difficulty of this fight. Yet I believe it is not just the beginning of your fight but the beginning of your healing.  Oh, precious woman I pray you know this fight you will fight will end in victory! Healing will come!

Precious woman, though a portion of you will change, your beauty will not. For the beauty you hold is the beauty from within-His beauty in you. Cling to that beauty precious woman, and know it is His eyes that matter and the eyes of that wonderful man who has been next to you for the last 15 plus years. I know the beauty he sees is the beauty we see.

Precious woman I sit here, here in the Most Holy Place, made way by Christ Himself, flooding the throne room on your behalf. I cry out for healing for you. I cry out for strength for you first, and for your family second. I pray for your eyes to be focused on the Healer Himself. I pray for wisdom to fill the minds of every doctor who will care for you. I pray that the Lord Himself will be the Surgeons hands.  My prayer turns into weeping as I cry out for complete healing to take place; healing for your body, healing for your family, healing for your girls. And I know you are crying out the very same prayer.

Precious Dana Christ knows your very need and He knows your every fear. He knows the days ahead starting with today. He knows the pain, oh how well He knows the pain. He knows every detail and every square inch of you. He knows Dana. Rest in Him, run to Him, find comfort, peace, and healing in Him.

You are loved sweet Dana, so very loved, by us but most of all by Him-Jesus.

Today brethren my precious friend Dana will begin her fight against Breast Cancer. So today I ask, not just any of you, but those of you who are faithful to pray, those who say they will pray and will actually pray, and not just today but everyday. Pray for Dana as she begins this battle, pray for her husband Mark and their two precious daughters. Pray for her parents and his parents as they all join in to do what needs to be done. Please just pray!

Father thank You for Dana and her precious family.  Today I ask that You fill every square inch of their home with Your presence. I ask for Your healing hand to be upon Dana as she begins her first round of chemo. Give her more strength than she new existed. Give her body the power to fight every bit of the cancer with such force that everyone knows it is You fighting it for her. Give her family the endurance, rest, strength and support they need to help her. But Jesus more than any of that we ask that You completely heal her. Wrap Your arms so tightly around her she can physically feel You. Place her eyes on You and bring her  and her family to complete dependence upon You. Give every doctor the wisdom and discernment needed to know exactly how to treat and care for her. Jesus draw near to Dana, she needs You, we all need You. Amen

Why are you here?

“…For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do what I want.” John 6:38

“I know there is a reason for me being here, Lord please show me! I have let Satan convince me that I am not good at anything; I am too sinful to even be used by you. What reason did you have for creating me? Lord please just show me what you want me to do, where you want me.”

“My sweet child, as I began knitting you together with my own two hands I knew how special you were to Me, and I knew exactly what I wanted to use you for! You are created in the image of Me, there is no two people created the same. You are unique and beautiful and I have placed you on earth not to fulfill your purpose but to fulfill My purpose. I knew before the world began that I would be able to do the work I want done through you. You will never be good at anything on your own. It is Me that is within you that will be great at the very thing I have created you for.”

How could I be so selfish to think that I was sent here to earth to fulfill my purpose? I have no purpose without Christ.

Number 16 on our list of things to crave-Fulfilling His Purpose

Jesus could not have said it any better than when He said, “… For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do what I want.”

You and I have also been sent down from heaven to do the will of God who sent us, not to do what we want. It is so easy and goodness do I know how easy it is to get caught up in wanting and trying to fulfill our own purpose.

How can we fulfill His purpose? We start by putting our complete trust and faith in Jesus Christ. We seek out His will by meditating on the His Word and spending time in prayer. We wait patiently for Him to act and then we obediently react. We take each thought and decision to Him first and ask that He reveal to us if we are making it about us or Him.

We serve Him by serving others, we love like He loves us, we keep our eyes focused on Him and Heaven and we remember that every decision we make, every word we speak, every place we are in is for Him and His glory.

Sound like a lot to fulfill? When we try to do it on our own it is SO much and that is where I went wrong and why I prayed that prayer so many times, but when I let Christ in me do it, I found it to be so much easier and enjoyable.

We have no greater job than the one we are called to and that is fulfilling His purpose!

Prayer: Jesus forgive us when we get caught up in trying to make it about us and our purpose. May we take our eyes off of the world and place it on You. In Jesus name, Amen.

How is your marriage?

“He gave up his life for her to make her holy and clean, washed by baptism and God’s word. He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault.” Ephesians 5:25-27     

                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

He promised to love me, comfort me, honor me and keep me in sickness and in health, rich or poor, better or worse, sadness and in joy, and to cherish and continually give me His heart’s deepest devotion. He promised to keep me only for Himself as long as I live.

It is the very act of faith and a personal commitment. It is the most important relationship that can exist between two people. It is the building of love and trust. It is a commitment that requires daily attention and is life-long.

Number 17 on our list of things to crave-A promising marriage

A marriage that took place way before our earthly marriages took place. The marriage between us and Christ!

From the time He put the earth in motion and placed me in the womb of my mother He had claimed me for His own. Jesus is my groom and long before I ever knew I was and am His bride.

The day I accepted His proposal (placed Him in my heart) He didn’t place a ring on my finger He covered me in His blood. It was His promise and pledge of His love to me. It was a symbol of His promise to be united to me forever.

Our wedding day was the day of my baptism! It was a day that I publically swore before my family and friends that I would be joined to Jesus as one. I would make my heart and mind become one with His.

Together we would create our home (my heart) a place of love, kindness, warmth, and a place for Him to dwell.

On that day what God had joined together will no man or Satan destroy!

And by the power vested in me by the Word of God, His Son, and His blood, I am now married to the bridegroom of Heaven and earth. As I cling to His promises my days will be good, long, and forever.

I am married to a Savior who will never fail me, cheat on me, hurt me, leave me, or ever stop loving me. No matter how many times I mess up, hurt Him, or how little of time I spend with Him.

When I gladly accepted the amazing privilege and honor of becoming His wife, of which I don’t even deserve, I committed to honor Him, spend quality time with Him, build Him up, serve Him, love Him with all of my heart, and worship Him as my King.

I wonder just how many earthly marriages would be saved if our Heavenly marriages were how they were supposed to be.

Prayer: Jesus may our marriage with You be all that You desire it to be. May we put as much time into our relationship as we do our earthly ones. Thank You for choosing us to be Your brides! In Jesus name, Amen          

What does your time sheet show?

“O Lord God Almighty! Where is there anyone as mighty as you, Lord? Faithfulness is your very character.” Psalm 89:8

For the last 31 years of my life I have had a mom and dad that have been 100% committed to their kids and grandkids! They travel from one end of the state to the other in order to be there whenever we need them. There has never been a day that if one of me or my sisters called that they would not stop what they were doing to be there.

Growing up they went to over 100 + basketball games, football games (why we cheered) church camps, etc. No matter what was going on they were there! I can honestly tell you that I don’t remember one thing I ever did that my mom and dad were not present. They have always made us feel like we were the most important thing on the face of the earth. Over their job, their own wants-everything! No matter how tired they are they somehow find the strength to keep on going.

They have been to ALL seven of their grandkids births, birthdays, hospital stays, and even just because! But not only were they committed to us, they were and are committed to their friends, the sick, their jobs, and most important their church, and the Lord!

Number 18 on our list of things to crave-Faithfulness

We all know of people who we would define as faithful. Whether faithful parents, faithful workers, faithful sports fans, faithful friends, etc. How many people do we know that are faithful followers of Christ?

My husband and I just recently attended an NFL football game and as we were sitting there watching and looking around we both noticed how faithful some of the fans were, but not only that but how many there were. And we couldn’t help to think what if all these people were faithful to the Lord and their church! Goodness could you imagine!

But what about those who put their heart and soul into their jobs, what if they put their heart and souls into the Lord and their church? As all these thoughts were going through my head, I wondered where my faithfulness stood. I wondered if my life showed my faithfulness to the Lord and His church.

I am very blessed to have parents who taught and showed me daily what faithfulness is and looks like, but more than that I have a God whose faithfulness is His very character.

Let me define faithfulness for you- The Son of God who was sent to earth in human flesh. And knew from the time He arrived the price He would pay. Yet for thirty three years knowing the agony and pain He would endure still devoted Himself to His father and to you and me. He is the parent that has never left our sides, has been there for every birth, birthday, and hospital stay, and even just because! He is the faithful employee, employer, and friend!

If you had to keep a time sheet what would your hours show?  How would it define your faithfulness? How would you define your own faithfulness? Are you a faithful follower of Jesus Christ, His word, and His church?

Prayer: Jesus thank you for Your faithfulness to us. May we adjust our priorities to be more faithful followers of You. In Jesus name, Amen

On whose behalf?

“People who wink at wrong cause trouble, but a bold reproof promotes peace.” Proverbs 10:10 

Have you ever been placed in a very uncomfortable situation? One, which puts your faith to the test? How did you react, what did you do, did you say anything or did you just stay quite?

 Just recently my faith was put to the test and it came at a time when I least expected it. Let’s just say I was caught completely off guard and placed in a situation extremely uncomfortable. So uncomfortable I felt as though I was placed right in the middle of Satan! And it felt like forever!

The bad part about the whole situation was I could not get out and felt trapped. So blind-sided by the whole thing I found myself quite, in awe, and extremely saddened. And instead of speaking up I sat and did not say a word, which was far worse and just as sinful.

Being a follower of Christ is more than just sitting, anyone can do that, and what I have learned and know is that Jesus expects and wants us who are called by His name to speak up, and not just sit! Satan loves that! He loves when we allow sin to continue! Do you notice that those when offended are quick to speak, quick to let you know their opinion, but what about when Jesus is offended? Who speaks up for Him?

Number 19 on our list of things to crave-Boldness

Boldness, boldness, boldness! Yes there is a time and place, there are the right words to be said, and all should be led by the power of the Holy Spirit! Being bold for the Lord is being self-assured that He is in control that He will speak on your behalf and regardless the outcome, He will take care of the situation.

Do you think being a light for the Lord is by just sitting still? “No one lights a lamp and then hides it or puts it under a basket. Instead, it is put on a lampstand to give light to all who enter the room.” Luke 11:33

When I placed Jesus in my heart, He became a part of me. Because of that, He now goes everywhere I go and is a part of everything I do.  He is a part of all my conversations and actions.

In knowing all of that I choose and want to take Him places that bring glory to His name, that please Him, and make Him happy. So when placed in a situation of testing, knowing He is in me I should not be afraid to speak boldly for His names sake! It is our jobs and our amazing honor to get to speak on behalf of the Lord!

What if Jesus never spoke boldly for us, what if on judgment day He did not speak up for you, what if He just sat silent?

Prayer: Jesus thank you that You did speak boldly and on our behalf when You died on the cross, Forgive us for just sitting, may we sit no longer but rise to our feet and speak on Your behalf! Give us the strength and courage to stand boldly for You! In Jesus name, Amen

Content...in?

“Yet true religion with contentment is great wealth. After all, we didn't bring anything with us when we came into the world, and we certainly cannot carry anything with us when we die. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.” 1 Timothy 6:6-8

I know very few people that are content with what they have! We are a society that always wants more; more wealth, more success, better and new entertainment, etc. Just recently I came across a couple of passages written by Paul that opened my eyes to a realization I have been missing. Better yet the Lord lifted the veil and opened my heart! He showed me something about Paul that I admire and crave to obtain! He showed me that there is a difference between what to be content with and what not to be content with.

Number 20 on our list of things to crave-Contentment

In our first passage Paul shows us contentment from a material perspective. By saying if you have food and clothes then be content, because you came into the world with nothing and you are going to leave the world with nothing! He also says at the beginning, in order to have great wealth then seek true religion and contentment. If you are searching for wealth from the world then misery and disappointment are sure to follow.

In passage two Paul shows us contentment in times of suffering.

“Since I know it is all for Christ’s good, I am quite content with my weaknesses and with insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:10

I want you to notice how he starts his statement; “Since I know it is all for Christ’s good…” Wow, Paul said if it makes Christ shine and brings Him good than I will and have found contentment in being insulted, persecuted, beat, locked up, and hungry.  We can’t even be content with the clothes we wear or the jobs we have. But for Paul, it was not about the worldly stuff, and it should not be about that for us. Paul knew that when he was weak Christ was strong, and because of that he had to seek him every day.

The point I want to make is this. So many of us are never content with anything, but we are content with our spiritual walk. We are content with attending church when it benefits us. We are content with reading our bibles when we see fit. We are content with only praying when we are faced with trouble or sickness. We are content with only reaching those in the church, while those outside the church are dying. We are content with being members but not ever getting involved. We are content with dropping our children off at church while we go home. We are content with merely existing, then fulfilling our purpose for existing. We are content with letting others do the spreading of the Good News. We are even content with saying the reason we don’t go to church or mess with the whole religion thing is because there are too many hypocrites! If we are doing it for any other reason than for Jesus, we are doing it wrong!

I believe that if we are content with where we are at spiritually, than we are not maturing spiritually. We should be searching and longing for more of Christ and we should seek that contentment everyday until He returns!

Prayer; Jesus may we never become content in our walk with you!  In Jesus name, Amen

There is a HUGE difference

“You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and wine.” Psalm 4:7

 “We will do what we can, but I am afraid having children might not be possible.” The doctor said. Devastated by the news she went home to tell her husband. “Honey, we will do whatever we need to, we will go see the best infertility doctor there is.” He said. And that is exactly what they did! They went through three doctors, hearing all the same things.  But it just was not enough; their desire to have children was so much greater for them to just give up.

After hours of discussion and fussing they decided to try one more doctor. There, they sat in the office waiting for the doctor to come in and give them the news. He entered the room sat down and said “I want to have you both run some tests and then I want to start you on some medicine that I think will help.” Really? You really think we can get pregnant they replied. “I can’t guarantee it, but it is worth trying, when I get both tests back I will be able to tell you more.” And so it began, she was faithful in taking the medicine doing everything she was told, and when she was told. But month after month nothing happened. Test after test she took, all for the disappointment of it being negative. She felt her joy and happiness draining from within her. Her husband noticed her mood; her desire to do things was diminishing. She was becoming a woman he didn’t know!

After months and months went by, they went from pills to shots, to just give us 15,000 dollars and we can assure you a baby.  She started to become angry not understanding why this was happening, how could it be that everyone else could get pregnant, even those who didn’t deserve a baby, went through her head.  It wasn’t fair! The whole time her husband would keep saying, “Just give it to the Lord.” So she cried out even more than before, she prayed for the Lord to look upon her and see her agony and desire to bear one of His children. And still nothing! Finally-she gave up! No more doctors, no more shots, nothing, “I am done” she cried.  Her joy was gone! Upon going home to see their family for Christmas she became very ill-and was taken to the E.R. her husband determined to find out what was wrong with her requested tests to be ran, and so they began! Around 2:30 a.m. the nurse came in the room and said” I am sorry but we are not going to be able to run anymore tests.” Her husband confused said “why, I don’t understand what is wrong with her?” The nurse replied, “She is two weeks pregnant!” “Are you sure?” Yes we are sure, we ran it twice!” With tears running down his face-he looked over at his wife there in the bed and said “You did it! Baby you did it; you finally gave it to the Lord!”

Number 21 on our list of things to crave-Joy

On August 15, 2006 our beautiful baby boy entered the world! And the moment they placed him in my arms was one of the most joyful days of my life. You see, I didn’t know the difference between joy and happiness back then. And it wasn’t until recently that I learned the difference. I always thought they were one in the same. But they are not, happiness is temporary and unpredictable, it is based on circumstances and feelings. Joy is lasting, and comes from the presence of God within us. The more Jesus we have the more joy we have! The closer our relationship is with Him, the more joy we will receive. So stop seeking happiness, and start seeking lasting joy!

Prayer: Jesus You are true joy, may we desire to have joy and not happiness that is only temporary. In the name that gives everlasting joy, Jesus, Amen.

Already given!

“Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins.” Psalm 51:1

Men and Women’s definition of compassion are night and day. Women define compassion as gentle, sympathetic, understanding, loving, supportive. And men well to be honest I am not sure, all I know is that it is one word I remind my husband of often.

Number 22-Compassion

It never fails the more I pray for God to fill my husband with compassion, the more God teaches me of compassion.

So what have I been learning? Compassion is what is given to us each and every day. It comes in the form of mercy and grace. It is all those things I desire from my husband plus more! And I receive it with every breath that I take. And Christ is the only one that can give it!

“The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. For he understands how weak we are; he knows we are only dust.” Psalm 103:13-14

God knows that one of my deepest needs is compassion and instead of looking to my husband I need to look to the Lord and rejoice in the most undeserved gift I have been given. For His compassion is more than enough, and far more satisfying!

Today we can be sure of one thing! That compassion given from Christ is offered to all who are willing to receive it. And it is far more beneficial than what any human could ever offer.

Prayer: Jesus thank You for opening my eyes to understand the true meaning of compassion. Lord I ask for an extra dose of compassion on all those who need it today! In Jesus name, Amen

There is only one way to love

“We know what real love is because Christ gave up his life for us. And so we also ought to give up our lives for our Christian brothers and sisters.” 1 John 3:16

Think of a sentence that describes love? What did you come up with? How about, Christ on the Cross! Now think of a word that describes love? You got it-Christ!

Number 23 on our list of things to crave-Love

Love is one of the hardest actions to display. It goes against the flesh, which is full of self.  Instead of walking with confidence we battle insecurity. Instead of walking in the mercy of Christ we walk in self-condemnation. Instead of yielding to others we demand to be yielded to. However, we can overcome the flesh and love because of Christ in us. 

We must understand however, that we are INCAPABLE of loving or displaying love without Christ in us. 

Love can only be displayed through us, when, we let the Holy Spirit have control of our lives.

When the Holy Spirit takes control He fills our thoughts with things that are true, honorable and right-thoughts that are pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and worthy of praise.

THEN

From those thoughts He will produce fruit that is of; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

When you receive the love of Christ you will also cling to His every Word.

You were made in the very image of God! He knit you together with His own two hands and made you wonderfully complex! His workmanship is marvelous, therefore making you marvelous! You are not worthless because God does not make worthless things! You are of more value than the birds in the sky, or the lilies in the fields. You are so loved and wonderful to the Lord that out of 7 BILLION people He desires an intimate one on one relationship with you!

When we allow those thoughts to take root, our whole mind set changes, and true beauty begins to pour out from within us.

Love is the ultimate expression of God’s loyalty, purity, and mercy extended toward his people. Love is the picture of Christ when placed upon the cross bearing the sin of the world. Love is the picture of His nail scarred hands. Jesus is love! And when we have Jesus we have love!

Today let love overtake you by putting your thoughts on Jesus!  Let love be the sweetest thing you crave today. Because once you have a taste, you will become addicted.

Prayer: Jesus thank you for being the ultimate expression of love. Thank you that Your love is unconditional, perfect, and extremely intoxicating! Amen

A forever companion!

“Afterward Jesus went up on a mountain and called the ones he wanted to go with him. And they came to him. Then he selected twelve of them to be his regular companions, calling them apostles.” Mark 3:13-14

They have been regular companions of my parents for over 35 years. They have been through everything you could ever imagine, illness, hurt, death etc. They are each other’s backbone! I don’t remember a time growing up that this core group of friends, which was 4 families, was not either at our house or we were not at one of theirs.

And it never failed come rain or shine, every Wednesday night they would all meet up (kids and all) at one of the homes for dinner, praise and worship, and devotion. All of us kids would go and play while they met. Little did my parents know there would be times that I would sneak in to listen. I remember Garland would always bring his guitar and lead the worship while everyone else sang along. I would watch as some of them would stand to their feet and sing to the Lord, while others would be bowed in prayer. I also remember it feeling like they sang a gazillion songs. But now grown I realize that they sang as the Spirit led them and for as long as He desired. Following the music they would discuss prayer requests, and pray, followed by one of the men leading the devotional. And no matter what, there was always lots of loud laughter, and quite tears!

For my mom and dad these people who still get together no matter the distance are their soul mates. They are their regular companions who have a selfless love for Jesus and one another.

Number 24 on our list of things to crave-Spiritual Fellowship

It is the example my parents set for me that leaves me craving Spiritual Fellowship! I desire that type of fellowship that is based around the Word of God. Fellowship that is uplifting, encouraging, and accountable. Fellowship that does not waiver no matter the disagreement, no matter the sickness, no matter the hurt! Fellowship that is selfless, pure, and full of Jesus’ unfailing love. Fellowship like that is only found in Jesus Christ and a passion for Him.

It reminds me of 12 chosen disciples, Jesus’ “regular companions” what an unbelievable honor for them! Could you imagine how great their fellowship was?  I can, to an extent and while I live here on earth, I desire to be surrounded with companions that desire to walk in the ways of the Lord. How about you, what type of fellowship/companionship do you desire?

Prayer: Jesus help us crave more Spiritual fellowship. Thank you for placing companions in our lives that love unconditionally, are selfless, forgiving and accountable. Jesus may we place You always in the center of fellowship. When we meet may we honor You in all we say and do. In Your Name, Jesus, Amen

Bite your tongue!

”We all make many mistakes, but those who control their tongues can also control themselves in every other way.” James 3:2

It never fails no matter how heated our conversations can become, my husband has never raised his voice at me. Now, as for me, I have to admit I do raise mine. No matter how angry he gets he never lets spite come from his mouth. No matter how bad I think a situation is he is always finding the positive. No matter how bad the storm, he is always their providing protection and peace.

Number 25-Self Control!

I have been blessed with not only an earthly husband whom exemplifies self-control, but, I have a heavenly Father that defines it!

I can tell you that this is one thing I crave more than anything! Especially when I see the peace my husband has, it makes me long for it even more. I can say the more devoted I become to the Lord, the more I fill my thoughts with His word, the better I do. But it is work!

In 2 Peter 1:5-6 Peter shows us how to obtain better self-control. “A life of moral excellence leads to knowing God better. Knowing God leads to self-control. Self-control leads to patient endurance.”

It is a daily commitment that requires lots of practice, humility and patience! It is taking a step back and trusting in Jesus to calm the storm within you. James puts it best when he says if you can control your tongue, you can also control yourself in every other way.

So today we begin with our tongue, when you find yourself in a heated situation, bite it, literally! The pull from the Word of God stored within you and start saying it over and over until your thoughts conform to His Word.

Jesus take control of what I say O’ Lord, keep my lips sealed. Let no unwholesome thought come out in my speech. Help me to remember the example of self-control you set for me when you stood before Your accusers. Amen

Transformed and Representing

“Throw off your old evil nature and your former way of life, which is rotten through and through, full of lust and deception. Instead, there must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes. You must display a new nature because you are a new person, created in God’s likeness,-righteous, holy, and true.” Ephesians 4:22-24

A while back I had a conversation with a relative about drinking. And during the discussion the comment was made as always, “I don’t think there is anything wrong with drinking, if you don’t abuse it.” As I sat and listened trying to understand their point of view I realized just how many people agree with them. I immediately began praying that the Holy Spirit would  take over the conversation and speak the exact words that would need to be spoken.

And as they looked at me and asked; “Why do you think it is bad, what is the big deal?” I sat there for a moment and thought; I can either tell them my opinion or let the Holy Spirit speak for me. And for once in my life I made a good judgment call and allowed the Holy Spirit to work.

This is what came out “When I chose to become a follower of Jesus Christ, I made the commitment to die to myself and put on Christ. In doing that, I now represent Jesus in all I do and say. So upon that decision my every move, word, and action needs to be bringing Christ glory. They interrupted, “I made that decision also.” My response; “That is wonderful and I am not questioning that. But when we choose to go out and drink, and other people see us with that drink in our hand what do they see? Do they see us partaking in a worldly thing, or do they see Jesus?” It is the same with the words that come out of our mouth, what music we listen to, what TV shows we watch, our actions towards others, etc. Does it represent Jesus?

This brings me to number 26 on our list of things to crave-Transformation.

It is not about who is right and who is wrong! It is about doing exactly what Paul tells us in Ephesians 4:22-24, and that is transforming ourselves by throwing off our old evil nature and former way of life, and putting on Christ who is righteous, holy and true.

When we truly cloth ourselves in the Word of God, our thoughts and attitudes become aligned with God’s thoughts and attitude. It is that, which we should crave, to be one with Christ-enthroned in His will! We should desire transformation everyday as we fill our hearts with His Word, love, mercy, and grace.

Prayer: Jesus, come in and transform us by changing the way we think. Come sit in the driver seat of our hearts, and steer us in the direction of Your will! In Jesus name, Amen.