“But he knows where I am and what I've done. He can cross-examine me all he wants, and I'll pass the test with honors. I've followed him closely, my feet in his footprints, not once swerving from his way. I've obeyed every word he's spoken, and not just obeyed his advice—I've treasured it.” Job 23:10-11
Is this true of you today?
Are you at a point in your relationship with Christ that it is okay for Him to cross-examine you? Would you pass the test?
Do you follow Him so closely your feet land in the footprints of His?
Are you obeying and treasuring His every Word?
Is your desire for Christ even that strong?
I want these words of Job to become my words, my heart, my actions, my desire. I want to treasure God's every Word. And in making any of this happen I know I have to do my part.
I have to spend time in His Word. I have to stay one step behind Him at ALL times so my steps will fall in line with His steps.
I have to allow His Word to expose all sin and I have to confess those sins. I have to keep my eyes on Him at ALL times so I do not veer off from Him.
My thoughts MUST be consumed with His Word at ALL times.
My feelings must stay in check with His Word and not on me. They will lead me astray and even deceive me.
I have to be open and willing to be searched by the Lord at all times, and I must remain faithful to Him over anyone or anything.
Jesus thank You for Your Word. I want to know it but more than that I want to live it. Amen
Friday, March 2, 2012
Thursday, March 1, 2012
How do you know Jesus?
Do you only know of Him through what others have said or have you met Him personally?
Do you know Him on a Sunday basis or do you know Him on a day to day basis?
Do you know Him because of what He has done for others or do you know Him because of what He has done for you?
Do you know Him as an acquaintance or do you know Him as your personal Lord and Savior?
Do you know Him on a business level or do you know Him intimately?
How do you know Jesus?
Does this verse describe you and how well you know Jesus?
"Everyone who confesses that Jesus is God's Son participates continuously in an intimate relationship with God. We know it so well, we've embraced it heart and soul, this love that comes from God." 1 John 4:13-16
Or will this describe how well you know Jesus?
"Knowing the correct password-saying 'Master, Master,' for instance-isn't going to get you anywhere with me. What is required is serious obedience-doing what my Father wills. I can see it now-at the Final Judgment thousands strutting up to me and saying, 'Master, we preached the Message, we bashed the demons, our God-sponsored projects had everyone talking.' And do you know what I am going to say? 'You missed the boat. All you did was use me to make yourselves important. You don't impress me one bit. You're out of here.' Matthew 7:22-24
Jesus You have given us the two greatest resources to know You. The Bible and the Holy Spirit. May it become our greatest desire to know You more than we desire to know anything else. To know You is to know life in its fullest. Thank You for the Holy Spirit and Your Word that allow us to know You intimately and personally. Amen
Do you only know of Him through what others have said or have you met Him personally?
Do you know Him on a Sunday basis or do you know Him on a day to day basis?
Do you know Him because of what He has done for others or do you know Him because of what He has done for you?
Do you know Him as an acquaintance or do you know Him as your personal Lord and Savior?
Do you know Him on a business level or do you know Him intimately?
How do you know Jesus?
Does this verse describe you and how well you know Jesus?
"Everyone who confesses that Jesus is God's Son participates continuously in an intimate relationship with God. We know it so well, we've embraced it heart and soul, this love that comes from God." 1 John 4:13-16
Or will this describe how well you know Jesus?
"Knowing the correct password-saying 'Master, Master,' for instance-isn't going to get you anywhere with me. What is required is serious obedience-doing what my Father wills. I can see it now-at the Final Judgment thousands strutting up to me and saying, 'Master, we preached the Message, we bashed the demons, our God-sponsored projects had everyone talking.' And do you know what I am going to say? 'You missed the boat. All you did was use me to make yourselves important. You don't impress me one bit. You're out of here.' Matthew 7:22-24
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March 1 2012
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Who is Jesus to you?
“Christ is the visible image of the invisible God.” Colossians 1:15
Is He the Son of God, the Son of Man, the Bread of Life, the exact representation of God? Is He the way, truth and life?
I hope you answered yes to all of the above, because Jesus is all of those.
He also is the visible image of the invisible God-Colossians 1:15
Knowing Him is to know God. In Christ, God revealed Himself. In Christ, God made Himself in human form to be touched, seen, felt and heard.
Jesus is God Himself, and when He added human flesh, He did it with purpose. He came right here to this tiny speck we call earth, to meet us where we are, and to show us Himself and our need for Him, all while providing a way through His death.
In Christ, God did not demand or cling to His rights as God. (Philippians 2:6) Rather He humbled Himself in the lowest manner possible. He lived as we lived, felt as we feel, laughed as we laugh, hurt as we hurt, and cried as we cry. He overcame temptation and showed us how to do the same. He made Himself available to us, He served, and did all that His Father asked Him to do.
It is through Christ we know God. It is through Christ we will one day live with God. It is through Christ we are made right with God.
“Anyone who has seen me has seen my Father.” John 14:9
How well do you know God?
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February 29 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
For no other reason
"My heart has heard you say, 'Come and talk with me.' And my heart responds, 'LORD, I am coming." Psalm 27:8
No agenda. No because "We have to." No crisis. Not even because we need to prepare a lesson. Doing it for no other reason than because of the purest desire to be near Him, hear Him, and know Him.
Doing it, because in those moments with Him, you realize how much He did for you. How much He loves you, wants you, and desires you.
You do it because you realize in those "For no reason" moments true worship, true friendship, true intimacy, and every other need is found.
When you sit with Jesus, bask in His Word, and visit, for no reason other than your love and desire for Him, you realize the true meaning of love, in the purest form.
Have you experienced it? What is your reason?
Jesus it is my desire that all people experience the purest, sweetest, most intimate love that You offer. Give them a taste of You and Your love today. May it leave them with a desire to seek You for no other reason than because of the purest love that is found in You. Amen
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February 28 2012
Monday, February 27, 2012
Do you find it hard to follow Christ? Read the Scriptures before you answer
Many people find it hard to follow Jesus. I mean, giving up yourself, is not exactly the most popular or desired thing to do. It still isn't! But Jesus requires complete fellowship and complete devotion. We see many times throughout Scripture Jesus telling his disciples following Me requires less of you, less of your wants, and a whole lot of Me.
"Then he said to the crowd, 'If any of you wants to be my follower, you must put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for me, you will find true life." Luke 9:23-24
"He said to another person, 'Come, be my disciple.' The man agreed, but he said, 'Lord, first let me return home and bury my father.' Jesus replied, ' Let those who are spiritually dead care for their own dead. Your duty is to go and preach the coming of the Kingdom of God.' Another said, 'Yes, Lord, I will follow you, but first let me say good-bye to my family.' But Jesus told him, 'Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.' Luke 9:59-62
"You must love the Lord your God, with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.' Luke 10:27
"If you want to be my follower you must love me more than your own father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters-yes, more than your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple. And you cannot be my disciple if you do not carry your own cross and follow me." Luke 14:26-27
"But don't begin until you count the cost-So no one can become my disciple without giving up everything for me." Luke 14:28; 33
"The man replied, 'I've obeyed all these commandments since I was a child.' 'There is still one thing you lack,' Jesus said. ‘Sell all you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.' But when the man heard this, he became sad because he was very rich.' Luke 18:21-23
We can have good intentions in following Christ, but our intentions must be followed by selfless actions that are totally sold out for Christ.
What are some things Jesus is calling you to give up or leave behind? Maybe you can see yourself in one of these verses and you know what Jesus is asking of you. How will you respond?
Jesus I want to give You every part of me. I know the cost, I know the importance of carrying my cross. I also know I have and will fail You. I know there will be times I allow things to come in between You and me, so I am asking You to help me. Squeeze me so tight that there is no way anything can get in between us and our relationship. Amen
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February 27 2012
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Altar Sunday
“Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends.” Proverbs 17:9 NLT
When you approach the altar, be sure your not dwelling on the fault of someone who hurt you. Instead let the Cross remind you of the love and forgiveness Christ had for you.
May that be what leads you to the altar today.
When you approach the altar, be sure your not dwelling on the fault of someone who hurt you. Instead let the Cross remind you of the love and forgiveness Christ had for you.
May that be what leads you to the altar today.
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February 26 2012
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Make Jesus Your Habit
"Everyone sees it. God's work is the talk of the town. Be glad, good people! Fly to God! Good-hearted people, make praise your habit." Psalm 64:9-10
When is the last time you went somewhere other than church and heard God being talked about? When is the last time you went to work and made God the topic of conversation?
It's not common anymore, talking about Jesus. It's actually becoming rare. But that can change, and you and I can make it change. We can make Him become the talk of the town, by talking more about Him. We can make praise become a habit by praising Him everyday.
How do we make Jesus our habit? The same way we have made eating, sleeping, and drinking a habit by doing it over and over and all throughout the day.
He's worth it!
Jesus there is nothing else more important than You. May You become the most talked about in our day than anything else. Amen
When is the last time you went somewhere other than church and heard God being talked about? When is the last time you went to work and made God the topic of conversation?
It's not common anymore, talking about Jesus. It's actually becoming rare. But that can change, and you and I can make it change. We can make Him become the talk of the town, by talking more about Him. We can make praise become a habit by praising Him everyday.
How do we make Jesus our habit? The same way we have made eating, sleeping, and drinking a habit by doing it over and over and all throughout the day.
He's worth it!
Jesus there is nothing else more important than You. May You become the most talked about in our day than anything else. Amen
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February 25 2012
Friday, February 24, 2012
A Sign of His Love
"To learn you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction." Proverbs 12:1
When is the last time you desired to be taught? When is the last time the Lord disciplined you?
Well I can say if you have read your Bible lately than you have probably been disciplined, at least I hope so, because that means you desire to learn God's Word. I can say, until this life is through, we will always need to be studying and learning God's Word, and from that, there will always be correction, training, and discipline.
So let's find joy brethren when our Heavenly Father disciplines us. For we know, in His discipline, there is love and growth, plus our relationship with Christ is strengthened.
"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. As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children...For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God's discipline is always right and good for us because it means we will share in his holiness. No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening-it is painful! But afterward there will be a quiet harvest of right living for those who are trained this way." Hebrews 12:5-7;10-11
Don't put off reading God's Word because you don't like the conviction or discipline. Let His discipline open your eyes to His amazing grace.
Jesus help us take a new grip with our tired hands and stand firm on our shaky legs. Mark out a straight path for our feet. May we desire to grow and learn from You more and more, thus becoming more like You everyday. Amen
When is the last time you desired to be taught? When is the last time the Lord disciplined you?
Well I can say if you have read your Bible lately than you have probably been disciplined, at least I hope so, because that means you desire to learn God's Word. I can say, until this life is through, we will always need to be studying and learning God's Word, and from that, there will always be correction, training, and discipline.
So let's find joy brethren when our Heavenly Father disciplines us. For we know, in His discipline, there is love and growth, plus our relationship with Christ is strengthened.
"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. As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children...For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God's discipline is always right and good for us because it means we will share in his holiness. No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening-it is painful! But afterward there will be a quiet harvest of right living for those who are trained this way." Hebrews 12:5-7;10-11
Don't put off reading God's Word because you don't like the conviction or discipline. Let His discipline open your eyes to His amazing grace.
Jesus help us take a new grip with our tired hands and stand firm on our shaky legs. Mark out a straight path for our feet. May we desire to grow and learn from You more and more, thus becoming more like You everyday. Amen
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February 24 2012
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Time to Strip the Weight
"Let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish." Hebrews 12:1-2
Sometimes, okay most of the time, God's Word speaks for itself. It does not need to be broken down, or explained in any more detail than it already is. All that is needed is for us to store it, digest it, and then let the Holy Spirit work within us.
Jesus make this verse come alive within me. I have grown weary in running, and I know it is because of the added weight I have taken on. Forgive me for weighing myself down with sin and things of this world. Reveal to me all that needs to be stripped so I can remove it and continue to run the race. Amen
Sometimes, okay most of the time, God's Word speaks for itself. It does not need to be broken down, or explained in any more detail than it already is. All that is needed is for us to store it, digest it, and then let the Holy Spirit work within us.
Jesus make this verse come alive within me. I have grown weary in running, and I know it is because of the added weight I have taken on. Forgive me for weighing myself down with sin and things of this world. Reveal to me all that needs to be stripped so I can remove it and continue to run the race. Amen
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February 23 2012
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
The Word
"Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path." Psalm 119:105
God's Word speaks. It speaks clearly, profoundly, lovingly, and with conviction. The Lord left nothing un-turned. He made sure to cover every area that pertains to Him and to us.
He knew that when we found Him, His Word would be our source and bread of life.
Unfortunately, many try to live on everything other than His Word, even the saved.
I don’t know or even understand why God’s Word is not the number one read book, nor do I know or understand why it is not our go to guide.
The Lord answers every question we would ever have. He addresses every issue. From who He is, to the beginning of creation to the end of time; from parenting, to diet, to our profession, to marriage, to health, how to live, to friendships, to death, to life, in trials, temptations, and clear to every how-to.
The laws were founded on God’s Word. Who we are is found in God’s Word. Any and everything we could ever imagine or ask is found in God’s Word.
But in order for us to know all of these things, we have to open our guide to life and feast on our daily bread-God's Word.
Let's stop looking to man for the answers and start looking to the One who knows all the answers, Jesus.
Jesus thank You for Your Word. Thank You that it is our source and bread of life. May we feast on it more. May we use it everyday as our go to guide. Forgive us for taking it for granted. Amen
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February 22 2012
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
So
"For God so loved the world." John 3:16
I place them each on their side of the bed and then lean down to kiss each one, when he whispers, "I love you so much mommy." It startles me. These words are frequent, valuable, and random. They are never wasted always treasured. There is something about the way he says them, always using the word so. It's as though without, so, it doesn't mean as much. And he some how knows that.
So did the Lord. He expressed that in John 3:16 "For God SO loved the world."
He so loved the world. He so loves you and me. There is power behind the word so, I learned that tonight, through two people I love SO much.
Jesus thank You for showing me that every word has great meaning. Thank You for teaching me through Dax and Your Word. Amen
I place them each on their side of the bed and then lean down to kiss each one, when he whispers, "I love you so much mommy." It startles me. These words are frequent, valuable, and random. They are never wasted always treasured. There is something about the way he says them, always using the word so. It's as though without, so, it doesn't mean as much. And he some how knows that.
So did the Lord. He expressed that in John 3:16 "For God SO loved the world."
He so loved the world. He so loves you and me. There is power behind the word so, I learned that tonight, through two people I love SO much.
Jesus thank You for showing me that every word has great meaning. Thank You for teaching me through Dax and Your Word. Amen
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February 21 2012
Monday, February 20, 2012
She can no longer have control
“Our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin. And since we died with Christ, we know we will also share his new life.” Romans 6:6-8
It's this uncomfortable process I have been going through as I prepare for this Women's Conference. It's the deafening realization of how much Miss "Me" controls me.
He shows me how much I listen to her, give into her. She is so much a part of me; I haven't realized how much control she has had over me.
"Who do you think you are? What do you have to offer? Why are you trying to be someone you are not? This house is always a mess; he needs to help out more. You need a break. Spend more time for you. It's okay to be lazy. You need some new clothes, go shopping, save later. You disappoint him. You will never be good enough. Don’t feel bad for yelling. He needs to do what you want. Can you believe she acts like that? It’s not gossip, you are just concerned. Watch T.V. it’s okay, a few hours never hurt anyone.”
These are things she speaks to me, lies, dissension, self-serving, judgment, and gossip. These are things His Word reveals to me, deep in my heart; His light penetrates the dark areas of her living space. She seems to have a bigger living space than I realized.
These realities, they break me, and make her uncomfortable. His Word causes a separation between us, one that demands her to be crucified.
He speaks, “To follow me, you must die to her, to self. Believe My truth, My words. She is the old you, you have been made new in Me.”
How do I Father, how do I overcome her? How do I overcome the one who has been around for so long?
“Let me expose her to My Light. I will remove her from her living space and take up residency. Believe in My truths, listen to My Words. Let me separate you from her.”
Oh Father that it would be so easy, so easy to die to her, and then to share with others how to die to their Miss “ME’s”
“Every day you will have to die to her. Every day, you will have to fill your spaces with My Word. Every day! I have set you free from her control.”
Do I want to die to her, to the feelings she lives by, and the distractions she uses to ignore the truth. Have I become so familiar with her that without her I am not sure who I am?
Is living in Him enough? Do I believe His truth’s and love for me? Is it possible to live off what His Word says, and not off my feelings?
YES! I can overcome this former way of life. I can overcome Miss “Me” by claiming His truth and promises for me. I can die to her every day, until she is no longer a part of me.
Jesus remove all areas of living space Miss “Me” has taken up. Expose her for who she really is. Help me to have the strength to overcome her on a daily basis. Keep me from believing her lies and giving into her feelings. Amen
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February 20 2012
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Altar Sunday
Jesus as I approach the altar this morning, quiet my heart from all distractions and noise, so I can focus completely on You. I want my heart to be prepared for all You have for me to learn today. So I come asking for You to empty me of the world, and fill me with Your Word. In Jesus name, amen
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February 19 2012
Saturday, February 18, 2012
The Sweetest Sound
“God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways, he does great things beyond our understanding.” Job 37:5
Could it be that He speaks to us today through the thunder. As the loudness of its power woke me from sleep this morning, my mind did not just drift back to sleep, it awoke, wondering if maybe, He was speaking.
This thunder, it was heard by the Israelites on Mount Sinai. It has an awesome display of authority, power, and attention. No one can ignore it.
I have desired to hear His voice, audibly, like those in the Bible did. At times He spoke with power and authority, at other times He spoke with a gentle whisper. Though I desire the gentle whisper, I know I give Him no other choice but to raise His voice at my crazy disobedience.
There are times I miss hearing God speak to me today, particularly because I am either expecting Him to speak in the way I want Him to, or because I fail to be still and listen.
Either way, I know God speaks. He speaks to me through His Word and through the Holy Spirit living within me. I also know that one day I will hear His voice audibly, and I long for that day when my ears hear my Father's voice. What a sweet sound it will be.
Have you heard God speak to you lately?
Jesus thank You for speaking to us today through Your Word and the Holy Spirit. Open our ears and our hearts to hear from You as we study Your Word. Amen
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February 18 2012
Friday, February 17, 2012
Right Now!
"Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them. If you can help your neighbor now, don't say, 'Come back tomorrow, and then I'll help you." Proverbs 3:27
The giving of what is good requires self to be put aside. It requires taking less and loving more.
The giving of what is good is often a right now giving, rather than a withholding for a better time.
This withholding of good can be detrimental to those whom are lost.
What is this good that should be given? Isn’t it the only thing in this world that is good-Jesus Christ?
To withhold Him from others is like Him withholding breath from you and me. It can be deadly.
To withhold this good for a better time, place or day, is to say that they will be available. Neither you nor I know if they will come to be. So to withhold the sharing of the Good News from them, for a better time, is to assume tomorrow, or the right time will come to be, thus robbing them of the gift of Salvation that is today.
For the Lord says, “Indeed, God is ready to help you right now. Today is the day of Salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2
Today is the day, right now is the time that we should offer and give good to those who need it. Today, you and I, who are filled with Christ, have the power to help, share, and offer His good.
Will you offer Him, who is good to someone who needs it today? Though not one of us deserve anything, He who loves us gave us His good, His best, His Son. He alone is deserving of all that is good, and that which is good is His Son Jesus.
You Jesus alone are good and You are worthy and deserving of all the good our mortal bodies can give. May we offer more and more of You to all who need it, now. Amen
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February 17 2012
Thursday, February 16, 2012
May I
I didn't quite realize what I would be getting myself into, but the Lord did. He knew what impact would be made on my heart. He knew the minute I laid my eyes on the first picture, that my heart would break. He knew the questions that would arise in my boys as they looked with me.
"What's wrong with them mommy? Why do they look like that?"
"They are starving and sick." I replied "Why can't they have something to eat?" Avery asked
"Because they don't have any food." I replied
At this point, this lesson I wanted to teach, this lesson that we're blessed, we're taken care of, left me in tears this morning. I tried to show my boys that we should be giving more, doing more, complaining less, throwing away less, taking less. We should be in a state of thankfulness, humility, and contentment.
Yes, Dax it is hard to change what you have eaten. It is frustrating to stand in the kitchen and wonder what mommy can fix for you that will keep you feeling good. It is hard to watch you not eat. But you are not starving; you are not dying from starvation. You are blessed; you are fed and well taken care of. I want you to see that these babies above, created by the Lord, loved by the Lord, would crawl with what little strength they have to get a taste of what you have. And when you speak these words, "Mommy I will go get them and bring them to my house and share my candy." to mommy's broken heart, I realize the biggest lesson was for me. To trust in Him.
Could I offer you a bite to eat? Could I bring you, sweet little boy or girl that is hungry, into my home and feed you? Could I hold your sweet face and look at your frail body and say with the deepest part of love in me, that I am sorry? I am sorry for focusing only on myself and my family, that I failed to see you, out there in the world starving. I am sorry for thinking every penny should be used on what we want rather than on saving your life and showing you God's love.
Could I stand in the kitchen and make something special for you, and then watch as you take the first bite. Might it be okay if I cry as I watch you?
Could I offer you a second and third plate?
I see you, sweet child, you who live in the same town as me. I see your mama's heart fill up, knowing that you will get at least one good meal when you go to school. But I see her heart break, her stomach empty as she dreads the coming of the weekend and wonders where she will find food, even a small portion to offer to you.
Might I bring you into my home and make you a warm meal and when you are finished send you and your family home with extra. Sweet woman, I see you as you sit and cradle your starving baby. I see the brokenness that pours out of you. Would it be okay if I sat with you? Would it be okay if I held your hand and the hand of your baby and spoke God's love into you?
Then might I tel you, I am sorry. I am sorry for assuming that the needs of my family and self were bigger than yours. When I know God meets our every need. I am sorry for not doing more, giving more, being present more. I am sorry Father for not doing for the least of Yours.
May this state of brokenness never escape from me, may it prompt me, move me, and encourage me and my family to do more, serve more, see the needs of you and others more.
Isn’t this my purpose? To do for You Lord, to serve those of Yours who need? Isn’t this why I have been blessed, so that I can pour out that blessing onto others? Oh Father that someone would offer help to my family if we were in need and starving. That one of Yours, who searches out those who need You, would offer Your Word to me, my family if we were lost.
May I be that one, that offers You to the lost. May I be that one that takes food to that starving and dying family. Show me where Lord. I trust in You.
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February 16 2012
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Who gets it?
"The LORD your God is testing you to see if you love him with all your heart and soul. Serve only the LORD your God and fear him alone. Obey his commands, listen to his voice, and cling to him." Deuteronomy 13:3--4
What part of you does the Lord get?
Does He get the best of you or the left overs?
At what part of your day are you the absolute best? Do you give that best part to the Lord, to yourself, your job, or someone or something else?
Do you save the best for yourself and then give God the other part? Cain did that. I have done that. The Israelites have done that. Have you?
Convicting? Yes! These are questions that need to be asked, they need to be addressed and answered. Answered honestly and sincerely.
God is a jealous God, "You must never worship or bow down to them, for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God who will not share your affection with any other god!"
He wants and commands us to put Him first. "Do not worship and other gods besides me." Deuteronomy 5:7 “And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength." Deuteronomy 6:5-6
Whatever we put first in our lives becomes our god. That is why these questions are so important. They will show us where Christ is. We should become mindful of these every day. We also need to examine ourselves everyday making sure we are putting God first. We need to evaluate our priorities and make sure God is first and is the motive behind all we do. We need to recognize and confess of any god we might have or are placing before Him. It is a daily process and choice.
Who will you choose? Who will get the first and best part of you?
Jesus forgive me for putting anyone or anything before You. Amen
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February 15 2012
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
When the imperfect love meets perfect love
It is an imperfect love made complete by His perfect love. This day is surrounded by the word love. To love and be loved, it is the desire of every heart, my heart, his heart, your heart. They all desire to be wrapped up in a perfect love.
His love offered through His blood. That is when imperfect meets perfect and love is felt. Felt deep, deep in the vessels of a longing and needing heart.
Shouldn't every day surround itself with the word love? Love offered, love given, to the imperfect, from the Perfect Holy God.
In this day and every day from here forth, might it be an offering of love, a giving of love, and a receiving of His love.
Might we allow His perfect love to intertwine with our imperfect love today?
“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
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February 14 2012
Monday, February 13, 2012
How do we move from having self-centered priorities to Christ-like priorities?
“God said to Solomon. ‘Because your greatest desired is to help your people, and you did not ask for personal wealth and honor or the death of your enemies or even a long life, but rather you asked for wisdom and knowledge to properly govern my people, I will certainly give you the wisdom and knowledge you requested.” 2 Chronicles 1:11-12
On what end of the spectrum would you say (honestly) your priorities were?
Self-Centered or Christ-like
More times than I would even care to share, I would have to say mine would be closer to self-centered. I might even put a line close to the middle, but it wouldn’t always be true.
So how do we move from having self-centered priorities to Christ-like priorities?
How do we rise first thing in the morning and give Him the first from our mouth, our heart, and our thoughts?
Does a mere mutter of, “Good morning, Lord” suffice? Isn’t the giving up of ourselves the first that should be given? Wouldn’t that move us closer to Christ-like priorities, the relinquishing of our wants and desires?
How much control do we allow the self to have over us? This giving into ourselves has corrupted our thoughts and our hearts. We spring from our beds, rushed, consumed with our lists of to-do’s, but where is He, where is His time?
This busyness it all ends and our self-centered priorities lead us away from Him.
It is possible, to have Christ-like priorities; priorities that revolve around Him, His will, His purpose, His timing, His plans, His day. But they all require the letting go of self and the putting on of His Word.
We do have time in the morning to utter more than a, “Good morning, Lord.” We are able to rise with the Sun and give Him the first of our day. In this hour there is less tainting from the World. Less demands being thrown upon us. In this hour the first and best can be given.
It is simply the choosing, the choosing to relinquish the self, its wants and desires. Isn’t that what Jesus did for us? He gave us the best of Himself. He left the place of Holiness. He left the place where perfection existed, and entered a world of imperfection and sinfulness.
He did not hold His best, His first, nor His blood, death, burial or resurrection from us. He showed us how, how to move from self-centered priorities to Christ-like priorities.
By the giving up of self! There is not a better giving than what Christ gave us. There is not a better giving or priority than the one that puts Him first at all times. It is possible, but it is choosing, your choosing and my choosing.
Accepting Christ is more than just ensuring the escape of Hell. It is the dying of self and its wants and desires. It is choosing to center our lives around Him and not on the world or self. It is choosing to make His Word our guide, our source, our daily bread. That is what will move us closer to Christ-like priorities.
Jesus in this day may my priorities be those that are Christ-like. May they be all about You and others and not about what benefits me. Forgive me Jesus for failing to give You the first and best part of me. You deserve more than my leftovers. Amen
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February 13 2012
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Altar Sunday
What does the Altar mean to you? Does it play a significant role in your life as a follower of Jesus Christ? Share your thought with me on what Altar means to you.
There are many religions that use altars, but for God's people it is more than just a place of sacrifice. The altar is a place where we can go and visit with the Lord. It is a place where most often we hear and encounter Jesus in a more personal way.
Has your time at the altar changed you? How? Oh, I want to hear those testaments. I want to hear of how God spoke to you when you met Him at the altar.
Why do we not go the altar more? Have we become so concerned with what others would say, that we stay in our pew?
Why, why is the altar not full?
I will admit there have been times I have gone to the altar and began laying my heart out before the Lord, but have felt rushed, hurried, as though the music was going to stop and I would be the only one left there. Please tell me you have felt the same way.
I hate that feeling! I just cannot begin to tell you that this sinner, needs more than a couple of minutes at the altar with Jesus.
Will there ever come a time when the altars are full, full of people desperate to hear from Jesus. Desperate to give Him praise?
Jesus we need You, we are desperate for You. Show us just how important the altar is to You. In Jesus name amen
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February 12 2012
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