Good morning all-
The title of this blog is "Why do we always have to look up?" You may think that this title is a little weird but yesterday, that's the only thing I could think of. I am currently in one of the most historical yet strange and vital cities in the US. It's the only place I know you can walk down the street with drinks in hand, watch small children pedaling for their parents and yes, there are so many half-naked women it's just amazing.
The sites and sounds of New Orlearns are mysterious and sinful all in the same breath. It's crazy to me that people come here just so they can get drunk, feel free and move about in a way that you can't anywhere else. However, due to recent events the state police were everywhere so the sights weren't as crazy. I'm here for 9 days on business. It's not the place I would choose to be but I'm here nevertheless. I have walked Bourban street, sat on a balcony overlooking the street and spent hours with people this week. I'm now out of the French Quarter and up the way but you still can hear the sites and sounds of New Orleans.
After a long week, I was driven to my next destination by a client. I got up to my room and the first thing I realized was the sound. It was quiet and I was alone. I hadn't been alone the whole week. It was a strange feeling and yet, I think it was time for me to just relax and be quiet. I took a short nap, flipped through some channels on the television and saw devastating pictures of war, a ticker that read Ebola is back and how financially we still aren't where we should be. That happened all in 30 seconds. The sights, sounds and chaos surrounding the world we live in.
My heart goes out to the Israeli's and the Palestinians. Their world right now consists of staying in place, dodge the bombing and threat everywhere. The women are angry and rightfully so, the men are causing this war and all the bad things that are happening with it. Their babies are in hospitals on floors being treated for things they should never have experienced.
I began to pray the minute I saw these events. I prayed for peace, I prayed for protection of the innocent and I prayed that God would heal those nations. Is it possible? Not without Jesus and I'm not sure he's going to fix what we keep messing up. Needless to say if you watch the news, you probably feel as hopeless as I did in those moments. And then my mind went to, "Lead us, O, Lord and conquer the evil that we create." We create turmoil, persecution, war, and disease. Although it is brought to us because of sin, we still participate. My prayer is that we will continue to ask for forgiveness, repent our sins and turn toward Christ. That's really our only recourse in a world full of bad decisions.
So last night I prayed that and I will continue to pray today. Please pray for Africa, Israel and Palestine. Disease and war are eating at these countries and the only thing we can do is to sit still, look up and find Jesus. He is the Savior of the world.
Sometimes I wish I was a prophet of old but then I guess I'm glad I don't have the responsibility. My responsibility today is to pray and to provide a picture of our Savior. He's near even though it doesn't feel like it. Take some time today and spend it with Him. Ask Him what you should be looking up for. I'm sure He will tell you!
Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. (Psalm 105:4 NIV)
My prayer today:
O, Lord, grant Your servant the ability to look upon Your face. Help me to help millions of women see You and pray to You. Help us to surrender our fears unto You and to remember that every event that we can think of has had Your hand on it somewhere. You are a Holy God, full of wonder, awe and power. Rain down Your power on this earth and remind Your people that the only place we need to go is to Your arms, looking up and finding You.
Saturday, July 26, 2014
Sunday, July 13, 2014
How many times must we hear, trust in Me before we believe it?
Good morning all-
I hope this weekend you have spent some time with family and friends and are gearing up for another bountiful week. My week will be interesting because I will be traveling to Colorado and on to Wyoming and it's my brother's birthday. He died eight years ago on a mountain in Colorado this July. Funny how life circles back to events and times that really make you wonder, "How did I get through that?" Yet, here I am going back to the state he loved. Isn't God wonderful?
The mountains always make me think about Bible passages. I have driven through them more times than I can state. I am in awe of their beauty and majesty and I respect what they are and what they take. Many have lost their lives traveling over them and climbing them. They are majestic but should be respected. I happen to live in a place with little water and no mountains so when I see them it takes me back to a time when God said, He could move mountains and that makes me pause. Do you have a mountain in your life? Has it been a long journey? I know that when mountains are in our way it seems we will never get over them. And yet, somehow, some way we always do. That's the sign that God has moved the mountain and we are on solid ground.
Recently, that statement is holding true for my family. In less than four weeks, my son will be out of an internship. He has been turned down for numerous jobs and has felt defeat in a very large way. It's hard to get that first job. It takes perseverance and a belief that God is who He says He is. We have plans but He has the keys. I can't tell you how many times I have said, "Trust in Him." I feel like it's been a million to him and me. I know that He has a plan for my son and that He will fulfill it in His time. How do I know that? Because I have faced it many times before. The mountain has been in front of me and because my pride and my faith got in the way it took more time for Him to deliver me.
We are no different than the Israelites except we didn't get to see God part the Red Sea. We are no different than the disciples except we didn't get to see the resurrection of Christ and we are no different than Paul who walked blind only to have God open His eyes. We are just like all those men and women before us. When the road gets tough, we get lost. The mountains become un-scaleable and the sea roars. And yet, just like our forefathers before us I hear a whisper every night and every day from our Lord that says, "Trust in me." I have heard it most of my life. When I am down, I hear Him in the quiet reminding me through prayer and thanksgiving that He is trustworthy. That doesn't mean I don't falter from time to time because like you, I'm human. However, it's because of the times I fell down I do trust more and know that He will be faithful.
Often we are not faithful. When Jesus gave John a glimpse into humanity and no one was good enough, John wept. Why did he do that? Because he hoped that someone would be worthy but none are. Only Christ is worthy and yet, He has to tell us a million times to trust in Him. I hear You Lord, loud and clear! Even now as I sit and write this, I am going through another battle. The mountain is treacherous and yet, I hear Him in the quiet saying, "Trust in me." My question has been, when Lord will You deliver me?" My answer: A whisper to trust in Him. That's it. Really? Yes. Because our Lord knows what He's doing. We may think we know but we don't have a clue. So if you are on a journey where the mountains are steep, go to a quiet place and over and over say, "I trust only in You Lord." He reveals Himself to us in the quiet if we are willing to hear Him.
My prayer today is that The Lord of life will reveal Your path. That as you seek His face, He will reveal His plan and any mountain too high for you will become grass under His feet. He will take you by still waters, minister to you through the Holy Spirit and surround you with serenity. Only when we die to ourselves can the Lord Jesus minister to our souls, so today, I pray we resign our hearts and souls to You. We want to gain more faithfulness and trust in a God who has been with us since the beginning. Bring down the mountains, open up the seas and grant us wisdom. We can't do any of this alone. It takes You to be the lead. Lead us to You and fulfill our hearts with Your mighty power. We believe that You are who You say You are. Bring revival to Your people and to those You have chosen to walk with You for eternity.
He moves mountains without their knowing it and overturns them in his anger. (Job 9:5 NIV)
May the Lord answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you. May he send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion. May he remember all your sacrifices and accept your burnt offerings. May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. May we shout for joy over your victory and lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the Lord grant all your requests. (Psalm 20:1-5 NIV)
I hope this weekend you have spent some time with family and friends and are gearing up for another bountiful week. My week will be interesting because I will be traveling to Colorado and on to Wyoming and it's my brother's birthday. He died eight years ago on a mountain in Colorado this July. Funny how life circles back to events and times that really make you wonder, "How did I get through that?" Yet, here I am going back to the state he loved. Isn't God wonderful?
The mountains always make me think about Bible passages. I have driven through them more times than I can state. I am in awe of their beauty and majesty and I respect what they are and what they take. Many have lost their lives traveling over them and climbing them. They are majestic but should be respected. I happen to live in a place with little water and no mountains so when I see them it takes me back to a time when God said, He could move mountains and that makes me pause. Do you have a mountain in your life? Has it been a long journey? I know that when mountains are in our way it seems we will never get over them. And yet, somehow, some way we always do. That's the sign that God has moved the mountain and we are on solid ground.
Recently, that statement is holding true for my family. In less than four weeks, my son will be out of an internship. He has been turned down for numerous jobs and has felt defeat in a very large way. It's hard to get that first job. It takes perseverance and a belief that God is who He says He is. We have plans but He has the keys. I can't tell you how many times I have said, "Trust in Him." I feel like it's been a million to him and me. I know that He has a plan for my son and that He will fulfill it in His time. How do I know that? Because I have faced it many times before. The mountain has been in front of me and because my pride and my faith got in the way it took more time for Him to deliver me.
We are no different than the Israelites except we didn't get to see God part the Red Sea. We are no different than the disciples except we didn't get to see the resurrection of Christ and we are no different than Paul who walked blind only to have God open His eyes. We are just like all those men and women before us. When the road gets tough, we get lost. The mountains become un-scaleable and the sea roars. And yet, just like our forefathers before us I hear a whisper every night and every day from our Lord that says, "Trust in me." I have heard it most of my life. When I am down, I hear Him in the quiet reminding me through prayer and thanksgiving that He is trustworthy. That doesn't mean I don't falter from time to time because like you, I'm human. However, it's because of the times I fell down I do trust more and know that He will be faithful.
Often we are not faithful. When Jesus gave John a glimpse into humanity and no one was good enough, John wept. Why did he do that? Because he hoped that someone would be worthy but none are. Only Christ is worthy and yet, He has to tell us a million times to trust in Him. I hear You Lord, loud and clear! Even now as I sit and write this, I am going through another battle. The mountain is treacherous and yet, I hear Him in the quiet saying, "Trust in me." My question has been, when Lord will You deliver me?" My answer: A whisper to trust in Him. That's it. Really? Yes. Because our Lord knows what He's doing. We may think we know but we don't have a clue. So if you are on a journey where the mountains are steep, go to a quiet place and over and over say, "I trust only in You Lord." He reveals Himself to us in the quiet if we are willing to hear Him.
My prayer today is that The Lord of life will reveal Your path. That as you seek His face, He will reveal His plan and any mountain too high for you will become grass under His feet. He will take you by still waters, minister to you through the Holy Spirit and surround you with serenity. Only when we die to ourselves can the Lord Jesus minister to our souls, so today, I pray we resign our hearts and souls to You. We want to gain more faithfulness and trust in a God who has been with us since the beginning. Bring down the mountains, open up the seas and grant us wisdom. We can't do any of this alone. It takes You to be the lead. Lead us to You and fulfill our hearts with Your mighty power. We believe that You are who You say You are. Bring revival to Your people and to those You have chosen to walk with You for eternity.
He moves mountains without their knowing it and overturns them in his anger. (Job 9:5 NIV)
May the Lord answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you. May he send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion. May he remember all your sacrifices and accept your burnt offerings. May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. May we shout for joy over your victory and lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the Lord grant all your requests. (Psalm 20:1-5 NIV)
Saturday, July 12, 2014
What's in a "word?"
Good morning all-
A lot has been going on these past weeks that has made me think a lot about the Word. That's why I entitled this, "What's in a Word?" It's really a play on words. Word is used to describe a thing and yet, we read a word that describes a God, a lifestyle and History before and to come.
Last week, I participated in the call to prayer with Angel Ministries. I believe in 777. Not in the number but in the call. We are getting away from reading our Bibles and praying. Many can read but not all can pray. I love prayer. It is the cornerstone of who I am and it was the cornerstone of who Jesus was. He taught His disciples to pray. They didn't have the written word but they had His words and they had prayer. Eventually, many went on to tell the stories and they were written for all to see. Men wrote the words, God inspired them.
I'm sure you have had times when someone says, "The words and thoughts in the Bible are old." That would be a correct statement. However, a falsehood would be that they don't apply. They apply more today then after Jesus died. Why? Because the Word is being spread throughout the nations. People have the ability to access the Bible in every language, through the Internet, TV and print. It is doing exactly what Christ said it would, the Gospel is being spread throughout the world.
This so called, "word," is factual. It has held for thousands of years. Great minds have followed it and have been enlightened through it. Jesus commissioned all of us to align ourselves with the Father and become one. He clearly states that He will return for His bride and that we should be ready. But in the midst of this life, we lose hope, power and focus. We concentrate on making money, taking care of our families or just vegging out because life is too stressful. We think to much, rely on ourselves way too much and we constantly put things in front of getting on our knees and praying.
One of the most difficult lessons I have learned in life is that I'm not in control. I have no control over your actions or mine. Can I be self-disciplined? Absolutely but when it comes to my commission, it belongs to Jesus. I can do nothing without my Father and He will do everything when I repent and ask for His direction. That's what the women all around the world did. They cried out to God through Scripture, prayer and fasting. Why? Because the call is great. It brought me back to focusing on Jesus, loving Him and depending on Him. Do I have my battles? Absolutely. More than you will ever know but in order for me to be like David, I have to face fear with prayer and let Jesus do the rest.
The Word is truth. It lives and breathes. I can't answer questions like: Why does God take small children?; What purpose is war?; Why do bad things happen to good people?; or when will He come again? It's not in my job description; it's in His. He knows all the answers but I do know one thing; I must follow Him in faith, walk with Him in truth, and pray to Him for revival. I'm not just praying for the lost; I'm praying for us to be faithful to the Word. Our challenge as Christians isn't whether we love Him; it's really can we bow to ourselves and let Him lead.
I am guilty of spending time on things that don't matter. I have sinned just like you. I have known the truth in the Word and gone the wrong direction and I have suffered. But through it all, I have found Jesus and even when my back was turned; He was always there, following me and calling me to His side. He is faithful even when I'm not.
Take time this week to be in Thanksgiving for His mercy, His faithfulness and His word. The word is our sword and we must use it as the world becomes more evil and as we all become more self-absorbed. I'm counting on Jesus to deliver us from our desert. We are in it just like the Israelites; let's not get caught up in our sorrow but let's look to the God of glory. I know that I am working on becoming less of a wanderer and more of a servant.
I pray today brings you many moments where you look up and see the face of Jesus. This morning as I began to write I looked up and saw the moon peaking from the horizon and realized God is true. The sun sets, the moon rises. The moon sets, the sun rises. He has been faithful from the beginning and we have the Word to speak truth. Many blessings my sisters.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:1-5 NIV)
My prayer today:
A lot has been going on these past weeks that has made me think a lot about the Word. That's why I entitled this, "What's in a Word?" It's really a play on words. Word is used to describe a thing and yet, we read a word that describes a God, a lifestyle and History before and to come.
Last week, I participated in the call to prayer with Angel Ministries. I believe in 777. Not in the number but in the call. We are getting away from reading our Bibles and praying. Many can read but not all can pray. I love prayer. It is the cornerstone of who I am and it was the cornerstone of who Jesus was. He taught His disciples to pray. They didn't have the written word but they had His words and they had prayer. Eventually, many went on to tell the stories and they were written for all to see. Men wrote the words, God inspired them.
I'm sure you have had times when someone says, "The words and thoughts in the Bible are old." That would be a correct statement. However, a falsehood would be that they don't apply. They apply more today then after Jesus died. Why? Because the Word is being spread throughout the nations. People have the ability to access the Bible in every language, through the Internet, TV and print. It is doing exactly what Christ said it would, the Gospel is being spread throughout the world.
This so called, "word," is factual. It has held for thousands of years. Great minds have followed it and have been enlightened through it. Jesus commissioned all of us to align ourselves with the Father and become one. He clearly states that He will return for His bride and that we should be ready. But in the midst of this life, we lose hope, power and focus. We concentrate on making money, taking care of our families or just vegging out because life is too stressful. We think to much, rely on ourselves way too much and we constantly put things in front of getting on our knees and praying.
One of the most difficult lessons I have learned in life is that I'm not in control. I have no control over your actions or mine. Can I be self-disciplined? Absolutely but when it comes to my commission, it belongs to Jesus. I can do nothing without my Father and He will do everything when I repent and ask for His direction. That's what the women all around the world did. They cried out to God through Scripture, prayer and fasting. Why? Because the call is great. It brought me back to focusing on Jesus, loving Him and depending on Him. Do I have my battles? Absolutely. More than you will ever know but in order for me to be like David, I have to face fear with prayer and let Jesus do the rest.
The Word is truth. It lives and breathes. I can't answer questions like: Why does God take small children?; What purpose is war?; Why do bad things happen to good people?; or when will He come again? It's not in my job description; it's in His. He knows all the answers but I do know one thing; I must follow Him in faith, walk with Him in truth, and pray to Him for revival. I'm not just praying for the lost; I'm praying for us to be faithful to the Word. Our challenge as Christians isn't whether we love Him; it's really can we bow to ourselves and let Him lead.
I am guilty of spending time on things that don't matter. I have sinned just like you. I have known the truth in the Word and gone the wrong direction and I have suffered. But through it all, I have found Jesus and even when my back was turned; He was always there, following me and calling me to His side. He is faithful even when I'm not.
Take time this week to be in Thanksgiving for His mercy, His faithfulness and His word. The word is our sword and we must use it as the world becomes more evil and as we all become more self-absorbed. I'm counting on Jesus to deliver us from our desert. We are in it just like the Israelites; let's not get caught up in our sorrow but let's look to the God of glory. I know that I am working on becoming less of a wanderer and more of a servant.
I pray today brings you many moments where you look up and see the face of Jesus. This morning as I began to write I looked up and saw the moon peaking from the horizon and realized God is true. The sun sets, the moon rises. The moon sets, the sun rises. He has been faithful from the beginning and we have the Word to speak truth. Many blessings my sisters.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:1-5 NIV)
My prayer today:
O, Jesus, thank You for Your mighty faithfulness. We are humbled by Your faith and Your love for us. As we take on our daily chores, please help us see You in everything we do. Help us to seek You in the morning and throughout our very busy days. We are so thankful that You left the Word of Life to guide us as we walk this earth. Fill us with the Holy Spirit and please move it throughout the world. Help those in China, Syria, Israel, Palestine and all nations needing You. Guide Your missionaries and make them strong in You. Help people to take the path of most resistance so they can seek You daily. Lead us out of our individual deserts and bring us to You. We call to the groom of humanity and ask that You would ready Your bride. We are often sinful and full of doubt but You are the One true God wrapped in the Holy Trinity, guiding us toward You. Perfect us, O, Jesus and make us strong in You. In Jesus name, I pray, AMEN.
Sunday, July 6, 2014
For this reason I kneel before the Father...
Good evening all-
I prayed that God would reveal a Scripture today that would speak to my heart and He took me to Ephesians. Please stand with me and pray this Scripture so that we may know His glory, His strength and His unending love for all.
For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:14-21 NIV)
I prayed that God would reveal a Scripture today that would speak to my heart and He took me to Ephesians. Please stand with me and pray this Scripture so that we may know His glory, His strength and His unending love for all.
For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:14-21 NIV)
Saturday, July 5, 2014
Day 5 of crying out to the Lord
Good morning-
I know I just posted but then I went to my 777 email from angelministries.org. Anne is calling us to cry out to Jesus with one voice for 7 days, ending in a fast for the nations. Please consider reading and praying these prayers. There are churches that are being persecuted in China, people being destroyed in Israel and Iraq. Terrorists are ruling countries with fear and weapons. It's time for us to remember our roots, to look toward Jesus and to pray that the hearts and minds of people would confess Jesus as our Lord and Savior.
There are times when we are called that we do not hear. These prayers take less than 5 minutes but could have an impact on your nation. Please take the time to share this website and to pray the prayers that God has placed on her heart. The groom has been calling but few hear. We don't know the time and hour but we know one thing, when we stand together God does powerful things. Please stand with Angel Ministries and pray for the nation and for the people in it that don't know Him. It will begin with the church, don't you want to be ready.
Her post can be seen on her page or on twitter. It has been re-tweeted. Please share in her call and become one of the women that prays for revival and repentence!
www. angelministries.org
I know I just posted but then I went to my 777 email from angelministries.org. Anne is calling us to cry out to Jesus with one voice for 7 days, ending in a fast for the nations. Please consider reading and praying these prayers. There are churches that are being persecuted in China, people being destroyed in Israel and Iraq. Terrorists are ruling countries with fear and weapons. It's time for us to remember our roots, to look toward Jesus and to pray that the hearts and minds of people would confess Jesus as our Lord and Savior.
There are times when we are called that we do not hear. These prayers take less than 5 minutes but could have an impact on your nation. Please take the time to share this website and to pray the prayers that God has placed on her heart. The groom has been calling but few hear. We don't know the time and hour but we know one thing, when we stand together God does powerful things. Please stand with Angel Ministries and pray for the nation and for the people in it that don't know Him. It will begin with the church, don't you want to be ready.
Her post can be seen on her page or on twitter. It has been re-tweeted. Please share in her call and become one of the women that prays for revival and repentence!
www. angelministries.org
Why are Americans using food to heal their hearts?
Good morning all-
I read an article this morning regarding Daniel's plan. It's a new way to live through diet and exercise. It must be in the air. If you look at people in the US, there are two kinds, fitness nuts and overweight. The fitness nuts could be eating right or they might have an eating disorder. Those that are overweight are becoming more and more grossly overweight. Why?
I think it's really two things: me over God and food over healing. We use food to heal a broken heart. Our lives are so busy it's easier to go to McDonalds than to prepare a meal. We have so much processed food that most people don't cook anymore and we rely on that food for our nutrition. When did we believe that pre-processed food was better than cooking ourselves?
I'm talking from experience so don't feel a whole bunch of guilt. When I was younger I struggled with anorexia, I didn't eaten very often and later I struggled with wanting to eat anything that moved. Today, I am more in balance but I don't take the time to exercise like I should, so now I suffer from swelling and high blood pressure. Why? Because the vessel God gave me has not been my focus. My focus has been on my family and work and getting the dishes done. It's never been about finding time for me.
I can make a million excuses but the fact is Americans are leading the way of Type 2 Diabetes. It's a Billion dollar marketplace and we are too naive to realize it. Do we need a drug or do we need Jesus? I want to challenge all of you that take care of family over yourself to find time to do the things you need to do so that you can feel better so that you can feel better and minister to others. The larger we are the less energy we have. You know what I'm talking about. Your tired. I've been there but if we drink more water, get outside and walk, do leg lifts in our office we will sustain energy and be the women God intended. Souls winning other souls with His passion and His energy.
I have taken the challenge the last couple of months and really want my spirit to be in control of my eating habits. Do I think we have to restrict our diets down to nothing? No, God states that moderation is the key. It' s not about what we do, it's about how we do it. Taking everything out only leads to failure but infusing exercise, God and good healthy choices will help us feel better and eventually look better. If we punish our bodies with food, we definitely won't look better, right?
Our time is now to influence the little ones that are coming into this world. We have our children and our grandchildren, let's do something that makes a difference. We need to care about our bodies and we need to contribute to those that don't have food so that every bite we take reminds us of His provision not the ability to overindulge. Be well my sisters and enjoy today with a song in your heart. Jesus is Lord of all, our minds, bodies and souls. Praise Him for His mercy and ask Him for His strength.
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7 NIV)
My prayer today:
O, Lord, lead your people to what is right and what is beautiful. Help us to take care of the vessel you gave us and to use it to further your kingdom. Many times food becomes a substitute for happiness. We want You to be all we need. As we search for diets and quick answers, help us to look at the only answer that has ever made a difference, You. Please place in our hearts self-discipline and guide us through our daily lives with You in mind. We want to please You, we want to praise You and we want our hearts to match what our mouths are doing. Thank You for the provision of food and thank You that You love us enough to convict us. We want to come to You for all things and today, we come asking for You to convict Your church of overindulgence. Help us to live our lives in the Spirit and to replace any sin with You. Thank You Jesus. Guide us today with mercy. In Jesus name, AMEN!
I read an article this morning regarding Daniel's plan. It's a new way to live through diet and exercise. It must be in the air. If you look at people in the US, there are two kinds, fitness nuts and overweight. The fitness nuts could be eating right or they might have an eating disorder. Those that are overweight are becoming more and more grossly overweight. Why?
I think it's really two things: me over God and food over healing. We use food to heal a broken heart. Our lives are so busy it's easier to go to McDonalds than to prepare a meal. We have so much processed food that most people don't cook anymore and we rely on that food for our nutrition. When did we believe that pre-processed food was better than cooking ourselves?
I'm talking from experience so don't feel a whole bunch of guilt. When I was younger I struggled with anorexia, I didn't eaten very often and later I struggled with wanting to eat anything that moved. Today, I am more in balance but I don't take the time to exercise like I should, so now I suffer from swelling and high blood pressure. Why? Because the vessel God gave me has not been my focus. My focus has been on my family and work and getting the dishes done. It's never been about finding time for me.
I can make a million excuses but the fact is Americans are leading the way of Type 2 Diabetes. It's a Billion dollar marketplace and we are too naive to realize it. Do we need a drug or do we need Jesus? I want to challenge all of you that take care of family over yourself to find time to do the things you need to do so that you can feel better so that you can feel better and minister to others. The larger we are the less energy we have. You know what I'm talking about. Your tired. I've been there but if we drink more water, get outside and walk, do leg lifts in our office we will sustain energy and be the women God intended. Souls winning other souls with His passion and His energy.
I have taken the challenge the last couple of months and really want my spirit to be in control of my eating habits. Do I think we have to restrict our diets down to nothing? No, God states that moderation is the key. It' s not about what we do, it's about how we do it. Taking everything out only leads to failure but infusing exercise, God and good healthy choices will help us feel better and eventually look better. If we punish our bodies with food, we definitely won't look better, right?
Our time is now to influence the little ones that are coming into this world. We have our children and our grandchildren, let's do something that makes a difference. We need to care about our bodies and we need to contribute to those that don't have food so that every bite we take reminds us of His provision not the ability to overindulge. Be well my sisters and enjoy today with a song in your heart. Jesus is Lord of all, our minds, bodies and souls. Praise Him for His mercy and ask Him for His strength.
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7 NIV)
My prayer today:
O, Lord, lead your people to what is right and what is beautiful. Help us to take care of the vessel you gave us and to use it to further your kingdom. Many times food becomes a substitute for happiness. We want You to be all we need. As we search for diets and quick answers, help us to look at the only answer that has ever made a difference, You. Please place in our hearts self-discipline and guide us through our daily lives with You in mind. We want to please You, we want to praise You and we want our hearts to match what our mouths are doing. Thank You for the provision of food and thank You that You love us enough to convict us. We want to come to You for all things and today, we come asking for You to convict Your church of overindulgence. Help us to live our lives in the Spirit and to replace any sin with You. Thank You Jesus. Guide us today with mercy. In Jesus name, AMEN!
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Do we believe Christ is heir?
Good morning all-
I went to bed super early yesterday only to wake way before 5 am this morning. That led me to getting up, doing dishes, and getting ready for another very busy day at work. I am working hard to provide, not only for my family but my company.
Like many of you, I can get caught up in the pressure of life. We have to eat, we have to provide and I really like to know where tomorrow is going. These things are really immaterial when I look at them and yet, my thoughts often go to provision and comfort.
When I was growing up we didn't have very much but we always had love. Love is a huge replacement to material things. Material things take our sight away from God and somehow we begin to believe we are in control and all of it belongs to us. That's where sin begins. Anytime we put our thoughts on ourselves above God, we have sinned. If you're feeling convicted I know right where you are because I am too.
It's time that the God of our lives becomes the God of our possessions, our children, our spouses and our lives. He needs to be at the core not just on the sidelines and we need to put Him there. I have repented this week of busyness, wayward thoughts and worry. It has been healing to look inside and place the King back on His throne. My throne always gets me down, puts me in a place of worry and fear and takes me from the Son. Being repentent, believing that He is Christ our Savior who sits at the right hand of His Father makes me believe more in the Holy Trinity. My confidence in that light will bring me days of peace, times of giving and a heart for those I don't know. When I get into my head, start thinking about how I will provide; I lose focus.
My eyes must be on who God said He is. He's not changing; I am. The children of this earth need to turn their eyes toward the God of life. We don't deserve anything; we are given it to do His will. I'm glad that Anne Graham Lotz has put out the call for prayer. Prayer is what leads us to knowing our Father and believing that He is who He said He was. We are not smarter than Him. He knows best and we must turn our eyes upon Him.
Please take time this week to reflect on who God is and who He said He was. Either you believe or you don't. Being wishy washy will not get us to our destiny. Finding Him in the middle of all our circumstances is the only way we will see Him, know Him and trust Him.
I'm praying that all women everywhere will see His mighty hand and hear the call. Stand with me and pray that every nation will repent and call the name of Christ. Be well my sisters and know that I love you!
In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs. (Hebrews 1:1-4 NIV)
My prayer today:
God, O, God how mighty Your name is on earth. We declare You King of Kings and Lord of all. Our minds are selfish and full of "me." Please take this from us so that we can see Your beauty, Your majesty and Your provision. Today, we concentrate on the Holy of Holy's and ask that our hearts would turn toward You with trust and belief. I pray for the prostitute, the terrorist, the persecuted and ask that You would change them and make them Yours. I pray that women would hold You close and that men would declare You Lord. Rain down on us today with Your Holy Spirit and give us eyes to see and hearts that are pure. I ask Your forgiveness for my selfishness, worry and lack of belief. Bring me closer and help me repent of the sins of this world. Fill the world with Your glorious love and heal nations from their sin. We thank You for being our King. We praise You for Your sacrifice and we bow down for Your provision. Keep us looking toward You and make us Your children daily. We are Yours! In Jesus name, AMEN
I went to bed super early yesterday only to wake way before 5 am this morning. That led me to getting up, doing dishes, and getting ready for another very busy day at work. I am working hard to provide, not only for my family but my company.
Like many of you, I can get caught up in the pressure of life. We have to eat, we have to provide and I really like to know where tomorrow is going. These things are really immaterial when I look at them and yet, my thoughts often go to provision and comfort.
When I was growing up we didn't have very much but we always had love. Love is a huge replacement to material things. Material things take our sight away from God and somehow we begin to believe we are in control and all of it belongs to us. That's where sin begins. Anytime we put our thoughts on ourselves above God, we have sinned. If you're feeling convicted I know right where you are because I am too.
It's time that the God of our lives becomes the God of our possessions, our children, our spouses and our lives. He needs to be at the core not just on the sidelines and we need to put Him there. I have repented this week of busyness, wayward thoughts and worry. It has been healing to look inside and place the King back on His throne. My throne always gets me down, puts me in a place of worry and fear and takes me from the Son. Being repentent, believing that He is Christ our Savior who sits at the right hand of His Father makes me believe more in the Holy Trinity. My confidence in that light will bring me days of peace, times of giving and a heart for those I don't know. When I get into my head, start thinking about how I will provide; I lose focus.
My eyes must be on who God said He is. He's not changing; I am. The children of this earth need to turn their eyes toward the God of life. We don't deserve anything; we are given it to do His will. I'm glad that Anne Graham Lotz has put out the call for prayer. Prayer is what leads us to knowing our Father and believing that He is who He said He was. We are not smarter than Him. He knows best and we must turn our eyes upon Him.
Please take time this week to reflect on who God is and who He said He was. Either you believe or you don't. Being wishy washy will not get us to our destiny. Finding Him in the middle of all our circumstances is the only way we will see Him, know Him and trust Him.
I'm praying that all women everywhere will see His mighty hand and hear the call. Stand with me and pray that every nation will repent and call the name of Christ. Be well my sisters and know that I love you!
In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs. (Hebrews 1:1-4 NIV)
My prayer today:
God, O, God how mighty Your name is on earth. We declare You King of Kings and Lord of all. Our minds are selfish and full of "me." Please take this from us so that we can see Your beauty, Your majesty and Your provision. Today, we concentrate on the Holy of Holy's and ask that our hearts would turn toward You with trust and belief. I pray for the prostitute, the terrorist, the persecuted and ask that You would change them and make them Yours. I pray that women would hold You close and that men would declare You Lord. Rain down on us today with Your Holy Spirit and give us eyes to see and hearts that are pure. I ask Your forgiveness for my selfishness, worry and lack of belief. Bring me closer and help me repent of the sins of this world. Fill the world with Your glorious love and heal nations from their sin. We thank You for being our King. We praise You for Your sacrifice and we bow down for Your provision. Keep us looking toward You and make us Your children daily. We are Yours! In Jesus name, AMEN
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