Good morning all-
I woke up this morning singing to Jesus. I love when a song is running in my head and as I brush my hair I realize I'm humming it. Today I was humming the lyrics and a thought popped into my head, Jesus gave his life freely for you and me. Often when life gets into chaos, we forget this one important fact. Jesus is real, He is here and He knows our sorrows and our joys. Knowing that is one thing but He can't touch us or talk to us, audibly at least. So what do we have that can? People can. Sisters in arms, full of the Holy Spirit, walking and talking with Him and knowing what it means to be an army of one can embrace us.
My sister-in-law has been that for me. She has hugged me, encouraged me and reminded me that although my parents are gone I have someone that will shoulder my burdens and pray for me. We were not always as close as we are today. Loss has bonded us but more than that, so has Jesus. I was raised in a house full of boys and to be truthful I didn't really like being around girls. Often they hurt one another but boys punch you and their over the argument in two seconds. That's what I like. Less feeling, more forgiveness. But I have found comfort in having someone I can trust that loves my family and who has become vital to the fabric of the next generation. She is a good wife and a great mother but more importantly, she loves Christ with all her heart.
For the last couple of weeks she has been sending me devotional messages over the iPhone. They have brought me comfort, encouragement and a sense that I'm not alone. I'm part of an army of warriors that hear the call and proclaim the name of Jesus. Thank You Jesus for always having my back! He does for you too. When people say, "You've been on my mind lately." Do you think that's a coincidence. No, it is the Holy Spirit calling to others to pray for you. Why? Because God gave us people like-minded to have sensitivity to the needs of His chosen. We may be pressed on all sides but we have people that love us and with all they have, they give. I'm blessed to have women in my life that are like this and I know you are too. How do I know? Because even though I have never seen your face or talked to you, Jesus calls me to pray for you and to write these words so that you too will not feel alone. We are one, sisters in arm, carrying the cross for the next generation.
If you aren't blessed with women that love you the way I've described, reach out to me and I promise I will pray for you. This blog is written because Jesus placed it in my heart to carry the cross to the Nations and to love women of all races, colors, religions and nationalities. I am dedicated to be a sister that encourages the masses and brings Jesus into the homes of women everywhere. I pray today your heart is geared towards humming and that your mind is fixed on Jesus. Be well and know I am here.
Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. (Hebrews 13:1 NIV)
In Jesus Name, AMEN!
Until tomorrow...
Friday, January 31, 2014
Thursday, January 30, 2014
When's the last time you stood firm and still?
Good morning sisters-
I'm starting out today with this Bible verse. It was posted on Facebook three times so I thought it would be worthy to put the Scripture first. Here it is.
Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Exodus 14:13, 14 NIV)
I was going to make this bigger but either my fingers aren't working or my iPad is not cooperating, either way, at least it's on here. I think most people posted this in another version of the Bible but I like this one. What does it say? Stand firm, you will be delivered and be still. Wow!
I normally can do one or the other but not both. I may not be afraid but I'm anxious or I might be still in fear. I don't know if I ever do both very well and then to top it off believe I will be delivered. I often find myself comparing the Israelites to myself. Although I believe if I saw the Red Sea parted I would not doubt, how do I really know? Not to mention if the entire Egyptian army was coming down to kill me, really, stand firm and be still? I'm not sure I wouldn't have run for the hills.
This Scripture was what I needed today. My life has been calm for a week or two but the boat got rocked once again last night, over nothing. It's crazy how a simple statement can throw two people into total chaos. So when I woke up this morning and couldn't sleep, I looked at Scripture, searched for airline tickets for my son (which are outrageous) and looked upon posts. Exodus 14:14 came up several times and I said, "Guess that's what God wants to share with the world." So, I'm sharing.
I don't know much but I know that life has times of great joy and great struggle. Look at the Israelites, they were abused and slaves, released from slavery only to be rushed upon by an army and then told to stand still with bravery and faith. And as we are told in History, the Red Sea parted and the Israelites were delivered by God. Of course the plot thickens when they don't believe. I hate when I'm being an Israelite. It's just not fair. I get so far in my walk to have the rug pulled out by my own sinful nature and then, oops, I've fallen and I can't get up.
But today, I'm standing firm. Why? Because this was the very first Scripture I set my eyes on. It calls to me and reminds me that He is my deliverer and that through Him I can stand firm. My fear is my own, it does not come from Him, it's in me. So therefore, today I stand on the rock of my salvation, asking Christ to be with me and deliver me from my fear and my sin. I stand still asking Him to be with me and to walk beside me. And most importantly, I trust in Him completely. There's not much we can trust in right now but with Hi, complete trust is warranted
I hope this Scripture brings you peace today and I'm praying that The Lord of light washes over you the way He did me. I will not be carried by the tide of fear but through Him I find my strength. I'm hoping you are feeling the same way.
My prayer today:
O, Lord, thank You for the power of the Internet. Thank You that I can speak openly to my sisters and that You are near to guide us. Thank You for loving us through this life and for always encouraging us when things become tough. I don't know much but I do know that You are my rock, my deliverer and my peace. Come into our lives dear Jesus and light our souls for You. Give us courage to part the Red Sea's of life and bring peace in a world full of fear. I never doubt You but I often doubt us. We are a sinful people that live in a world that doesn't trust much. Be with us today as we learn to be still, to not be afraid and to believe that You will deliver us. We come before You with seeking hearts, minds and souls, enlighten our paths today and forgive us of our sins so that we can continue to be in Your Holy Presence. In Jesus name, AMEN
Until tomorrow...
I'm starting out today with this Bible verse. It was posted on Facebook three times so I thought it would be worthy to put the Scripture first. Here it is.
Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Exodus 14:13, 14 NIV)
I was going to make this bigger but either my fingers aren't working or my iPad is not cooperating, either way, at least it's on here. I think most people posted this in another version of the Bible but I like this one. What does it say? Stand firm, you will be delivered and be still. Wow!
I normally can do one or the other but not both. I may not be afraid but I'm anxious or I might be still in fear. I don't know if I ever do both very well and then to top it off believe I will be delivered. I often find myself comparing the Israelites to myself. Although I believe if I saw the Red Sea parted I would not doubt, how do I really know? Not to mention if the entire Egyptian army was coming down to kill me, really, stand firm and be still? I'm not sure I wouldn't have run for the hills.
This Scripture was what I needed today. My life has been calm for a week or two but the boat got rocked once again last night, over nothing. It's crazy how a simple statement can throw two people into total chaos. So when I woke up this morning and couldn't sleep, I looked at Scripture, searched for airline tickets for my son (which are outrageous) and looked upon posts. Exodus 14:14 came up several times and I said, "Guess that's what God wants to share with the world." So, I'm sharing.
I don't know much but I know that life has times of great joy and great struggle. Look at the Israelites, they were abused and slaves, released from slavery only to be rushed upon by an army and then told to stand still with bravery and faith. And as we are told in History, the Red Sea parted and the Israelites were delivered by God. Of course the plot thickens when they don't believe. I hate when I'm being an Israelite. It's just not fair. I get so far in my walk to have the rug pulled out by my own sinful nature and then, oops, I've fallen and I can't get up.
But today, I'm standing firm. Why? Because this was the very first Scripture I set my eyes on. It calls to me and reminds me that He is my deliverer and that through Him I can stand firm. My fear is my own, it does not come from Him, it's in me. So therefore, today I stand on the rock of my salvation, asking Christ to be with me and deliver me from my fear and my sin. I stand still asking Him to be with me and to walk beside me. And most importantly, I trust in Him completely. There's not much we can trust in right now but with Hi, complete trust is warranted
I hope this Scripture brings you peace today and I'm praying that The Lord of light washes over you the way He did me. I will not be carried by the tide of fear but through Him I find my strength. I'm hoping you are feeling the same way.
My prayer today:
O, Lord, thank You for the power of the Internet. Thank You that I can speak openly to my sisters and that You are near to guide us. Thank You for loving us through this life and for always encouraging us when things become tough. I don't know much but I do know that You are my rock, my deliverer and my peace. Come into our lives dear Jesus and light our souls for You. Give us courage to part the Red Sea's of life and bring peace in a world full of fear. I never doubt You but I often doubt us. We are a sinful people that live in a world that doesn't trust much. Be with us today as we learn to be still, to not be afraid and to believe that You will deliver us. We come before You with seeking hearts, minds and souls, enlighten our paths today and forgive us of our sins so that we can continue to be in Your Holy Presence. In Jesus name, AMEN
Until tomorrow...
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
His will isn't always our will?
Good morning my sisters-
Have you ever prayed for something and you didn't get an answer? Of course you have. For that matter so have I. I learned very young to quit praying for what I wanted and pray God's will on my life. Now, there are times I forget and pray for what I want but eventually I revert and ask God to take the wheel.
People will reach out to me from time to time and ask me to pray for them. I always say I will but then I tell them I have to pray God's will. I'm not sure they always understand but then it's not for any of us to understand. God gives us wisdom when He wants and He changes things according to His will. If He was in this for us to get our way all the time, there wouldn't be stories about His Son's death, now would there?
I may not always understand what God is doing but I do know that His will must be done here and in heaven. Christ left us with a prayer asking God to forgive our sins, as we forgive others. Do you remember that prayer. Why? Because it's His will and therefore we should relish the words and pray them. I'm not always sure what God is doing in my life but at least when I pray His will over mine a sense of peace transcends and there's a quiet in my spirit. Pain is part of the world, peace is part of Gods. I know that these words may not be easy to swallow and I also know that some believe that if they pray hard enough they will be rewarded their hearts desire. If we can learn one thing in this life it should be that God's desire on our lives is far more important than ours.
I hope today finds you well and that you are looking for Christ in the midst of your circumstances. I have a lot going on in my life too. I am choosing to pray and believe that my path is strong and the will of my Lord is sacred. Be well today and remember we are not on this earth for ourselves, we are here to glorify Him.
For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.” (John 6:40 NIV)
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 7:21 NIV)
My prayer today:
O,Lord may I be a servant that falls before you asking for Your will to be done. I want to be thinking about You day and night and to proclaim that You are my Savior. Be with me today and watch over me as I pray for Your divine will on my life. We are all in need of Your direction and Your comfort. I realize that I want sometimes to look around for my answers but there is only one answer, You. You are the reason I live, the reason I'm saved and the reason I can love. Please be with every woman on earth and fulfill Your Holy will. In Jesus Name, Amen
Until tomorrow...
Have you ever prayed for something and you didn't get an answer? Of course you have. For that matter so have I. I learned very young to quit praying for what I wanted and pray God's will on my life. Now, there are times I forget and pray for what I want but eventually I revert and ask God to take the wheel.
People will reach out to me from time to time and ask me to pray for them. I always say I will but then I tell them I have to pray God's will. I'm not sure they always understand but then it's not for any of us to understand. God gives us wisdom when He wants and He changes things according to His will. If He was in this for us to get our way all the time, there wouldn't be stories about His Son's death, now would there?
I may not always understand what God is doing but I do know that His will must be done here and in heaven. Christ left us with a prayer asking God to forgive our sins, as we forgive others. Do you remember that prayer. Why? Because it's His will and therefore we should relish the words and pray them. I'm not always sure what God is doing in my life but at least when I pray His will over mine a sense of peace transcends and there's a quiet in my spirit. Pain is part of the world, peace is part of Gods. I know that these words may not be easy to swallow and I also know that some believe that if they pray hard enough they will be rewarded their hearts desire. If we can learn one thing in this life it should be that God's desire on our lives is far more important than ours.
I hope today finds you well and that you are looking for Christ in the midst of your circumstances. I have a lot going on in my life too. I am choosing to pray and believe that my path is strong and the will of my Lord is sacred. Be well today and remember we are not on this earth for ourselves, we are here to glorify Him.
For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.” (John 6:40 NIV)
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 7:21 NIV)
My prayer today:
O,Lord may I be a servant that falls before you asking for Your will to be done. I want to be thinking about You day and night and to proclaim that You are my Savior. Be with me today and watch over me as I pray for Your divine will on my life. We are all in need of Your direction and Your comfort. I realize that I want sometimes to look around for my answers but there is only one answer, You. You are the reason I live, the reason I'm saved and the reason I can love. Please be with every woman on earth and fulfill Your Holy will. In Jesus Name, Amen
Until tomorrow...
Saturday, January 25, 2014
Where is Jesus?
Good morning all-
Have you ever asked yourself, "Where is Jesus?" At some time in your life, whether you have confessed Jesus or not, you will ask that question. How can God be this great being if bad is happening? That's a question we have all asked and although we don't have a solid answer, the Bible tells us the story of good and evil.
I am aware that I don't have all the answers. I also am aware that evil is on this earth. But Scripture is clear, God is near and out of bad will come good. Jesus died because the world was evil. He came to give us a way in the midst of that evil and because of His blood we are saved. Will all be saved? The Bible says no. Some will remain with the veil until the day he comes back and then the veil will be lifted.
Trials come whether we are saved or not. Coming to Jesus doesn't mean life will be a rose garden. It simply means that when bad happens, Christ will be near and when we seek Him we will find Him. If you look through Scripture, you will read of many different people's trials. As a matter of fact, the greatest characters in the Bible had strife. They were just like us. They lived in a world full of evil and they were part of History. Their names are written so that we can better understand the trials and tribulations and the grace that came from them.
Whenever someone has turned away from God, it's been because of a circumstance. It could be someone being killed, death, destruction or not getting what he or she wanted from God. I just spoke with a woman who was so mad at God she walked away from Him because her mom was taken away when she was young and she was confused and angry. Fast forward thirty years and she has re-committed her life to Christ.
I wish everything could be easy. I wouldn't have to struggle so much but then, I'm not sure I would know God the way I do today. Through loss and struggle, I have learned that Christ is the only way. He is my shepherd and when I call, He does hear me. My life isn't as hard as some. There is always someone that suffers more or loses more. I can drive down a street and see poverty, homelessness and pain. I can open a paper and read of war, cruelty to children, and women that are known as black widows. People all over are struggling with sin, selfishness and anger. It's a world epidemic. So it's not unusual for people to question.
I don't think God minds when we question as long as we look for Him as we question. He's been where we are and He knows the turmoil evil can create. His blood was spilled because of it. He spent time right before the crucifixion saying, "Take this cup from me." His father couldn't. Why?
He was innocent but in order to intercede for us, His life had to be given.
That's why whenever I question, "Where are you God?" I look towards the Scripture and pray. Prayer is our eternal portal to Him. When we pray, we connect. The connection builds trust and if we pray His will, not ours, we will find Him and the peace beyond understanding.
Many bad things will happen but world events have been changed by prayer. The faithful can ban together and pray for their countries. It's important to pray for the next generations. We can't give up because life is tough. We must hold his hand just like a young child does. A baby is helpless and must rely on an adult. A five year old must wait, put their hand in your hand and be guided and a teenager needs you to steer them gently into making good decisions. And then there's us. We must put our trust, our faith and our hearts into the hands of our redeemer. We may not understand what He's doing but we must trust that He knows the way.
My sisters we must ban together in prayer. We must be strong in Him when we are weak and we must look for Him in all situations. I'm not just talking to you; I'm talking to me too. I could drown but prayer has lifted me up and Scripture has infused me with passion to fight one day at a time. I'm not perfect so I must confess my sins and once again be in the presence of my Maker. We have power through Jesus. Trust in Him even when you don't see him. When you question, where are you Jesus, go to the Bible and find Him. I never find Him in the world because the world is evil. I must find Him in the quiet, through prayer and meditation. He is near. Feel Him as He guides you into the light.
1 Peter 5:8-9 NIV
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
Until tomorrow...
Have you ever asked yourself, "Where is Jesus?" At some time in your life, whether you have confessed Jesus or not, you will ask that question. How can God be this great being if bad is happening? That's a question we have all asked and although we don't have a solid answer, the Bible tells us the story of good and evil.
I am aware that I don't have all the answers. I also am aware that evil is on this earth. But Scripture is clear, God is near and out of bad will come good. Jesus died because the world was evil. He came to give us a way in the midst of that evil and because of His blood we are saved. Will all be saved? The Bible says no. Some will remain with the veil until the day he comes back and then the veil will be lifted.
Trials come whether we are saved or not. Coming to Jesus doesn't mean life will be a rose garden. It simply means that when bad happens, Christ will be near and when we seek Him we will find Him. If you look through Scripture, you will read of many different people's trials. As a matter of fact, the greatest characters in the Bible had strife. They were just like us. They lived in a world full of evil and they were part of History. Their names are written so that we can better understand the trials and tribulations and the grace that came from them.
Whenever someone has turned away from God, it's been because of a circumstance. It could be someone being killed, death, destruction or not getting what he or she wanted from God. I just spoke with a woman who was so mad at God she walked away from Him because her mom was taken away when she was young and she was confused and angry. Fast forward thirty years and she has re-committed her life to Christ.
I wish everything could be easy. I wouldn't have to struggle so much but then, I'm not sure I would know God the way I do today. Through loss and struggle, I have learned that Christ is the only way. He is my shepherd and when I call, He does hear me. My life isn't as hard as some. There is always someone that suffers more or loses more. I can drive down a street and see poverty, homelessness and pain. I can open a paper and read of war, cruelty to children, and women that are known as black widows. People all over are struggling with sin, selfishness and anger. It's a world epidemic. So it's not unusual for people to question.
I don't think God minds when we question as long as we look for Him as we question. He's been where we are and He knows the turmoil evil can create. His blood was spilled because of it. He spent time right before the crucifixion saying, "Take this cup from me." His father couldn't. Why?
He was innocent but in order to intercede for us, His life had to be given.
That's why whenever I question, "Where are you God?" I look towards the Scripture and pray. Prayer is our eternal portal to Him. When we pray, we connect. The connection builds trust and if we pray His will, not ours, we will find Him and the peace beyond understanding.
Many bad things will happen but world events have been changed by prayer. The faithful can ban together and pray for their countries. It's important to pray for the next generations. We can't give up because life is tough. We must hold his hand just like a young child does. A baby is helpless and must rely on an adult. A five year old must wait, put their hand in your hand and be guided and a teenager needs you to steer them gently into making good decisions. And then there's us. We must put our trust, our faith and our hearts into the hands of our redeemer. We may not understand what He's doing but we must trust that He knows the way.
My sisters we must ban together in prayer. We must be strong in Him when we are weak and we must look for Him in all situations. I'm not just talking to you; I'm talking to me too. I could drown but prayer has lifted me up and Scripture has infused me with passion to fight one day at a time. I'm not perfect so I must confess my sins and once again be in the presence of my Maker. We have power through Jesus. Trust in Him even when you don't see him. When you question, where are you Jesus, go to the Bible and find Him. I never find Him in the world because the world is evil. I must find Him in the quiet, through prayer and meditation. He is near. Feel Him as He guides you into the light.
1 Peter 5:8-9 NIV
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
Until tomorrow...
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
God knows my direction, so why doesn't he tell me?
Good morning my sisters-
Over the last couple of months I have shared my family trials and tribulations. I haven't given you all the details but if you read my blog through November, December and now January, you can put two and two together. Lots of things are happening in my home. I've been through a mighty spiritual battle that I am sure to be apart of again and I have been praying over the futures of my sons, particularly the youngest. My oldest has found his path, not only with God but with the woman he cares for and in the career he has chosen. God has steered his ship and I feel like he is on the right course. Like all of us, he will have times when the swells of the sea will be great but his foundation is solid.
On the other hand, I have worried over my little man. At 6'8"tall, I can't believe I still call him that. His life took a big change when my mom died, I was traveling and I know he felt lost. I eventually got home, when I quit being stubborn and let God lead me but the last years have been full of trying to right that ship. Last year, all I could focus on was him getting a sports scholarship. I was so focused on it my blood pressure rose to such heights that I'm on two medications now. This season was no different, when I started to see his enthusiasm for the sport go from one hundred to zero in just a few months. My thoughts and prayers were around how to direct him. That's not an easy job with any teenager but this one is stubborn, just like his mama. Don't tell anyone I said that though!
There was a point that I wrote on this blog about the word that came to me, "He is mine." That only can be from God because if you have ever held a child in your arms, from the moment of birth, they are yours. It's instinctual and it takes a mighty change in them and you to change it. I realized at that very moment that God wanted me to understand that he was no longer mine but His. That doesn't mean I won't have an influence but his journey and choices have begun with Christ and I need to watch and pray. So that's what I'm doing. I realized or you could say I was given wisdom that all the pressure of a scholarship had changed him. He wasn't playing for himself or for fun; He was playing to please others. I know for me if I'm doing a job I don't love; I won't last for long. So while praying I made a decision to take all the pressure off of him and remind him who is in control of his life. As a matter of fact, I wrote it in his birthday card, Jeremiah 29:11. It has been a verse I carry with me every time I do anything. See after so many years on this earth you realize one thing, who steers the ship. I may navigate the waters but the true captain is Jesus. I would love to know what direction my son is heading in. I would love to know who he will choose as a wife and I would love to know if he will be a great man of God. Unfortunately, I have to sit on the side lines and pray that the Lord that gave me these two children will make them His and that He will direct their days.
You may be wondering why God hasn't revealed your direction. Maybe your looking out to far. If there is one thing I have learned in the last couple of months, it's to look only to Him day by day. I promise you may not have the full picture but you will have the picture for the day. Our paths are guided and are steps are watched. A shepherd never leaves his sheep. He watches over them, cares for them and makes their paths straight. That's what Jesus does for us. I'm counting on it and leaning on Scripture to direct my family on the path of His choosing. As humans we will wander but thankfully, we have Jesus who is steadfast and true.
I don't know where Hunter will end up. He has been accepted to two colleges and hopefully, if he wants it bad enough, he will get a scholarship. Either way, he will be going to college, Christ willing and becoming a man that glorifies God. At the end of any journey on earth, you can't take what you earned or the time you spent being successful, you only take one thing with you and that's the Holy Father. I am praying for the young men and women that are now launching into their futures and asking God to lead them all their days and to take care of His children. More importantly, to give the elders the wisdom to lead them and to reinforce that Jesus directs them, not man. They are the future of the world, we must pray for them and the promise that they we will be watched over until the end.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.” (Jeremiah 29:11-14 NIV)
Over the last couple of months I have shared my family trials and tribulations. I haven't given you all the details but if you read my blog through November, December and now January, you can put two and two together. Lots of things are happening in my home. I've been through a mighty spiritual battle that I am sure to be apart of again and I have been praying over the futures of my sons, particularly the youngest. My oldest has found his path, not only with God but with the woman he cares for and in the career he has chosen. God has steered his ship and I feel like he is on the right course. Like all of us, he will have times when the swells of the sea will be great but his foundation is solid.
On the other hand, I have worried over my little man. At 6'8"tall, I can't believe I still call him that. His life took a big change when my mom died, I was traveling and I know he felt lost. I eventually got home, when I quit being stubborn and let God lead me but the last years have been full of trying to right that ship. Last year, all I could focus on was him getting a sports scholarship. I was so focused on it my blood pressure rose to such heights that I'm on two medications now. This season was no different, when I started to see his enthusiasm for the sport go from one hundred to zero in just a few months. My thoughts and prayers were around how to direct him. That's not an easy job with any teenager but this one is stubborn, just like his mama. Don't tell anyone I said that though!
There was a point that I wrote on this blog about the word that came to me, "He is mine." That only can be from God because if you have ever held a child in your arms, from the moment of birth, they are yours. It's instinctual and it takes a mighty change in them and you to change it. I realized at that very moment that God wanted me to understand that he was no longer mine but His. That doesn't mean I won't have an influence but his journey and choices have begun with Christ and I need to watch and pray. So that's what I'm doing. I realized or you could say I was given wisdom that all the pressure of a scholarship had changed him. He wasn't playing for himself or for fun; He was playing to please others. I know for me if I'm doing a job I don't love; I won't last for long. So while praying I made a decision to take all the pressure off of him and remind him who is in control of his life. As a matter of fact, I wrote it in his birthday card, Jeremiah 29:11. It has been a verse I carry with me every time I do anything. See after so many years on this earth you realize one thing, who steers the ship. I may navigate the waters but the true captain is Jesus. I would love to know what direction my son is heading in. I would love to know who he will choose as a wife and I would love to know if he will be a great man of God. Unfortunately, I have to sit on the side lines and pray that the Lord that gave me these two children will make them His and that He will direct their days.
You may be wondering why God hasn't revealed your direction. Maybe your looking out to far. If there is one thing I have learned in the last couple of months, it's to look only to Him day by day. I promise you may not have the full picture but you will have the picture for the day. Our paths are guided and are steps are watched. A shepherd never leaves his sheep. He watches over them, cares for them and makes their paths straight. That's what Jesus does for us. I'm counting on it and leaning on Scripture to direct my family on the path of His choosing. As humans we will wander but thankfully, we have Jesus who is steadfast and true.
I don't know where Hunter will end up. He has been accepted to two colleges and hopefully, if he wants it bad enough, he will get a scholarship. Either way, he will be going to college, Christ willing and becoming a man that glorifies God. At the end of any journey on earth, you can't take what you earned or the time you spent being successful, you only take one thing with you and that's the Holy Father. I am praying for the young men and women that are now launching into their futures and asking God to lead them all their days and to take care of His children. More importantly, to give the elders the wisdom to lead them and to reinforce that Jesus directs them, not man. They are the future of the world, we must pray for them and the promise that they we will be watched over until the end.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.” (Jeremiah 29:11-14 NIV)
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Why must we confess the one true God?
Good morning all-
Why does it matter if we confess that Jesus is the only way to the Father? And how do we explain that Jesus, God the Father and the Holy Spirit are one? Many do not believe Jesus was the Son because it dispels the tales of old. The Jews were aware that a messiah was to come some day, was that a prophet or a Son?
Only during the time Jesus walked on the earth did people get to hear the true words from the man that was the Son of God and only a God so great could make a Holy Trinity. He is one God, and through the Son, we see the Father. Why? Because Jesus stood before man and asked for our forgiveness. He didn't let the evil of this earth sway Him, instead He chose His path and we are forever saved.
I recently was told that Christians are intolerant and on top of that I heard it from a twelve year old boy. Why do Christians believe they have all the answers? Now, I believe we must pray and love a woman that has had an abortion, a man that has fallen into sexual immorality and I definitely think we need to pray and love homosexual people. When I look at someone I don't see their sexual preference or their skin color, I only see the person. Don't you think that's what Jesus sees? Now that doesn't mean we won't have consequences, we all do. There isn't a person that walks on this earth that hasn't done something wrong without correction. There are war criminals from World War II that have been found and taken into jail. There are serial killers that continue to kill until one day, someone finds them and there are average every day people that get on the Internet, look at pornography, treat their spouses horribly and forget why they had children. NO ONE IS PERFECT!
So why do we judge and what give us the right to do evil against another? These are questions we must begin to explore but more importantly, we must confess that Jesus is love. We as humans can't hold a candle to the Almighty. We don't have the right to judge or we will be judged. We don't have the right to be silent either. ONE God for all eternity. We can't judge a Hindu or a Buddhist. We can't look at skin color and hate them because their skin isn't the same color and we can't walk around wishing we were wealthy and stay poor. We must find Jesus, talk about Jesus and have faith that Jesus loves every one of us and it's up to us to speak His love. If the veil is over the eyes of those that live differently or seek comfort from false Gods, well that's why we have free will but we must always speak love.
It's hard for me to forgive when I've been attacked but Christ has shown me lately His way. He forgives when we ask but He asks nothing in return. As humans we always want something in return. It's time we infuse our lives with less judgement and more love. Last Sunday we celebrated the sanctity of life. This wasn't so we could judge those that had abortions. It was so we could celebrate the healing nature of God and to realize that every life is significant. I have friends that have had abortions and I love them. You know why? Because what they went through has impacted their entire lives. We don't have to judge them because they are already judging themselves in secret behind closed doors. We need to lift them up and lift up those that are contemplating it and other things like suicide.
Women and men all over the world need to gather and for just one day proclaim that Jesus is the only way. If we truly want a revival then it's time we quit being scared, take on the shield of righteousness and proclaim that we are sinners and through Him we are redeemed. May God bless you and keep you my sisters and know wherever you are, I am praying. The fire is hot and it will get hotter but in the midst there is only one way, one truth, one life!
But the Lord is the true God; he is the living God, the eternal King. When he is angry, the earth trembles; the nations cannot endure his wrath. “Tell them this: ‘These gods, who did not make the heavens and the earth, will perish from the earth and from under the heavens.’ ” But God made the earth by his power; he founded the world by his wisdom and stretched out the heavens by his understanding. When he thunders, the waters in the heavens roar; he makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth. He sends lightning with the rain and brings out the wind from his storehouses. Everyone is senseless and without knowledge; every goldsmith is shamed by his idols. The images he makes are a fraud; they have no breath in them. They are worthless, the objects of mockery; when their judgment comes, they will perish. He who is the Portion of Jacob is not like these, for he is the Maker of all things, including Israel, the people of his inheritance— the Lord Almighty is his name. (Jeremiah 10:10-16 NIV)
Why does it matter if we confess that Jesus is the only way to the Father? And how do we explain that Jesus, God the Father and the Holy Spirit are one? Many do not believe Jesus was the Son because it dispels the tales of old. The Jews were aware that a messiah was to come some day, was that a prophet or a Son?
Only during the time Jesus walked on the earth did people get to hear the true words from the man that was the Son of God and only a God so great could make a Holy Trinity. He is one God, and through the Son, we see the Father. Why? Because Jesus stood before man and asked for our forgiveness. He didn't let the evil of this earth sway Him, instead He chose His path and we are forever saved.
I recently was told that Christians are intolerant and on top of that I heard it from a twelve year old boy. Why do Christians believe they have all the answers? Now, I believe we must pray and love a woman that has had an abortion, a man that has fallen into sexual immorality and I definitely think we need to pray and love homosexual people. When I look at someone I don't see their sexual preference or their skin color, I only see the person. Don't you think that's what Jesus sees? Now that doesn't mean we won't have consequences, we all do. There isn't a person that walks on this earth that hasn't done something wrong without correction. There are war criminals from World War II that have been found and taken into jail. There are serial killers that continue to kill until one day, someone finds them and there are average every day people that get on the Internet, look at pornography, treat their spouses horribly and forget why they had children. NO ONE IS PERFECT!
So why do we judge and what give us the right to do evil against another? These are questions we must begin to explore but more importantly, we must confess that Jesus is love. We as humans can't hold a candle to the Almighty. We don't have the right to judge or we will be judged. We don't have the right to be silent either. ONE God for all eternity. We can't judge a Hindu or a Buddhist. We can't look at skin color and hate them because their skin isn't the same color and we can't walk around wishing we were wealthy and stay poor. We must find Jesus, talk about Jesus and have faith that Jesus loves every one of us and it's up to us to speak His love. If the veil is over the eyes of those that live differently or seek comfort from false Gods, well that's why we have free will but we must always speak love.
It's hard for me to forgive when I've been attacked but Christ has shown me lately His way. He forgives when we ask but He asks nothing in return. As humans we always want something in return. It's time we infuse our lives with less judgement and more love. Last Sunday we celebrated the sanctity of life. This wasn't so we could judge those that had abortions. It was so we could celebrate the healing nature of God and to realize that every life is significant. I have friends that have had abortions and I love them. You know why? Because what they went through has impacted their entire lives. We don't have to judge them because they are already judging themselves in secret behind closed doors. We need to lift them up and lift up those that are contemplating it and other things like suicide.
Women and men all over the world need to gather and for just one day proclaim that Jesus is the only way. If we truly want a revival then it's time we quit being scared, take on the shield of righteousness and proclaim that we are sinners and through Him we are redeemed. May God bless you and keep you my sisters and know wherever you are, I am praying. The fire is hot and it will get hotter but in the midst there is only one way, one truth, one life!
But the Lord is the true God; he is the living God, the eternal King. When he is angry, the earth trembles; the nations cannot endure his wrath. “Tell them this: ‘These gods, who did not make the heavens and the earth, will perish from the earth and from under the heavens.’ ” But God made the earth by his power; he founded the world by his wisdom and stretched out the heavens by his understanding. When he thunders, the waters in the heavens roar; he makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth. He sends lightning with the rain and brings out the wind from his storehouses. Everyone is senseless and without knowledge; every goldsmith is shamed by his idols. The images he makes are a fraud; they have no breath in them. They are worthless, the objects of mockery; when their judgment comes, they will perish. He who is the Portion of Jacob is not like these, for he is the Maker of all things, including Israel, the people of his inheritance— the Lord Almighty is his name. (Jeremiah 10:10-16 NIV)
Monday, January 20, 2014
Who do you trust?
Good morning my sisters-
I don't have a lot of time this morning but I just wanted to get this scripture down for you to think about. I was so astonished when our pastor brought up a scripture God had given to me last week about pleasing people. He spun it into other scriptures that talked about trust and the more I thought about what he said, the more I agreed.
The destruction of relationships stems from a lack of trust. Simple, right? Wrong. Trust is vital to making a relationship. If I don't trust you, we aren't friends. If you don't treasure me, I probably don't treasure you and if I think you will hurt me, I won't let you near. If I'm off base let me know but I doubt that I am. It's true even in relation to God. Many have wandered from their faith because they didn't trust God. Crazy! Doesn't he know best? Of course he does but we get in the way of His glory all the time.
It's time we trust in Him, not for what we want but for what He wants for us. Terry left us with this, whenever you're feeling lost, down or alone, think about eternity. He said, "If you look at everything in regards to eternity it makes the problem, the anger, the frustration disappear because in the end everything is eternal." Now that's profound.
I captured a couple of scriptures he brought out that blessed me as I thought about them yesterday. So here they are. Have a great day.
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:5-11 NIV)
I don't have a lot of time this morning but I just wanted to get this scripture down for you to think about. I was so astonished when our pastor brought up a scripture God had given to me last week about pleasing people. He spun it into other scriptures that talked about trust and the more I thought about what he said, the more I agreed.
The destruction of relationships stems from a lack of trust. Simple, right? Wrong. Trust is vital to making a relationship. If I don't trust you, we aren't friends. If you don't treasure me, I probably don't treasure you and if I think you will hurt me, I won't let you near. If I'm off base let me know but I doubt that I am. It's true even in relation to God. Many have wandered from their faith because they didn't trust God. Crazy! Doesn't he know best? Of course he does but we get in the way of His glory all the time.
It's time we trust in Him, not for what we want but for what He wants for us. Terry left us with this, whenever you're feeling lost, down or alone, think about eternity. He said, "If you look at everything in regards to eternity it makes the problem, the anger, the frustration disappear because in the end everything is eternal." Now that's profound.
I captured a couple of scriptures he brought out that blessed me as I thought about them yesterday. So here they are. Have a great day.
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:5-11 NIV)
Sunday, January 19, 2014
What do you think Jesus wants from you?
Good morning sisters-
I woke up this morning tired and sore. I spent over five hours cleaning my house, pounding out the laundry and scrubbing toilets. I think I took every bit of frustration on my knees and today, I have a very clean house but my back feels like its breaking in two.
When I really want to get out of my head, I turn on a Christian radio station and clean away. The songs flow out and calm my spirit and the cleaning helps me work off all of my anger. This time I was angry at Satan for wanting to destroy everything God has put together. Whether you realize it or not, women are being attacked and so are men. The family is at the core of everything God is and when it can be destroyed, so goes generations. Now Christ is powerful and often the destruction ends in glory but we must always be on the watch because the enemy is near. The closer we get to God the stronger the forces are against us. Because we are human, evil can lurk in our hearts and minds, so we must protect ourselves daily.
If you believe in Jesus then you must know that you will be attacked. He is near always but even Jesus was tempted, attacked and persecuted. His persecution has been speculated and manipulated by those that want to say He was just a prophet. I never knew a prophet that could calm the sea, bring fish to the masses and break bread for hundreds. I've never met a man that with one touch could heal someone from their illness and I've never met anyone that raised someone from the dead. If Jesus was just a man, then how did he do all that?
Often in the quiet, I ask myself, "What do you want God?" I think about my life and wonder if I'm messing it up or really making an impact for Him. I pray in the quiet and wonder how much of what I pray and speak glorifies Him. And when I'm down, I try to remember what is most important to our Savior.
It's not easy sometimes but we know what our true direction is. We must love Him and seek Him all our days. We must pray for those that know Him and for those that don't and we must encourage our sisters that He is near. Obedience and love are all He requires. How do we stay obedient? We trust in His word. How do we love Him more? We spend time with Him, calling to Him and praising Him through our words and song. I always go back to David; He praised Him and went seeking after Him even after He fell to sin. His goal was to find Him and God loved David. David is an example of you and me. He was human, with human desires and needs and when he sinned he sought salace in God, not man.
Believe that Jesus is who He said He was. Read scripture to know Him and pray so that you to can have a friendship with the Son of God, the Holy Trinity, the one true God!
We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did. (1 John 2:3-6 NIV)
Until tomorrow...
I woke up this morning tired and sore. I spent over five hours cleaning my house, pounding out the laundry and scrubbing toilets. I think I took every bit of frustration on my knees and today, I have a very clean house but my back feels like its breaking in two.
When I really want to get out of my head, I turn on a Christian radio station and clean away. The songs flow out and calm my spirit and the cleaning helps me work off all of my anger. This time I was angry at Satan for wanting to destroy everything God has put together. Whether you realize it or not, women are being attacked and so are men. The family is at the core of everything God is and when it can be destroyed, so goes generations. Now Christ is powerful and often the destruction ends in glory but we must always be on the watch because the enemy is near. The closer we get to God the stronger the forces are against us. Because we are human, evil can lurk in our hearts and minds, so we must protect ourselves daily.
If you believe in Jesus then you must know that you will be attacked. He is near always but even Jesus was tempted, attacked and persecuted. His persecution has been speculated and manipulated by those that want to say He was just a prophet. I never knew a prophet that could calm the sea, bring fish to the masses and break bread for hundreds. I've never met a man that with one touch could heal someone from their illness and I've never met anyone that raised someone from the dead. If Jesus was just a man, then how did he do all that?
Often in the quiet, I ask myself, "What do you want God?" I think about my life and wonder if I'm messing it up or really making an impact for Him. I pray in the quiet and wonder how much of what I pray and speak glorifies Him. And when I'm down, I try to remember what is most important to our Savior.
It's not easy sometimes but we know what our true direction is. We must love Him and seek Him all our days. We must pray for those that know Him and for those that don't and we must encourage our sisters that He is near. Obedience and love are all He requires. How do we stay obedient? We trust in His word. How do we love Him more? We spend time with Him, calling to Him and praising Him through our words and song. I always go back to David; He praised Him and went seeking after Him even after He fell to sin. His goal was to find Him and God loved David. David is an example of you and me. He was human, with human desires and needs and when he sinned he sought salace in God, not man.
Believe that Jesus is who He said He was. Read scripture to know Him and pray so that you to can have a friendship with the Son of God, the Holy Trinity, the one true God!
We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did. (1 John 2:3-6 NIV)
Until tomorrow...
Saturday, January 18, 2014
January 18,2014
Good evening-
I hope you like the new look of the blog. I felt like it was time to change it to a calming and bright color. Just like the Lord lifts us from the pit of despair so does color. So with that, I changed the color and it automatically brightened my mood. If you feel inclined, let me know your thoughts.
The Lord has put many Scriptures on my heart this week as I've looked for Him. He knows me and understands when I'm truly seeking Him with my whole heart and when I do; I'm rewarded with meaningful words, just for me, just for that moment. I hope you will see them and think the same thing.
Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” (Matthew 21:21, 22 NIV)
Often I find myself in the wilderness, today was no different but as I searched for Jesus these words came through. Reading and praying are the only things that will take you out of yourself and into the light. Believe His word and find Him in all things.
Be well and know He is near!
Until tomorrow...
I hope you like the new look of the blog. I felt like it was time to change it to a calming and bright color. Just like the Lord lifts us from the pit of despair so does color. So with that, I changed the color and it automatically brightened my mood. If you feel inclined, let me know your thoughts.
The Lord has put many Scriptures on my heart this week as I've looked for Him. He knows me and understands when I'm truly seeking Him with my whole heart and when I do; I'm rewarded with meaningful words, just for me, just for that moment. I hope you will see them and think the same thing.
Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” (Matthew 21:21, 22 NIV)
Often I find myself in the wilderness, today was no different but as I searched for Jesus these words came through. Reading and praying are the only things that will take you out of yourself and into the light. Believe His word and find Him in all things.
Be well and know He is near!
Until tomorrow...
Friday, January 17, 2014
January 17, 2014
Good morning my sisters-
When do we look for God the most? Of course you know, in the storm. When the winds have picked up everything you have treasured and thrown it to the ground, that's when you look for God. It might be during times of illness or when your marriage is at the brink of disaster or it might be just because you're down and you don't know where to go. It really doesn't matter what the storm is as long as you can see Jesus in the midst.
I know because I'm in a great battle when the I find myself praying at night and when I first wake up I know I'm fighting a strong force. Prayer has always been my most powerful tool to fight off evil. Bottom line, I am a prayer warrior. That has always been my gift. I can see a stranger, a person at work or think about a friend and I know that I must pray for them and I do. I have spent the last three years praying for women all over the world that don't believe in Jesus, all because they've come on my heart. I'm the type of person that in the middle of the night, I will wake and have a person on my mind and I will start to pray. Why? I don't have a clue. I have just always known that whoever is on my mind needs God and I am called to intercede.
This week, I called on a group of women that I may not see very much but I know when I call, God will answer. I am grateful to know these women and truly believe they are a gift from God. I put a Facebook message out there and within the hour I had their promise of prayer. O, how great God is! Some of them I haven't seen in a year and still, they hear my cry and begin to pray. That's what we are all called to do. We must stand beside the weak, pray for the oppressed and love the sinner because in truth, we all have those characteristics.
I wish I could say my storm is over. It's not. As a matter of fact it's stronger than ever. I thought my storm had broken last night but it only ramped up with words that can't be taken back and the sense of utter failure. I could be destroyed by it but I choose to look up. God may not fix it today but I can only look up and ask for grace.
This morning in the quiet of the morning I found myself humming "I need you." I believe Chris Tomlin wrote it. It talks about how we need Him, every hour, we need Him. He is our one defense, our righteousness, O, how we need Him. Those words have been like a loop in my head. Every morning I begin to hum and O, how I need Him. Without going into the details, I think you can tell I'm under attack. My only defense is Jesus and I'm seeking Him and those that fight for Him with all I have. I can't even look past this moment because if I do the situation seems bleak. So instead, I woke up and looked for a Scripture that I could fix my mind on today. So here it is my sisters. I pray that God is giving you guidance in your day and that you are seeking Him in and out of the storm.
2 Corinthians 4:7-9 NIV
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.
My prayer today:
O, Most High, please come before your children and hear our cry. We don't know the hour and day of your coming but we cry out to You today and ask that You would give us the strength of Your mightiest warriors. We need You beside us, here on earth, to fight that which we can not see. The powers are strong but You are stronger. Death will come but mercy is at hand. Hold Your children close and help us become closer and more faithful servants. You are our one desire, our righteousness, O, how we need YOU! In Jesus Name, AMEN
Until tomorrow...
When do we look for God the most? Of course you know, in the storm. When the winds have picked up everything you have treasured and thrown it to the ground, that's when you look for God. It might be during times of illness or when your marriage is at the brink of disaster or it might be just because you're down and you don't know where to go. It really doesn't matter what the storm is as long as you can see Jesus in the midst.
I know because I'm in a great battle when the I find myself praying at night and when I first wake up I know I'm fighting a strong force. Prayer has always been my most powerful tool to fight off evil. Bottom line, I am a prayer warrior. That has always been my gift. I can see a stranger, a person at work or think about a friend and I know that I must pray for them and I do. I have spent the last three years praying for women all over the world that don't believe in Jesus, all because they've come on my heart. I'm the type of person that in the middle of the night, I will wake and have a person on my mind and I will start to pray. Why? I don't have a clue. I have just always known that whoever is on my mind needs God and I am called to intercede.
This week, I called on a group of women that I may not see very much but I know when I call, God will answer. I am grateful to know these women and truly believe they are a gift from God. I put a Facebook message out there and within the hour I had their promise of prayer. O, how great God is! Some of them I haven't seen in a year and still, they hear my cry and begin to pray. That's what we are all called to do. We must stand beside the weak, pray for the oppressed and love the sinner because in truth, we all have those characteristics.
I wish I could say my storm is over. It's not. As a matter of fact it's stronger than ever. I thought my storm had broken last night but it only ramped up with words that can't be taken back and the sense of utter failure. I could be destroyed by it but I choose to look up. God may not fix it today but I can only look up and ask for grace.
This morning in the quiet of the morning I found myself humming "I need you." I believe Chris Tomlin wrote it. It talks about how we need Him, every hour, we need Him. He is our one defense, our righteousness, O, how we need Him. Those words have been like a loop in my head. Every morning I begin to hum and O, how I need Him. Without going into the details, I think you can tell I'm under attack. My only defense is Jesus and I'm seeking Him and those that fight for Him with all I have. I can't even look past this moment because if I do the situation seems bleak. So instead, I woke up and looked for a Scripture that I could fix my mind on today. So here it is my sisters. I pray that God is giving you guidance in your day and that you are seeking Him in and out of the storm.
2 Corinthians 4:7-9 NIV
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.
My prayer today:
O, Most High, please come before your children and hear our cry. We don't know the hour and day of your coming but we cry out to You today and ask that You would give us the strength of Your mightiest warriors. We need You beside us, here on earth, to fight that which we can not see. The powers are strong but You are stronger. Death will come but mercy is at hand. Hold Your children close and help us become closer and more faithful servants. You are our one desire, our righteousness, O, how we need YOU! In Jesus Name, AMEN
Until tomorrow...
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
January 15, 2014
Good morning ladies-
I want to leave you with a Scripture today. I am under a Spiritual battle of mighty proportions right now and I have called out to my sisters that are close to me and asked them to pray. And as I was writing to them, this Scripture came to me. Please pray for anyone you know who is in the fire and needs God to respond.
“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector. “Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:15-20 NIV)
My Prayer today:
O, Lord grant me solace in my fire. Walk with me today and show me where my feet need to be. Be my anchor and hold me down through the waves of this mighty storm. I give to you all that is mine to surrender; my heart, soul and mind. Change the direction of this battle and let me find victory as I watch You work in my families life. Help me be still and to know that You are in control of every hour I'm in this battle and give me courage to sustain it. I'm fighting for family and for women Lord. Every moment I spend is to proclaim Your name and in this battle I know You are near. You are the only One that can heal generational hurt and abandonment. Heal my family today and lift us up as I seek Your wisdom. I have called out to my sisters to pray for healing but mostly, I want my sons to know You are near. You are their Father and their paths are set by Your hand. Take this family by still waters and watch over me as I seek You. In Jesus Name AMEN...
Until tomorrow...
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
January 14, 2014
Good morning my sisters-
I woke up this morning purposely so I could write this morning. My coffee is perking and I've already dressed, turned on my curling iron and drank my first cup of coffee. I just love the morning and all the energy I feel, don't you? Well, maybe your a night person but even then you know exactly what I mean.
In a few days my husband will turn fifty. It seems crazy to me that we have been together for over 24 years. It isn't always easy but I'm glad we have made it this far. Approaching fifty is hard for men. They see their virility as diminishing and the looks they once got aren't the same. Not that my husband is the kind of man that wants that but let's be real we all want to feel appreciated and attractive. He's one of the lucky ones. He still has all his hair, he's in better condition than ever and he looks much younger than his age and yet, his chronological age will be fifty.
Should we put stock in a number? I don't think so. I think it's what we do with every year that truly matters. There is so much God has for us with the short time we are here on earth. Their are people to love, children to care for and generations to teach that Jesus is real. We are on a journey and whether your eight or fifty, you have an important part to play on this earth.
In the last couple of years, I have watched how men are being destroyed. Some through war but some from their apathy and their own mind. Men are not as strong as they once were. Once they hunted and took care of the land. They provided for their families or those families perished. They led their women and children. They were men you would follow because you knew they could lead. Today, the roles are reversing and I think with it has come a great confusion. What does it mean to be a man? Since I'm not one I'm not sure I really know but I had a great role model in my father. And to this day, I can read the Bible and see what it meant to be a man in Jesus' day and how one man led thousands.
We all are imperfect creatures. But something is happening to the inner faith and strength our men once carried. We must pray for our men and know that when they fall we must be faithful to pray for them and ask God to be near. Abraham had Sara and often he listened to her. Not everything she counseled him in was correct but their partnership carries the weight of all generations. A child that would lead to Jesus. A heritage of one man that believed God, trusted Him and walked with Him. We may not be able to take the veil off our men or even save them from theirselves but we can intercede and ask God to give our men strength, comfort and a heart to lead.
I have carried many burdens in my life and this is probably the one that I carry daily. My heart for the common man who suffers from depression. I have watched it tear families apart, through alcohol, suicide, anger and adultery. We as woman can fight but we must be willing to be on our knees. None of these things are going to go away but we are fighting not just for our spouses and boyfriends, we are fighting for our sons and their sons.
I know what I'm talking about because I live with someone that suffers from depression. It's real and its spiritual. Beyond all things, I believe that in my heart. Only God can deliver us from it. I truly believe that, whether through medication, therapy or seeking Him, it all comes down to being on our knees and asking for deliverance. Even King David suffered from it because you can read it in the Psalms. He called to God and over time God delivered him. We must play a role in this spiritual battle and fight with everything we have. Prayer is powerful and only through wisdom and seeking Christ will we find our answers. The Gospel is the way for all of us to find Christ. Please pray that the veil of silence, depression and sin would be washed away by the power of the Holy Spirit, not just for men but for all of us.
“ ‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ (Acts 2:17-21 NIV)
My prayer today:
O, my Soveriegn King unveil the truth to women and men all throughout this globe. Wash away our sin and put the Gospel on the hearts of all men. Give us as women fortitude and strength to pray for our weary men and put perseverance in the heart of women everywhere. We are seeking our Savior to hold onto those that you knew in the womb. Reverse the tide and guide men unto You. Give them strength, endurance and a heart to follow You all their days. May the women that read this blog fight with me for today, tomorrow and for all future generations. There is no greater warrior than You. Today, I take the shield of righteousness and pray that our men will seek You and that their decisions to trust in You will bring about a revival through all generations. I find my trust in You. I declare that every good thing that happens comes from You and I believe that You will lead men and deliver them. In Jesus Name, Amen
Until tomorrow.....
Be blessed. I have to go now.
I woke up this morning purposely so I could write this morning. My coffee is perking and I've already dressed, turned on my curling iron and drank my first cup of coffee. I just love the morning and all the energy I feel, don't you? Well, maybe your a night person but even then you know exactly what I mean.
In a few days my husband will turn fifty. It seems crazy to me that we have been together for over 24 years. It isn't always easy but I'm glad we have made it this far. Approaching fifty is hard for men. They see their virility as diminishing and the looks they once got aren't the same. Not that my husband is the kind of man that wants that but let's be real we all want to feel appreciated and attractive. He's one of the lucky ones. He still has all his hair, he's in better condition than ever and he looks much younger than his age and yet, his chronological age will be fifty.
Should we put stock in a number? I don't think so. I think it's what we do with every year that truly matters. There is so much God has for us with the short time we are here on earth. Their are people to love, children to care for and generations to teach that Jesus is real. We are on a journey and whether your eight or fifty, you have an important part to play on this earth.
In the last couple of years, I have watched how men are being destroyed. Some through war but some from their apathy and their own mind. Men are not as strong as they once were. Once they hunted and took care of the land. They provided for their families or those families perished. They led their women and children. They were men you would follow because you knew they could lead. Today, the roles are reversing and I think with it has come a great confusion. What does it mean to be a man? Since I'm not one I'm not sure I really know but I had a great role model in my father. And to this day, I can read the Bible and see what it meant to be a man in Jesus' day and how one man led thousands.
We all are imperfect creatures. But something is happening to the inner faith and strength our men once carried. We must pray for our men and know that when they fall we must be faithful to pray for them and ask God to be near. Abraham had Sara and often he listened to her. Not everything she counseled him in was correct but their partnership carries the weight of all generations. A child that would lead to Jesus. A heritage of one man that believed God, trusted Him and walked with Him. We may not be able to take the veil off our men or even save them from theirselves but we can intercede and ask God to give our men strength, comfort and a heart to lead.
I have carried many burdens in my life and this is probably the one that I carry daily. My heart for the common man who suffers from depression. I have watched it tear families apart, through alcohol, suicide, anger and adultery. We as woman can fight but we must be willing to be on our knees. None of these things are going to go away but we are fighting not just for our spouses and boyfriends, we are fighting for our sons and their sons.
I know what I'm talking about because I live with someone that suffers from depression. It's real and its spiritual. Beyond all things, I believe that in my heart. Only God can deliver us from it. I truly believe that, whether through medication, therapy or seeking Him, it all comes down to being on our knees and asking for deliverance. Even King David suffered from it because you can read it in the Psalms. He called to God and over time God delivered him. We must play a role in this spiritual battle and fight with everything we have. Prayer is powerful and only through wisdom and seeking Christ will we find our answers. The Gospel is the way for all of us to find Christ. Please pray that the veil of silence, depression and sin would be washed away by the power of the Holy Spirit, not just for men but for all of us.
“ ‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ (Acts 2:17-21 NIV)
My prayer today:
O, my Soveriegn King unveil the truth to women and men all throughout this globe. Wash away our sin and put the Gospel on the hearts of all men. Give us as women fortitude and strength to pray for our weary men and put perseverance in the heart of women everywhere. We are seeking our Savior to hold onto those that you knew in the womb. Reverse the tide and guide men unto You. Give them strength, endurance and a heart to follow You all their days. May the women that read this blog fight with me for today, tomorrow and for all future generations. There is no greater warrior than You. Today, I take the shield of righteousness and pray that our men will seek You and that their decisions to trust in You will bring about a revival through all generations. I find my trust in You. I declare that every good thing that happens comes from You and I believe that You will lead men and deliver them. In Jesus Name, Amen
Until tomorrow.....
Be blessed. I have to go now.
Sunday, January 12, 2014
January 12,2014
Good morning my sisters-
Have you ever wondered why life is so hard? I have numerous times. I wish I could remember the last time I had a carefree moment. You know like following a butterfly to a bush and watching its wings flow up and down or laughing as a rubber band is shot in the air and hits someone in the head. You know, the crazy things that make us all just stop and make light of ourselves. As you mature those days are far and few between and the rest of life gets in the way.
I often wonder how many days Jesus had like that. The Bible only speaks of miracles, healings and struggles. You rarely see any glimpse of what might have been laughter. He often went away to pray for 40 days and 40 nights. Did He watch the birds, wonder about all the beauty His father created or did He just sit there praying to understand what He was being prepared to do? Sometimes that's exactly where I am. What is God preparing for me to do?
As I sit and write today, I'm wondering that very thing. The last months have been challenging and I have found myself going to bed praying and waking up early seeking Him. I can't always write because I'm trying to find Him. I'm sure you have those days. Instead of seeking my own thoughts, I have to seek His. Thank goodness He has given me insight.
All my thoughts always bring me back to one thing. Be still and know I am God. I can't worry about tomorrow or how fast life may take me. I can't predict the future or how my life will go. I can't even predict how I will live in ten years. I only have this moment to seek Him with my whole heart. And when I seek Him, I always find Him. He has my past, present and future mapped out. We are one with Him. Our journey is the journey that was mapped out upon our birth and nothing can change what Jesus wants to do with it, except for us. If we don't want to follow, then we might not get led.
As I have said many times, the workers are few. Those that wish to talk about Jesus. Whether you know Jesus or not, life will be hard. I just can't imagine not being able to sit quietly, pray and ask Christ to lead me. We as humans are just to fallible. Our hearts are too fickle. We need Him to guide us and help us become the men and women that will lead nations and raise the next generations. We are nothing without Him. If I am a great women here on earth but don't know Jesus; I'm nothing. For all I do is to proclaim the name of my Savior. My life is His to direct and my responsibility is to be faithful. Look for Him today and for one moment, be carefree. He is our butterfly, don't you want to see His wonder?
(both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” (Acts 2:11 NIV)
Not many think about confessing God. There are many that go to church and pray but there are few that are willing to be like Isaiah, Abraham, Moses, Peter and Paul. There are few among us that preach to the nations that Jesus is the only way. We hide behind images and others feelings. The good news must happen and the wonder that we experienced as children resides in the Holy Trinity. Beyond watching butterflies, seeing rainbows and kindness of others, there is a God that has loved us, watched over us and given us grace and mercy. If nothing else, our thoughts and words should be on the Savior. We are His and He has done a great thing by us. Where are your thoughts and tongues today? Are they cursing or proclaiming, only you can decide?
Be well my sisters and know that every time we seek Him; He reveals himself to us.
My prayer today:
O, Lord may we have courage to proclaim you among the nations and may every prayer be about knowing you better. I continue to be in awe of your love. Help us to see you in everything we do and guide our paths always straight to you. Help our brothers and sisters in other countries and take the veil off for all time.
Until tomorrow...
Have you ever wondered why life is so hard? I have numerous times. I wish I could remember the last time I had a carefree moment. You know like following a butterfly to a bush and watching its wings flow up and down or laughing as a rubber band is shot in the air and hits someone in the head. You know, the crazy things that make us all just stop and make light of ourselves. As you mature those days are far and few between and the rest of life gets in the way.
I often wonder how many days Jesus had like that. The Bible only speaks of miracles, healings and struggles. You rarely see any glimpse of what might have been laughter. He often went away to pray for 40 days and 40 nights. Did He watch the birds, wonder about all the beauty His father created or did He just sit there praying to understand what He was being prepared to do? Sometimes that's exactly where I am. What is God preparing for me to do?
As I sit and write today, I'm wondering that very thing. The last months have been challenging and I have found myself going to bed praying and waking up early seeking Him. I can't always write because I'm trying to find Him. I'm sure you have those days. Instead of seeking my own thoughts, I have to seek His. Thank goodness He has given me insight.
All my thoughts always bring me back to one thing. Be still and know I am God. I can't worry about tomorrow or how fast life may take me. I can't predict the future or how my life will go. I can't even predict how I will live in ten years. I only have this moment to seek Him with my whole heart. And when I seek Him, I always find Him. He has my past, present and future mapped out. We are one with Him. Our journey is the journey that was mapped out upon our birth and nothing can change what Jesus wants to do with it, except for us. If we don't want to follow, then we might not get led.
As I have said many times, the workers are few. Those that wish to talk about Jesus. Whether you know Jesus or not, life will be hard. I just can't imagine not being able to sit quietly, pray and ask Christ to lead me. We as humans are just to fallible. Our hearts are too fickle. We need Him to guide us and help us become the men and women that will lead nations and raise the next generations. We are nothing without Him. If I am a great women here on earth but don't know Jesus; I'm nothing. For all I do is to proclaim the name of my Savior. My life is His to direct and my responsibility is to be faithful. Look for Him today and for one moment, be carefree. He is our butterfly, don't you want to see His wonder?
(both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” (Acts 2:11 NIV)
Not many think about confessing God. There are many that go to church and pray but there are few that are willing to be like Isaiah, Abraham, Moses, Peter and Paul. There are few among us that preach to the nations that Jesus is the only way. We hide behind images and others feelings. The good news must happen and the wonder that we experienced as children resides in the Holy Trinity. Beyond watching butterflies, seeing rainbows and kindness of others, there is a God that has loved us, watched over us and given us grace and mercy. If nothing else, our thoughts and words should be on the Savior. We are His and He has done a great thing by us. Where are your thoughts and tongues today? Are they cursing or proclaiming, only you can decide?
Be well my sisters and know that every time we seek Him; He reveals himself to us.
My prayer today:
O, Lord may we have courage to proclaim you among the nations and may every prayer be about knowing you better. I continue to be in awe of your love. Help us to see you in everything we do and guide our paths always straight to you. Help our brothers and sisters in other countries and take the veil off for all time.
Until tomorrow...
Saturday, January 11, 2014
January 11, 2014
Good morning all-
How have you been? I haven't been on here in a couple of days and have missed many messages from God I'm sure but one is sticking in my head right now and I thought you might like to hear it too. It's about who our souls belong to and how that price was paid.
As of my last post, many things have gone on with my son. It has been a roller coaster ride to say the least and I think he's about to learn a lesson that life must teach him if he wishes to pursue his dreams. I have been awake many early hours worrying about him and his future. Not because he's on drugs or drinking but because he gets distracted behind a make believe curtain that seems harmless but isn't. We had it under control until the break and now, once again, I think he's about to ruin his chance to pay for college and guess what, I can't protect him.
This week he turned 18 and I no longer have babies. That's scary in itself but I think more frightening for me is that I am losing control of their direction with every hour that goes by. Am I struggling with control issues? Absolutely! So when I woke up at 4 am this morning to a million thoughts floating through my head, one thought kept coming through. "He is mine." I wish I could say that it was a quiet thought but it wasn't. I could hear it through my overactive mind as if someone was saying it to me. I stopped and said, "What do you mean, Lord?" You gave me these kids to raise and I'm not sure I have done all that great and now your telling me, "He's yours." Of course, I know he's yours. But do I?
It got me thinking how often I have thought I was in control of my situation and I wasn't. It also made me think about how I can't do anything to be in God's grace and that my salvation was because of Him not me. Can you imagine my thoughts at this point? Holy roller coaster! So, once again my cousin's birthday card came to me, "Be still and know I am God." No sweeter words to a woman who can't keep her thoughts on the track. I have to wonder if what's about to happen in Hunter's life is going to impact mine as well. Spiritually, we are His children and He will direct our path.
I leave you with this beautiful Scripture today and something to think about. If we are on this earth trying to do our best, can we control our future? Who owns our souls? Who sees our faults? But mostly, who washes our sins, cleans us up and puts our feet on the right path? You already know, Jesus. So in the quiet of this morning, I have to give my thoughts and cares to Jesus. Hunter and Austin belong to Him and I am just the vessel that got to help direct them, even if they have a few missteps. All in all, He is their anchor and their Father, just as He is mine. Think about that for a minute and come out if it knowing you belong to Him above all else!
“On the day when I act,” says the Lord Almighty, “they will be my treasured possession. I will spare them, just as a father has compassion and spares his son who serves him. And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not. (Malachi 3:17, 18 NIV)
Until tomorrow...
How have you been? I haven't been on here in a couple of days and have missed many messages from God I'm sure but one is sticking in my head right now and I thought you might like to hear it too. It's about who our souls belong to and how that price was paid.
As of my last post, many things have gone on with my son. It has been a roller coaster ride to say the least and I think he's about to learn a lesson that life must teach him if he wishes to pursue his dreams. I have been awake many early hours worrying about him and his future. Not because he's on drugs or drinking but because he gets distracted behind a make believe curtain that seems harmless but isn't. We had it under control until the break and now, once again, I think he's about to ruin his chance to pay for college and guess what, I can't protect him.
This week he turned 18 and I no longer have babies. That's scary in itself but I think more frightening for me is that I am losing control of their direction with every hour that goes by. Am I struggling with control issues? Absolutely! So when I woke up at 4 am this morning to a million thoughts floating through my head, one thought kept coming through. "He is mine." I wish I could say that it was a quiet thought but it wasn't. I could hear it through my overactive mind as if someone was saying it to me. I stopped and said, "What do you mean, Lord?" You gave me these kids to raise and I'm not sure I have done all that great and now your telling me, "He's yours." Of course, I know he's yours. But do I?
It got me thinking how often I have thought I was in control of my situation and I wasn't. It also made me think about how I can't do anything to be in God's grace and that my salvation was because of Him not me. Can you imagine my thoughts at this point? Holy roller coaster! So, once again my cousin's birthday card came to me, "Be still and know I am God." No sweeter words to a woman who can't keep her thoughts on the track. I have to wonder if what's about to happen in Hunter's life is going to impact mine as well. Spiritually, we are His children and He will direct our path.
I leave you with this beautiful Scripture today and something to think about. If we are on this earth trying to do our best, can we control our future? Who owns our souls? Who sees our faults? But mostly, who washes our sins, cleans us up and puts our feet on the right path? You already know, Jesus. So in the quiet of this morning, I have to give my thoughts and cares to Jesus. Hunter and Austin belong to Him and I am just the vessel that got to help direct them, even if they have a few missteps. All in all, He is their anchor and their Father, just as He is mine. Think about that for a minute and come out if it knowing you belong to Him above all else!
“On the day when I act,” says the Lord Almighty, “they will be my treasured possession. I will spare them, just as a father has compassion and spares his son who serves him. And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not. (Malachi 3:17, 18 NIV)
Until tomorrow...
Saturday, January 4, 2014
January 4, 2014
Good morning all-
It's a little later than I anticipated today but at least I'm on and have something to say. That's a start. Anyway, the topic today is how we spend our time and how easy it is to lose site of our priorities. You probably are wondering why I bring this up after discussing God being our anchor. Well, I think the two topics actually go hand in hand. I'll let you decide.
This morning I was woken up by my husband at 6:00 am CST because my youngest son was still up. He loves to play games with some of his friends and I have let him because he does everything he's supposed to. However, it's been on my mind that he just really doesn't have boundaries and this was my last straw. So like a concerned parent I went down to talk to my son about what he was doing and my feelings behind it. What should I have expected? I thought maybe we could have a reasonable talk about it but no that was not to be had. Instead, I got a very defensive 18 year old telling me why he should do what he's doing. It really is like talking to a wall sometimes but it's my job to penetrate that wall. I have been asking God for a way to change what I believe is becoming an addiction. I'm sure many that are parents would say just take it away from him. That's one solution but I won't have control much longer so I need a way to help him set boundaries and to work within them so that he will be able to run his life better.
Right now he's just a kid but eventually he will have to set his own boundaries. During our discussion, he used every argument in the book and as I have always thought, he would be an excellent lawyer. His thought process and ways of reasoning outweigh most teenage minds. The problem is he is still a teenager and he is my responsibility. And in some ways, I guess I feel as though I have failed in this area. Well everything changes today. While he is at practice, I will set controls on his system so that he can only play games up to a certain time and then his computer will turn off. Taking it away will not help him control himself, it will only agitate him. My plan is to control what he can't himself and my hope is that eventually we can have a conversation about why I did what I did. He won't like it either way but this is what I feel must be done.
I think what's bothering me the most are some of his points in the argument. He talked about my reading and when I go to bed. All legitimate. I love to read and I do like to sleep. It got me to thinking about how many hours all of us waste on visual entertainment or things that we love and how we place God in a section of those things. You know what I'm talking about. We fit God into our day but we don't make Him our day. He comes when everything else we wish to do is completed. That's where we all fall short. My son has a need to unwind and being at home by a computer is how he does it. It keeps him from drinking and drugs so if you were to look at it, there's nothing wrong with it, right? Wrong. Any obsession is wrong and we can all look at our lives and see where we put God on the sideline and our hobbies at the forefront. I feel convicted don't you. See we all have a little bit of what my child is going through. It's called self-discipline and control.
So when I look at Christ being my anchor and the time I allot to Him; I have to wonder is it enough for Him to truly be that in my life. Being my anchor means I must seek Him, spend time with Him, acknowledge Him and read about Him, right? That's where most of us fall short. We fit Him into our day, maybe in the morning, maybe at night or maybe not at all. It's important for us to look at where we spend time and be truthful with how we spend our time. My son won't realize the impact of what I'm about to do for another week. But the impact that this will make will be significant, it will help him work harder on his goals and less on his entertainment. For me, it has given me a perspective on how I choose to manage the hours when I'm awake and convict me to think more about how I spend my time. Inevitably, I need to spend more time with Christ and less on the things that take me away from Him. That doesn't mean we can't still do things we enjoy; it just means we must focus on what's most important and that's Christ.
It's time we all set boundaries and put our thoughts on Jesus. Recently, I read an article of a woman that wrote a letter to the Pope while in prison. She is in Pakistan and is on death row for heresy. All she did was drink from a well, oh, and be a Christian. Her thoughts are on Jesus. There are 20 others there waiting to die for what they believe. Her words have penetrated my heart and made me think more about Jesus. We need to all take the time and think about where we spend our time, how we focus it and what matters to us most. That's the only way we will ever find Jesus.
It's a little later than I anticipated today but at least I'm on and have something to say. That's a start. Anyway, the topic today is how we spend our time and how easy it is to lose site of our priorities. You probably are wondering why I bring this up after discussing God being our anchor. Well, I think the two topics actually go hand in hand. I'll let you decide.
This morning I was woken up by my husband at 6:00 am CST because my youngest son was still up. He loves to play games with some of his friends and I have let him because he does everything he's supposed to. However, it's been on my mind that he just really doesn't have boundaries and this was my last straw. So like a concerned parent I went down to talk to my son about what he was doing and my feelings behind it. What should I have expected? I thought maybe we could have a reasonable talk about it but no that was not to be had. Instead, I got a very defensive 18 year old telling me why he should do what he's doing. It really is like talking to a wall sometimes but it's my job to penetrate that wall. I have been asking God for a way to change what I believe is becoming an addiction. I'm sure many that are parents would say just take it away from him. That's one solution but I won't have control much longer so I need a way to help him set boundaries and to work within them so that he will be able to run his life better.
Right now he's just a kid but eventually he will have to set his own boundaries. During our discussion, he used every argument in the book and as I have always thought, he would be an excellent lawyer. His thought process and ways of reasoning outweigh most teenage minds. The problem is he is still a teenager and he is my responsibility. And in some ways, I guess I feel as though I have failed in this area. Well everything changes today. While he is at practice, I will set controls on his system so that he can only play games up to a certain time and then his computer will turn off. Taking it away will not help him control himself, it will only agitate him. My plan is to control what he can't himself and my hope is that eventually we can have a conversation about why I did what I did. He won't like it either way but this is what I feel must be done.
I think what's bothering me the most are some of his points in the argument. He talked about my reading and when I go to bed. All legitimate. I love to read and I do like to sleep. It got me to thinking about how many hours all of us waste on visual entertainment or things that we love and how we place God in a section of those things. You know what I'm talking about. We fit God into our day but we don't make Him our day. He comes when everything else we wish to do is completed. That's where we all fall short. My son has a need to unwind and being at home by a computer is how he does it. It keeps him from drinking and drugs so if you were to look at it, there's nothing wrong with it, right? Wrong. Any obsession is wrong and we can all look at our lives and see where we put God on the sideline and our hobbies at the forefront. I feel convicted don't you. See we all have a little bit of what my child is going through. It's called self-discipline and control.
So when I look at Christ being my anchor and the time I allot to Him; I have to wonder is it enough for Him to truly be that in my life. Being my anchor means I must seek Him, spend time with Him, acknowledge Him and read about Him, right? That's where most of us fall short. We fit Him into our day, maybe in the morning, maybe at night or maybe not at all. It's important for us to look at where we spend time and be truthful with how we spend our time. My son won't realize the impact of what I'm about to do for another week. But the impact that this will make will be significant, it will help him work harder on his goals and less on his entertainment. For me, it has given me a perspective on how I choose to manage the hours when I'm awake and convict me to think more about how I spend my time. Inevitably, I need to spend more time with Christ and less on the things that take me away from Him. That doesn't mean we can't still do things we enjoy; it just means we must focus on what's most important and that's Christ.
It's time we all set boundaries and put our thoughts on Jesus. Recently, I read an article of a woman that wrote a letter to the Pope while in prison. She is in Pakistan and is on death row for heresy. All she did was drink from a well, oh, and be a Christian. Her thoughts are on Jesus. There are 20 others there waiting to die for what they believe. Her words have penetrated my heart and made me think more about Jesus. We need to all take the time and think about where we spend our time, how we focus it and what matters to us most. That's the only way we will ever find Jesus.
Friday, January 3, 2014
January 3, 2014
Good morning all-
I only have about 10 minutes today so we'll see how far I get. I started work again yesterday and realized how important my time off really was. I have a new perspective, better energy and the goal of helping my company be number one in the market place. Lofty goals I know but with Christ I can do all things. Of course, that doesn't mean He will let me be successful but I do all things for Him so that I can contribute and fortunately He has blessed me much.
Yesterday, one of the girls that worked with me told me that her mother let her know that to have a relationship with her and her children was a detriment to her marriage. I almost choked up right there. I have known this young woman for some time and if you met her you would not think any mother would be able to say that. Part of me just wants to adopt her so that she will know how much she truly means and the other part of me wants to help her be strong in this life through Jesus.
Through our discussions yesterday, I was able to share the story of Peter. I had read in a devotional by Beth Moore, that Jesus knew before Peter got into the boat that a great storm was to occur. In all the times I read that story I hadn't even thought of that. I guess I really just thought that the lesson came because of the storm, not really that God had started the storm to teach the lesson. See Jesus knew what His disciples would face and He was preparing them for the storms of life. He knew before Peter stepped into that boat all the things that would happen. And in the end, Jesus did teach the disciples a great lesson on trusting in the midst of your storm.
That's how I began my time with her yesterday. Encouraging her to look at the many blessings around her. Family doesn't have to be blood, it needs to be those that surround you that know Jesus. Jesus will take care of fulfilling your needs when people just can't or choose not to. She is a beautiful young woman with tons of potential and I am asking Jesus to help me mentor her as a mother and an employee. I praise Jesus for the opportunity I have to share the gospel in my work place and to teach others what Christ has taught me through all my storms. I now know that each storm I have been faced with has been just another time of teaching me to trust.
I hope your encouraged by these words. They are really not mine but the words of our Holy Father. He is calling us to help all generations see the future through His eyes. Of course, we must be present, willing and able to find Him too and to be willing to share His words and not just ours. Be well today and know that I am blessed because I had just enough time today to make this blog come true.
Matthew 14:22-28 NIV
Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."
I only have about 10 minutes today so we'll see how far I get. I started work again yesterday and realized how important my time off really was. I have a new perspective, better energy and the goal of helping my company be number one in the market place. Lofty goals I know but with Christ I can do all things. Of course, that doesn't mean He will let me be successful but I do all things for Him so that I can contribute and fortunately He has blessed me much.
Yesterday, one of the girls that worked with me told me that her mother let her know that to have a relationship with her and her children was a detriment to her marriage. I almost choked up right there. I have known this young woman for some time and if you met her you would not think any mother would be able to say that. Part of me just wants to adopt her so that she will know how much she truly means and the other part of me wants to help her be strong in this life through Jesus.
Through our discussions yesterday, I was able to share the story of Peter. I had read in a devotional by Beth Moore, that Jesus knew before Peter got into the boat that a great storm was to occur. In all the times I read that story I hadn't even thought of that. I guess I really just thought that the lesson came because of the storm, not really that God had started the storm to teach the lesson. See Jesus knew what His disciples would face and He was preparing them for the storms of life. He knew before Peter stepped into that boat all the things that would happen. And in the end, Jesus did teach the disciples a great lesson on trusting in the midst of your storm.
That's how I began my time with her yesterday. Encouraging her to look at the many blessings around her. Family doesn't have to be blood, it needs to be those that surround you that know Jesus. Jesus will take care of fulfilling your needs when people just can't or choose not to. She is a beautiful young woman with tons of potential and I am asking Jesus to help me mentor her as a mother and an employee. I praise Jesus for the opportunity I have to share the gospel in my work place and to teach others what Christ has taught me through all my storms. I now know that each storm I have been faced with has been just another time of teaching me to trust.
I hope your encouraged by these words. They are really not mine but the words of our Holy Father. He is calling us to help all generations see the future through His eyes. Of course, we must be present, willing and able to find Him too and to be willing to share His words and not just ours. Be well today and know that I am blessed because I had just enough time today to make this blog come true.
Matthew 14:22-28 NIV
Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."
Thursday, January 2, 2014
January 2, 2014
Good morning all-
I have promised myself that I will write even if I only have 15 minutes and that's exactly what I have today. Yesterday, I wrote about the word that came to my cousin on my behalf. The word anchor has been roaming in my mind ever since I opened up that card. All through the Christmas season I thought about how much God had been an anchor in my life and how grateful I was for Him. It got me to thinking about when I waver though and that brings me today's message.
I don't know about you but there have been times in my life that I sway like a beautiful wheat field in the spring. Maybe you haven't seen one so I will try to describe the beauty. For miles and miles as the wheat grows and the sun hits hit, it will become like a carpet of golden. You can see if from the road as you pass by the farm lands of Kansas and to an inexperienced eye you might not even see it wave. It does. The winds in Kansas are as strong as any. There is nothing to stop it, very little tree life and more farmland than anything else. As I would drive to my sales locations, I would always look toward the fields. They told me the wind spead and the direction. It was magnificent. What I noticed the most was how much it swayed. Like a glistening carpet of gold, the stocks of wheat would flow together as one. They were to weak to stay still. That's me. Too weak to stay still. I always want to control everything but then in the moments that aren't controllable, I feel myself ever so slightly swaying with the winds of life.
I don't do it often but when I'm in deep spiritual battle it can and does happen. I'm sorry to alway have to admit my faults but that's just the way my life is. And then, without a doubt I get a word either from my own reading or from someone else. It's so beautiful I can't even tell you. Those words tend to stick with me through my trial and when I look back I always see God's hand.
I am not a wishy washy person by nature so I don't sway often but when I do, it takes me time to right myself. Often, it just takes time with Jesus and I can get back up again. Each time I promise myself it won't happen again but then, it does and I have to get myself right before I can move on. I know it and I guess that's why I loved the word that came so innocently from my cousin. She had no idea the trials I was facing and yet she boldly stated what God had shared with her. I love her even more for it.
We never know when someone in our lives will be used to help us in our walk. We just are glad when they do! AMEN! My cousin sent me my birthday card with the following scripture engraved on the front and when I read it I knew exactly what God wanted me to do. He wanted me to be still and know who He is. When I'm swaying like the wheat, I forget to be still. My mind is not in the right place and my heart, forget it. Its wishy washy anyway. So today, I will leave you with the beautiful scripture that was given to me and with it I hope God penetrates your heart as He has done to mine. May God bless you and keep you today my sisters and know that wherever you live, He is near.
Psalm 46:10 NIV
He says, "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
Be prepared to exalt Him today and share a good word with anyone that comes to mind. My cousin had no idea the impact those words would have on my life and yet, they so have.
My prayer today-
O, Lord Jesus, multiply my time here on earth and help me be still and know You are God. All over the world women are seeking You will all their hearts. Please fill us with wisdom, understanding and compassion for those that don't know You and those that are struggling to be still. We are faulty by nature. Be with us today as we head to work, raise our children and proclaim Your name. In Jesus Name, AMEN.
I have promised myself that I will write even if I only have 15 minutes and that's exactly what I have today. Yesterday, I wrote about the word that came to my cousin on my behalf. The word anchor has been roaming in my mind ever since I opened up that card. All through the Christmas season I thought about how much God had been an anchor in my life and how grateful I was for Him. It got me to thinking about when I waver though and that brings me today's message.
I don't know about you but there have been times in my life that I sway like a beautiful wheat field in the spring. Maybe you haven't seen one so I will try to describe the beauty. For miles and miles as the wheat grows and the sun hits hit, it will become like a carpet of golden. You can see if from the road as you pass by the farm lands of Kansas and to an inexperienced eye you might not even see it wave. It does. The winds in Kansas are as strong as any. There is nothing to stop it, very little tree life and more farmland than anything else. As I would drive to my sales locations, I would always look toward the fields. They told me the wind spead and the direction. It was magnificent. What I noticed the most was how much it swayed. Like a glistening carpet of gold, the stocks of wheat would flow together as one. They were to weak to stay still. That's me. Too weak to stay still. I always want to control everything but then in the moments that aren't controllable, I feel myself ever so slightly swaying with the winds of life.
I don't do it often but when I'm in deep spiritual battle it can and does happen. I'm sorry to alway have to admit my faults but that's just the way my life is. And then, without a doubt I get a word either from my own reading or from someone else. It's so beautiful I can't even tell you. Those words tend to stick with me through my trial and when I look back I always see God's hand.
I am not a wishy washy person by nature so I don't sway often but when I do, it takes me time to right myself. Often, it just takes time with Jesus and I can get back up again. Each time I promise myself it won't happen again but then, it does and I have to get myself right before I can move on. I know it and I guess that's why I loved the word that came so innocently from my cousin. She had no idea the trials I was facing and yet she boldly stated what God had shared with her. I love her even more for it.
We never know when someone in our lives will be used to help us in our walk. We just are glad when they do! AMEN! My cousin sent me my birthday card with the following scripture engraved on the front and when I read it I knew exactly what God wanted me to do. He wanted me to be still and know who He is. When I'm swaying like the wheat, I forget to be still. My mind is not in the right place and my heart, forget it. Its wishy washy anyway. So today, I will leave you with the beautiful scripture that was given to me and with it I hope God penetrates your heart as He has done to mine. May God bless you and keep you today my sisters and know that wherever you live, He is near.
Psalm 46:10 NIV
He says, "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
Be prepared to exalt Him today and share a good word with anyone that comes to mind. My cousin had no idea the impact those words would have on my life and yet, they so have.
My prayer today-
O, Lord Jesus, multiply my time here on earth and help me be still and know You are God. All over the world women are seeking You will all their hearts. Please fill us with wisdom, understanding and compassion for those that don't know You and those that are struggling to be still. We are faulty by nature. Be with us today as we head to work, raise our children and proclaim Your name. In Jesus Name, AMEN.
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
January 1, 2014
Good morning-
Well today is the 1st day of 2014. I'm sure it will take a few days for us to get used to writing and typing 2014. It always does but with the coming of the new year all I can think about is change, peace, and God. For the last couple of months I have spent many days thinking about the people in the world that I wish I could touch. I have spent countless hours thinking of those homeless, without food and in total war. Every headline has made me more concerned for people. It has brought me to pray for those I don't know and ask you to do the same.
Every time I open an article all I can think about is that God is in control. As hard as those words are for me to say or think; I know it's the truth. That hasn't made it easier for me. Even I have been going through a personal challenge and have wondered when God will rescue me. You probably have too. I think there are always times in our lives where we wonder when will God save us from a trial. It's very natural but in our minds we must remember that He is with us and that He will be there in our storm. I sometimes lose focus because for me the trial has been long. And then in the midst of my trial, I will hear a word, read a scripture or someone will send me a word of encouragement. That word last week was from my dear cousin who told me that through her prayer time God gave her a word for me. She sent me an anchor ring which I thought was odd because I didn't read the card until the next morning. In the card, she said the word God gave her for me was that He was my anchor. Do you know what it meant to see those words on paper? It was almost like a divine word and I have carried it through the last two weeks.
My faith is strong but even I battle with my thought life from time to time. I have often had times where I wondered what God was doing and when I would see His hand. I never doubt that I will see it but there are times when I just wish for relief and none is in sight. My path has been windy and my storms have been great but in every moment; I know Christ is present. That thought wasn't far from my mind after I read her sweet card. She is going through her own crisis right now. She had two miscarriages in 2013 but still in her storm she was asking for a word for me. I know that I will carry her words through 2014 and believe that God is my anchor.
An anchor is sturdy and steadfast. It can hold the weight of a great ship or a speed boat. They are made in many different sizes but the shape is all the same. An anchor has three hooks that penetrate the earth under the water. Winds can ebb and flow and mighty storms can come but an anchor will keep you still. Sea-faring men have counted on anchors to keep them safe and so will I. My anchor is not a piece of metal, its my God. With my anchor, I will be able to take on the challenges of 2014 with obedience, faith and prayer. I am blessed to have an anchor as strong and as bold as Jesus Christ. I hope that in the days and weeks to come you will remember who your anchor is and that the words of our Lord will penetrate deep within your heart as my dear cousin's words have for me. With 2014 there are things we can be sure of; war will still be happening, men will need a God and we will have to pray through our challenges and our blessings. These are things that will never change no matter what year we're in. Please be vigilant in the days to come and remember that Christ knew the storm was coming when Peter got into that boat. He knew everything and yet, He wanted Peter to get into that boat because He wanted him to know that He was the anchor on which Peter's faith would stand. We all need an anchor and Christ is the only one we need. Many will challenge our faith this year and for years to come. The only way we can truly have faith is if we proclaim that our anchor, our way and our light is Jesus Christ.
May 2014 bring a revival beyond our wildest imaginations. May Christ come down on this earth and continue to spread His message throughout the land and may people that can not practice openly the faith be free to practice even for one day in 2014. We are lucky, we are chosen and we are the hands and feet of our mighty anchor. Be well my sisters as we enter this new year with praise on our lips, proclaiming that Jesus Christ is and always will be our anchor and our Savior!
Hebrews 6:19-20 NIV
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.
My prayer today:
O, Lord my God, how great You are. As a child I remember believing that You were with me. As I grew, I saw Your hand in certain blessings and often thought when the challenges came that I had disappointed You. Years later, I'm beginning to realize that I have been refined in this fire of life and that You and the Word stand as my guiding light and my anchor. I am lucky to be counted as one of Your children. There are women that need You Lord, that need a word from You. They are seeking a savior in other things. I'm praying today that You would unite women and make them strong, not as society demands, but as You require. Help us be a vision of the future, touting You as our Savior. We need to know that all things come through You, by You and for You. We are so grateful to have You as our Savior and yet, we question. Forgive us for our unfaithful hearts and help us be strong in You always. Be our anchor as we ride the tides of life and help us cast visions of You. Be my guide Lord and help me proclaim that You are God. I'm praying for every women that is seeking You and asking You to help her be strong in You. Grant our desire to know You more, seek You more and love You more. Help us to shed our insecurities and put You at the forefront of our minds. There is one thing I know, Lord, You are my God and I love You with all my heart. Keep evil from my door, protect my family and the families that treasure You and fill our hearts with the Spirit of love, peace and You. Please bless the Christian families in 2014 that want to honor You! In Jesus Name, AMEN.
Well today is the 1st day of 2014. I'm sure it will take a few days for us to get used to writing and typing 2014. It always does but with the coming of the new year all I can think about is change, peace, and God. For the last couple of months I have spent many days thinking about the people in the world that I wish I could touch. I have spent countless hours thinking of those homeless, without food and in total war. Every headline has made me more concerned for people. It has brought me to pray for those I don't know and ask you to do the same.
Every time I open an article all I can think about is that God is in control. As hard as those words are for me to say or think; I know it's the truth. That hasn't made it easier for me. Even I have been going through a personal challenge and have wondered when God will rescue me. You probably have too. I think there are always times in our lives where we wonder when will God save us from a trial. It's very natural but in our minds we must remember that He is with us and that He will be there in our storm. I sometimes lose focus because for me the trial has been long. And then in the midst of my trial, I will hear a word, read a scripture or someone will send me a word of encouragement. That word last week was from my dear cousin who told me that through her prayer time God gave her a word for me. She sent me an anchor ring which I thought was odd because I didn't read the card until the next morning. In the card, she said the word God gave her for me was that He was my anchor. Do you know what it meant to see those words on paper? It was almost like a divine word and I have carried it through the last two weeks.
My faith is strong but even I battle with my thought life from time to time. I have often had times where I wondered what God was doing and when I would see His hand. I never doubt that I will see it but there are times when I just wish for relief and none is in sight. My path has been windy and my storms have been great but in every moment; I know Christ is present. That thought wasn't far from my mind after I read her sweet card. She is going through her own crisis right now. She had two miscarriages in 2013 but still in her storm she was asking for a word for me. I know that I will carry her words through 2014 and believe that God is my anchor.
An anchor is sturdy and steadfast. It can hold the weight of a great ship or a speed boat. They are made in many different sizes but the shape is all the same. An anchor has three hooks that penetrate the earth under the water. Winds can ebb and flow and mighty storms can come but an anchor will keep you still. Sea-faring men have counted on anchors to keep them safe and so will I. My anchor is not a piece of metal, its my God. With my anchor, I will be able to take on the challenges of 2014 with obedience, faith and prayer. I am blessed to have an anchor as strong and as bold as Jesus Christ. I hope that in the days and weeks to come you will remember who your anchor is and that the words of our Lord will penetrate deep within your heart as my dear cousin's words have for me. With 2014 there are things we can be sure of; war will still be happening, men will need a God and we will have to pray through our challenges and our blessings. These are things that will never change no matter what year we're in. Please be vigilant in the days to come and remember that Christ knew the storm was coming when Peter got into that boat. He knew everything and yet, He wanted Peter to get into that boat because He wanted him to know that He was the anchor on which Peter's faith would stand. We all need an anchor and Christ is the only one we need. Many will challenge our faith this year and for years to come. The only way we can truly have faith is if we proclaim that our anchor, our way and our light is Jesus Christ.
May 2014 bring a revival beyond our wildest imaginations. May Christ come down on this earth and continue to spread His message throughout the land and may people that can not practice openly the faith be free to practice even for one day in 2014. We are lucky, we are chosen and we are the hands and feet of our mighty anchor. Be well my sisters as we enter this new year with praise on our lips, proclaiming that Jesus Christ is and always will be our anchor and our Savior!
Hebrews 6:19-20 NIV
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.
My prayer today:
O, Lord my God, how great You are. As a child I remember believing that You were with me. As I grew, I saw Your hand in certain blessings and often thought when the challenges came that I had disappointed You. Years later, I'm beginning to realize that I have been refined in this fire of life and that You and the Word stand as my guiding light and my anchor. I am lucky to be counted as one of Your children. There are women that need You Lord, that need a word from You. They are seeking a savior in other things. I'm praying today that You would unite women and make them strong, not as society demands, but as You require. Help us be a vision of the future, touting You as our Savior. We need to know that all things come through You, by You and for You. We are so grateful to have You as our Savior and yet, we question. Forgive us for our unfaithful hearts and help us be strong in You always. Be our anchor as we ride the tides of life and help us cast visions of You. Be my guide Lord and help me proclaim that You are God. I'm praying for every women that is seeking You and asking You to help her be strong in You. Grant our desire to know You more, seek You more and love You more. Help us to shed our insecurities and put You at the forefront of our minds. There is one thing I know, Lord, You are my God and I love You with all my heart. Keep evil from my door, protect my family and the families that treasure You and fill our hearts with the Spirit of love, peace and You. Please bless the Christian families in 2014 that want to honor You! In Jesus Name, AMEN.
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