October 12, 2012

Good morning all-

I just want to shout, "I love you Jesus!"  Why?  Because I know where my hope comes from.  I serve and love a God that loves every living soul.  He calls to His people and as they seek Him, He reveals Himself.  I serve a God that is not only loving but is patient.  He waits on me to see my sinful nature so that He can heal me.  I serve a God that is mightier than a bomb, or a bullet or an earthquake.  I serve a God that doesn't live in the shadow of evil but continues to be victorious in the face of evil.

What a God I serve!  That's what He did for me and for all of us when He sent His only Son to earth.  He gave us victory through Jesus Christ.  We can be paralyzed and unable to speak but He can speak to us.  We can be falling into despair and His Son can help us out.  And as we believe in ourselves He gently shows us the only one to believe in is Him.  Oh what a God I serve!  I cry out to Him and He hears me.  I speak His name and feel His presence.  I obey and I am blessed!  What more could I ask for?  I'm sure I could think of some material things or the chance to stay home with my boys but in the end, the only thing I want is His presence in my life, calling me and guiding me.

I couldn't have made it over the years without His grace and patience.  I don't learn easily, it takes many turns hitting my head against a wall but eventually I get it and now I have it.  The answer to life is not what we are given but what we received when Jesus came into our lives.  No life on earth will ever be perfect but if we spend time with Jesus we will be blessed.

I think many Christians believe if God loves them they will get everything they desire.  I think that's part of the worlds deception.  We already have received the greatest gift, far greater than gold, when Jesus gave His life and called us to His feet.  We received a crown we just can't earn.  We didn't deserve that kind of sacrifice and yet, He gave it.  It makes me think about the woman at the well and how He talked to Her and told Her He loved her without speaking the words.  His presence there was no coincidence.  I know because the day He came into my life He gave me more joy than I can speak of with words.  He penetrated my heart and over the years that love has grown to be less fickle and more full of faith.  I still wonder from time to time and I worry about stepping out of the box and doing something wrong but my God will convict me and I will repent because He is my Father and He loves me.

That's the love He brings to all of us.  He wants us to know and proclaim His name.  And yet, many of us sit quietly and are afraid to be bold about our King.  I know because I was one of those people.  But when I look back, I can see the many times I should have said something that I didn't because I counted on someone else saying it.  Today, I'm called to proclaim the name of Jesus and I do so humbly because I don't deserve to wash the feet of Jesus and yet, He has called me to His side.  I am honored to be part of His body and to serve Him and to write about Him.

I pray that whatever you are struggling with you will put before the throne of Jesus.  Women struggle with so many issues and as we have changed our roles the family has changed and the stress grows greater.  We must sit before our Lord and ask Him to reveal Himself to us so that we can minister to His people.  We may never be great leaders but we can always lead in one;  we can love the people Jesus loves.  I am forever grateful for the day Jesus and I met and I said, "YES!"

My prayer today is that others will say the same words.  That as women walk this earth they will find purpose through Jesus.  I want all of us to be bold like Mary, Jesus's mother.  She might have seemed weak but in essence she was strong.  God knew that when He chose her to bare His only Son.  When she was chosen that day a new covenant was born.  The promise of grace and of eternal life.  What more is there?

Psalm 33:22 NKJV:

      Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us, just as we hope in You.

Psalm 130:5 NKJV:

     I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His word I do hope.

Jeremiah 17:7 NKJV:

     Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord.

My prayer today:

O, Lord, as I go into this day the unknown stands before me.  I have no idea what today will hold but I do know one thing and that is, You are my Father.  You are patient and kind and when I call out to You, You reveal Yourself to me through Your word and the Holy Spirit.  Our days are numbered here on earth and no one knows the time but You do and I am comforted by that.  I pray that we would stand before You with boldness.  I pray that in the face of adversity we would cry out to You.  I pray that as we are called, we will follow.  I pray for the lost that they would say, "YES!"  And today, I pray for those that are hurting.  I pray that You would bring to them someone that can hug and kiss them and say Jesus is near.  Please spread Your love to the nations and bring up faithful servants that love and honor You.  We don't deserve You but we are so glad You love us.  Help all of us be obedient to Your word and keep the covenants we have vowed.  Give us a heart for You and for the people You love.  Take down the walls of race and nationality and make us one body, singing, "HOLY HOLY IS THE LAMB!"  I praise You Jesus and thank You for saving a retch like me.  In Jesus name, AMEN

Until tomorrow...