Why do I believe? Why do I sacrifice alot of things in relentless pursuit of God? of Faith? I know questions such as these are not often welcomed. You're "supposed" to believe, to get it. But truly how many people "get it"??...My response is just more of a declaration...
1) God created me for His purpose (Phillipians 2:13, Jeremiah 29:11).
2) God desires me to be a mature Christian (James 1:4). And in order to attain it, I have to be tested so my Faith that I declare/claim may be proved genuine (Romans 5:3-4, 1 Peter 1:6-7)
3) Faith keeps me in God's grace = God's love and protection (Romans 5:1-2).
4) But most importantly "Without Faith it is impossible to please God" (Hebrews 11:6).
So I will reach, I will strive, I will give...because everything in this world, even our mortal bodies are temporary and transient. But God, the Eternal Father, was, is, and will forever be Sovereign!!! I think there is no other obvious decision... I chose You God and still will... Be praised through Your Son Jesus Christ and Your will made manifest through me. Amen.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
God's Heart
I keep returning over and over to God's love because it is incredible. He loved me soo much that He gave His only son to die for me (John 3:16), not because of anything I did or was going to do...but just because He is God. I think that's the greatest distinction between us humans, our definition of love, and God's. We as much as we try not to put conditions on the love given, getting upset when things dont go as plan or the desired response is not obtained. But there are moments however when pure perfect godly love comes through. A mother's love for her child, buying someone lunch, volunteering in disaster relief, being the open arms where someone can find rest and relief, a friendly welcome home smile for a returning soldier in the airport, a grateful heart for a need being met by another's random act of kindness such as a rebuilt home for a family....the list is endless...we as humans do possess God's heart, but sometimes we chose to display it and sometimes we don't. God on the other hand is faithful to love Always. That is my strength, assurance, and source of my joy.
Holy Spirit, thank You for Your guidance everyday. May I continue to strive to be more godly and holy in all areas of my life. Father, just as Your word says in Romans 14:7-8, "For none of us lives to himself alone. If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord". Help me alwasy remember that You are my God. You are in control of my life and my purpose is to bring a touch of heaven in earth. Lord Jesus Christ help me model my life and faith after Yours. All these I ask in your name and receive in faith. Amen
Holy Spirit, thank You for Your guidance everyday. May I continue to strive to be more godly and holy in all areas of my life. Father, just as Your word says in Romans 14:7-8, "For none of us lives to himself alone. If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord". Help me alwasy remember that You are my God. You are in control of my life and my purpose is to bring a touch of heaven in earth. Lord Jesus Christ help me model my life and faith after Yours. All these I ask in your name and receive in faith. Amen
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
I am Responsible for my life
While reflecting on Mathew 25:14-30, I felt God telling me I am responsible for the talents He has given me. I can either be faithful to them, develop them, use them and see the fruits of my efforts multiply for His glory or hide them and never use them. God created me and has the blueprint of my life. He knew why He placed me right here right now.
Heavenly Father, I acknowledge that You are the Almighty God, my God, majestic and magnificent. Thank You for the spiritual gifts You have given me. Help me grow and cultivate the talents You have given me. To You I owe my life, You created me. Holy Spirit continue to guide me not only do any work I have been given, but to do it well. Help me multiply the talents God has placed within me to build a part of His Kingdom. To serve God alone, to perform, to give unto God alone and not seek affirmation from men. I desire Lord to walk in continued submission to You. Thank You and In Jesus' name I receive. Amen
Heavenly Father, I acknowledge that You are the Almighty God, my God, majestic and magnificent. Thank You for the spiritual gifts You have given me. Help me grow and cultivate the talents You have given me. To You I owe my life, You created me. Holy Spirit continue to guide me not only do any work I have been given, but to do it well. Help me multiply the talents God has placed within me to build a part of His Kingdom. To serve God alone, to perform, to give unto God alone and not seek affirmation from men. I desire Lord to walk in continued submission to You. Thank You and In Jesus' name I receive. Amen
Monday, January 26, 2009
Day 21 - God IS Love
I keep going back again to this because all that we often seek in the name of "L-O-V-E" is found in Him. Looking at the scripture of ALL love scriptures 1 Corinthians 13:6-13, I gather the following:
The number of times God has been longsuffering with me while I got my act together. Running away from Him, seeking in all the wrong places = He is Patient and perseveres with me... Or better yet His Grace and Mercy that are renewed everyday, all of which look past my daily offenses = He is forgiving and kind. He is able to make relationships NEW daily!!! He will not move in my life unless I permit Him = He respects my free will and He is not rude. He loves me from afar and will not impose even when I'm like a stubborn child = He respects my freedom and is not self-seeking. Everyday I wake up anew, no sins, just a God who delights and loves me = No records of wrongs. He always keeps me even when I'm stupid and do dumb things = He is not easily angered. He protects me like the great Father He is and always wants what's best for me = He protects, He hopes, He trusts, and He believes in me. He provides for me, has and always will be FAITHFUL to me = He never fails. When He moved into my life, I became whole. Through Jesus, the Best gift I have ever received = GRACE.
I AM GOD's BELOVED and He is My LOVE :-D
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."
The number of times God has been longsuffering with me while I got my act together. Running away from Him, seeking in all the wrong places = He is Patient and perseveres with me... Or better yet His Grace and Mercy that are renewed everyday, all of which look past my daily offenses = He is forgiving and kind. He is able to make relationships NEW daily!!! He will not move in my life unless I permit Him = He respects my free will and He is not rude. He loves me from afar and will not impose even when I'm like a stubborn child = He respects my freedom and is not self-seeking. Everyday I wake up anew, no sins, just a God who delights and loves me = No records of wrongs. He always keeps me even when I'm stupid and do dumb things = He is not easily angered. He protects me like the great Father He is and always wants what's best for me = He protects, He hopes, He trusts, and He believes in me. He provides for me, has and always will be FAITHFUL to me = He never fails. When He moved into my life, I became whole. Through Jesus, the Best gift I have ever received = GRACE.
I AM GOD's BELOVED and He is My LOVE :-D
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Day 18 & Day 19 - Inverse relationships
God has a sense of humor and inorder to follow Him one must cast off your wisdom, thinking, understanding, and perpective and take on that of inverses... This doesnt make sense but all we already practice it. For example, you have to cut your hair frequently for it to grow, to lose weight you have to eat more. The difficulty I find is I'm not relying on me and my strength, but on God's ability and His promises. Yes it is internal, but not my "self/flesh" but His "Spirit" in me.
My journey right now has me passing through "waiting". Waiting this time around is much better...I know what results when I try to hurry God's promise along by stategizing and scheming according to what this world confuses me to think "works", I also know the pure joy from watching God really move through a person. This time around God has really been speaking to me and minsitering to me that I trust Him. This brings me to "inverse relationships" and how God operates. He gives a BIG Dream or Word and then everything just goes downhill or so it would seem, bringing doubt, pain, confusion, impatience, and a yearning to return to the familiar because there's no end in sight. But all along, God works His way and as long as we cooperate we wont have to wait for His will to pass like the Isrealites spending 38 years looking at the promise land.
While completing the 5th chapter of my study guide "God matures Faith through waiting" (By Faith: Living in the certainty of God's reality), it hit me that the greater the difficulty experienced and the challenges while waiting...the greater the joy when God's power and ability is made manifest in our lives. I remember having cried out and prayed asking God to move me to a higher place of praise...instead I landed into more difficulty...Be careful what you ask for in Jesus' name... But I'm grateful nonetheles, because He has taught me...How can I praise Him more if He hasnt led me through some tough situations?!? How can I experience real and true glory when I havent been disciplined through life experiences (Hebrews 12:1-13)?!? Jesus laid it all down for God and received His glory after His death (John 17). How can my praise be genuine...if it does not echo my heart and come from a place of joy and completeness in God?!? How can I truly stand, if I havent cried, struggled, failed, and persevered?!? God is faithful to meet our requests in a way that truly brings us through shining as gold and Him being obviously...Glorified & Praised.
"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the corwn of life that God has promised to those who love him" (James 1:12)
My journey right now has me passing through "waiting". Waiting this time around is much better...I know what results when I try to hurry God's promise along by stategizing and scheming according to what this world confuses me to think "works", I also know the pure joy from watching God really move through a person. This time around God has really been speaking to me and minsitering to me that I trust Him. This brings me to "inverse relationships" and how God operates. He gives a BIG Dream or Word and then everything just goes downhill or so it would seem, bringing doubt, pain, confusion, impatience, and a yearning to return to the familiar because there's no end in sight. But all along, God works His way and as long as we cooperate we wont have to wait for His will to pass like the Isrealites spending 38 years looking at the promise land.
While completing the 5th chapter of my study guide "God matures Faith through waiting" (By Faith: Living in the certainty of God's reality), it hit me that the greater the difficulty experienced and the challenges while waiting...the greater the joy when God's power and ability is made manifest in our lives. I remember having cried out and prayed asking God to move me to a higher place of praise...instead I landed into more difficulty...Be careful what you ask for in Jesus' name... But I'm grateful nonetheles, because He has taught me...How can I praise Him more if He hasnt led me through some tough situations?!? How can I experience real and true glory when I havent been disciplined through life experiences (Hebrews 12:1-13)?!? Jesus laid it all down for God and received His glory after His death (John 17). How can my praise be genuine...if it does not echo my heart and come from a place of joy and completeness in God?!? How can I truly stand, if I havent cried, struggled, failed, and persevered?!? God is faithful to meet our requests in a way that truly brings us through shining as gold and Him being obviously...Glorified & Praised.
"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the corwn of life that God has promised to those who love him" (James 1:12)
Friday, January 23, 2009
Day 18 - God desires to make us Mature Believers
Today's devotional was based on Jesus' Rest offer (Mathew 11:25-30). All we have to exchange is our worries, concerns, fears, doubts, even desires and goals...to be trained by Him and used by God. It's incredible to think that my Heavenly Father is concerned with how my life turns out. Wants me to truly experience this life that He created for me and His most precious Son and darling died for me to have.
I was also led to reflect on "waiting on God"...This will never grow old because we always wait on God at multiple points in our lives. Right now I'm waiting on Him to open the door for me to be a physician. On source of hope though is that God's Best for us usually is goes against what the world would consider "Best". He matches meaning and guaranteed success behind His Best. And since God never fails and the last time I checked He is still sovereign! I know and believe with all my heart that where God is directing me is His choice for me. As I wait I've seen God training me in areas I'm weak, preparing me, molding me into His reflection, and it's incredible. All I've been able to accomplish since turning back to Him has been AMAZING!!! I wait with patient eager anticipation of the life ahead of me with God :o)
Heavenly Father, creator of heaven and earth. Thank You for being Faithful to me...Faithful to complete Your perfect Will in my life. Be thou glorified in and through me. May I never depart from Your presence. May I always find joy in doing Your will. Teach me how to place all my trust and hope in You. Thank You for forgiving me of all my sins. I desire more of Your Spirit in my life to be the woman You created me to be. Thank You Jesus for the cross. To You belong all power, all glory, all honor, all praise for ever and ever. Amen
I was also led to reflect on "waiting on God"...This will never grow old because we always wait on God at multiple points in our lives. Right now I'm waiting on Him to open the door for me to be a physician. On source of hope though is that God's Best for us usually is goes against what the world would consider "Best". He matches meaning and guaranteed success behind His Best. And since God never fails and the last time I checked He is still sovereign! I know and believe with all my heart that where God is directing me is His choice for me. As I wait I've seen God training me in areas I'm weak, preparing me, molding me into His reflection, and it's incredible. All I've been able to accomplish since turning back to Him has been AMAZING!!! I wait with patient eager anticipation of the life ahead of me with God :o)
Heavenly Father, creator of heaven and earth. Thank You for being Faithful to me...Faithful to complete Your perfect Will in my life. Be thou glorified in and through me. May I never depart from Your presence. May I always find joy in doing Your will. Teach me how to place all my trust and hope in You. Thank You for forgiving me of all my sins. I desire more of Your Spirit in my life to be the woman You created me to be. Thank You Jesus for the cross. To You belong all power, all glory, all honor, all praise for ever and ever. Amen
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Day 17 - My Direction
My Soul cried out!
Wanting! No-Needing! Desperately
to be rid of the increasingly consuming emptiness
and the black-hole vacuum within me!
Amidst the steady stream of tears,
You simply said "I am Your Jehovah Rahim"
Merciful and Kind - You are...but most importantly COMPASSIONATE
A word I though I knew but,
All wise God,
You showed me pure compassion,
Are teaching me genuine compassion,
so I can demonstrate Your loving compassion to others.
I am Free,
I am Blessed,
I am ABLE,
I AM all these and many more because You For-(me)-Gave
Jesus
Now,
I can strain towards the goal - Your Goal set before me.
I can Love with a passion ever burning & renewed by You and for You
I can LIVE AGAIN toGether with YOU
I CAN
Thank You Heavenly Father for Hebrews 11:40 "Because God had kept some better thing for us, so that it was not possible for them to become complete without us." I asked for a purpose...but You showed me You had already given me on, including a direction and a vision. But first I needed You, needed to grow in Your love, needed to really know You. As I continue to grow and all signs point to Nashville, TN. Help me grow in the areas I am weak...particularly where it involves me an You. Father help me put ALL my trust in You always and in all areas of my life. Prepare me for where You're taking me. And may You be glorified through me. For I desire to make You sooo proud of me!!! In all that I do, may it be done well and Your name be praised. God be my strength, hope, dreams, and joy throughout my life. I ask and thank You in Jesus' Name. Amen
Wanting! No-Needing! Desperately
to be rid of the increasingly consuming emptiness
and the black-hole vacuum within me!
Amidst the steady stream of tears,
You simply said "I am Your Jehovah Rahim"
Merciful and Kind - You are...but most importantly COMPASSIONATE
A word I though I knew but,
All wise God,
You showed me pure compassion,
Are teaching me genuine compassion,
so I can demonstrate Your loving compassion to others.
I am Free,
I am Blessed,
I am ABLE,
I AM all these and many more because You For-(me)-Gave
Jesus
Now,
I can strain towards the goal - Your Goal set before me.
I can Love with a passion ever burning & renewed by You and for You
I can LIVE AGAIN toGether with YOU
I CAN
Thank You Heavenly Father for Hebrews 11:40 "Because God had kept some better thing for us, so that it was not possible for them to become complete without us." I asked for a purpose...but You showed me You had already given me on, including a direction and a vision. But first I needed You, needed to grow in Your love, needed to really know You. As I continue to grow and all signs point to Nashville, TN. Help me grow in the areas I am weak...particularly where it involves me an You. Father help me put ALL my trust in You always and in all areas of my life. Prepare me for where You're taking me. And may You be glorified through me. For I desire to make You sooo proud of me!!! In all that I do, may it be done well and Your name be praised. God be my strength, hope, dreams, and joy throughout my life. I ask and thank You in Jesus' Name. Amen
Day 12-Day 1: Hope
Wow!!! This weekend I was there. Travelled through 8 states, in the presence of over 2 MILLION people!!! Saw Obama...the hope of a nation sworn as The President...The first African-American president...
Tonight's blog won't be long or intense but simple. In one man we place all our hope, we trust him to do what's best for us, and we love him for who he is...It's interesting how even non-believers admire the same qualities that are the very nature of our God, eternal King and Creator of the universe. On Tues. Jan. 20th, I prayed with over 2 million people on the Mall "The Lord's Prayer"...This must be a small example of how God hears when all His saints pray and call out to Him, all agreeing in unison that He is GOD! On this day...I believe in Big Miracles, not just daily ones of finding a parking space or favor with your employer on a project. But Large-Scale-Red-Sea parting miracles!!!! God is a good God, faithful, inspirational, our lover, and our keeper. Always remember Him and you'll be blessed always. Stay true to His principles of walking in love at all times and demonstrating justice and mercy to all...for no law set by man can find fault in the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ. If you find one let me know...
Tonight's blog won't be long or intense but simple. In one man we place all our hope, we trust him to do what's best for us, and we love him for who he is...It's interesting how even non-believers admire the same qualities that are the very nature of our God, eternal King and Creator of the universe. On Tues. Jan. 20th, I prayed with over 2 million people on the Mall "The Lord's Prayer"...This must be a small example of how God hears when all His saints pray and call out to Him, all agreeing in unison that He is GOD! On this day...I believe in Big Miracles, not just daily ones of finding a parking space or favor with your employer on a project. But Large-Scale-Red-Sea parting miracles!!!! God is a good God, faithful, inspirational, our lover, and our keeper. Always remember Him and you'll be blessed always. Stay true to His principles of walking in love at all times and demonstrating justice and mercy to all...for no law set by man can find fault in the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ. If you find one let me know...
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Day 11 - It's simple
Soo I finally started my journey into the book of John, the disciple who became a son to Mary once Jesus gave His life at the cross. I notice he write very plainly but with passion, demonstrating Jesus compassion and the truth about Him very clearly. I've just paused at the conversation in Ch. 3 with Nicodemus.
Jesus as usual talking plainly, and Nicodemus like most of us existing in "clueless land". And I pray that God will not just bless me with revelations but also understanding and wisdom too. What use is a good word if it is not understood??...
I'll focus on John 3:14-16, which took me back to Numbers 21:4-9. I realize, just like the Israelites I do grumble or get frustrated at times when I dont have my way. My past life was going in circles, though I'm grateful it does not compare to their 40 yrs of circling. Moses gave all who looked at the snake life...whereas Jesus gave us eternal life at the cross. This repetitiveness shows me the consistency of God. The way He operates is nothing new and He is always faithful in His ways.
Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your faithfulnes and patience with me. I thank You that even when I do not act my best, You still love me. I promise to receive Your instructions, to wait patiently for You, and to not doubt Your Grace being in operation whatever the situation. I recognize that You are always working even when I do not see the fruits of the goodwork in me made manifest as quickly as I would have it. Help me Holy Spirit keep this promise as best as I can. In Jesus Name. Amen
I believe in my heart that every setback Lord is an opportunity to learn, to grow, and to praise You. I believe all You're asking me to do is simple = trust You...
Jesus as usual talking plainly, and Nicodemus like most of us existing in "clueless land". And I pray that God will not just bless me with revelations but also understanding and wisdom too. What use is a good word if it is not understood??...
I'll focus on John 3:14-16, which took me back to Numbers 21:4-9. I realize, just like the Israelites I do grumble or get frustrated at times when I dont have my way. My past life was going in circles, though I'm grateful it does not compare to their 40 yrs of circling. Moses gave all who looked at the snake life...whereas Jesus gave us eternal life at the cross. This repetitiveness shows me the consistency of God. The way He operates is nothing new and He is always faithful in His ways.
Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your faithfulnes and patience with me. I thank You that even when I do not act my best, You still love me. I promise to receive Your instructions, to wait patiently for You, and to not doubt Your Grace being in operation whatever the situation. I recognize that You are always working even when I do not see the fruits of the goodwork in me made manifest as quickly as I would have it. Help me Holy Spirit keep this promise as best as I can. In Jesus Name. Amen
I believe in my heart that every setback Lord is an opportunity to learn, to grow, and to praise You. I believe all You're asking me to do is simple = trust You...
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Day 10 - I ask of You for You Lord
Mathew 16:24:25 "Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it."
Heavenly Father, Thank You for being my Father. Thank You for Your incredible Love, that was perfectly demonstrated at the cross. Lord Jesus You promised in Your word that if I lose my life in Your name...I will find myself in You. I look at You with an intense hunger ever growing, ever yearning for something much greater than I.... It has turned my focus to You...for I know something in my heart draws me to You everyday, encourages me everyday to seek You and come to You. My heart can only be satisfied by finding whom it loves...and it tells me it's You.
So God I ask in Your son's name to fill me up with Your Spirit. I ask to lead that impossibly great life for You. Accomplish insurmontable challenges, marrying all that I am and do to the cross. I desire not to live for myself but for You. Be glorified through me Jesus. May your grace never depart from me. Forgive me of all my sins and thank You for redeeming me. Thank You. Amen
Heavenly Father, Thank You for being my Father. Thank You for Your incredible Love, that was perfectly demonstrated at the cross. Lord Jesus You promised in Your word that if I lose my life in Your name...I will find myself in You. I look at You with an intense hunger ever growing, ever yearning for something much greater than I.... It has turned my focus to You...for I know something in my heart draws me to You everyday, encourages me everyday to seek You and come to You. My heart can only be satisfied by finding whom it loves...and it tells me it's You.
So God I ask in Your son's name to fill me up with Your Spirit. I ask to lead that impossibly great life for You. Accomplish insurmontable challenges, marrying all that I am and do to the cross. I desire not to live for myself but for You. Be glorified through me Jesus. May your grace never depart from me. Forgive me of all my sins and thank You for redeeming me. Thank You. Amen
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Day 9 - Unending Process
I'm just part of an unending, ongoing worship and eternal praise that has been since the creation of the earth. That is incredible to me! Before I was...God was praised by generations traced back to Adam... He is has been worshipped through the ages and generations to come will do the same...that is AMAZING! The heavens, the earth, the creatures, over and over God's amazing glory and beauty and infinite wisdom is displayed everywhere. AWESOME CREATOR!...So while I'm here and have time I will worship You God in body, mind, spirit, and in truth. Cleanse me anew once more. Show me what hurts You. I ask for Your forgiveness for all my offences both intentional and unintentional. Continue to teach me Your truths. Open my eyes and ears to truly experience the world as You see it not as it presents itself. I thank You for guiding my way in the unknowns and darkness. I thank You for being my hope. I truly understand that I belong to You. You brought me into this world, and when I leave...I leave with You and no other. Pull me close to You and keep me forever in Your warm loving embrace...Be one with me God in everything!!!...whisper Your secrets to me...instill in me a child-like spirit always. Father lets live life together! I trust You :-D
Monday, January 12, 2009
Day 7 & Day 8 - Answer to my prayer for security in God
Gen 4 :7 "If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it."
Gen 14: 22-23 "But Abram said to the king of Sodom, "I have raised my hand to the LORD, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, and have taken an oath that I will accept nothing belonging to you, not even a thread or the thong of a sandal, so that you will never be able to say, 'I made Abram rich'...."
Today while doing my devotion God gave me Gen 4 & 14 to reflect on. And I believe He gave me this message "Do not leave my presence if you want to live". For in Him I have all that I need. My hope and security is in Him, and Him alone. In Cain and Abel's story, God tells Cain to resist the devil for his purpose is to destroy (John 10:10). In Gen 14, Abram goes into action as soon as he finds out that Lot was captured. He rounded up his men, planned a strategic attack, and with God He was successful! I think my question from God is: How hard Am I willing to fight to reclaim what is mine and fight to keep it??...It's only with His help and no one else...
Reflecting on the story of Cain and Abel has always left me curious... How God rejected one offering and accepted another... Both were first fruits from their hardwork, but the Spirit led me to understand that God searched their hearts and that's why Cain's was rejected and Abel wasnt. Cain's heart was unpure and you can see what he did = killed his own brother... I think this message is still relevant today. How people go around with outward pretensions of being holy, while their hearts are unacceptable to God. It doesnt matter what they do because God operates by the heart and He knows all intentions behind every act. So as for me...Lord create within me a new and clean heart everyday. Continue to search me and Holy Spirit help me present my unconfessed sins to God. Help me seek restitution with those I've offended and with God always. Amen.
As I just wrote this my player is playing " Today (As for me and my house)". I know there's no mistake in this moment, that while I'm reflecting on this passage God this song plays in the background. These lyrics have always touched my heart:
Today I choose to follow you
Today I choose to gi ve my'yes' to u
Today I choose tyo hear your voice and live
Today I choose to follow you
Verse:
As for me and my house
We will serve you
As for me and my house
We will spend our lives on you
ChorusBridge:
Wonderful counseler ,
Everlasting Father,
Eternal King ,
Lord of hosts
Willingly we follow
For Your name, for Your sake
(We will spend our lives on You)
For Your name, for Your sake
(We will spend our lives on You)
Yes Lord, for Your faith, for Your faith
We will spend our lives on You
Very simple song... I believe that God is encouraging me to continue on towards Him. As I come to Him in His son's name, He keeps me, He is faithful to me, I belong and have access to Him at all times. To know that The One and Only True GOD loves me and wants to live my life with me, I say yes with arms extended high!!! He is my security and that makes me content :-D
Gen 14: 22-23 "But Abram said to the king of Sodom, "I have raised my hand to the LORD, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, and have taken an oath that I will accept nothing belonging to you, not even a thread or the thong of a sandal, so that you will never be able to say, 'I made Abram rich'...."
Today while doing my devotion God gave me Gen 4 & 14 to reflect on. And I believe He gave me this message "Do not leave my presence if you want to live". For in Him I have all that I need. My hope and security is in Him, and Him alone. In Cain and Abel's story, God tells Cain to resist the devil for his purpose is to destroy (John 10:10). In Gen 14, Abram goes into action as soon as he finds out that Lot was captured. He rounded up his men, planned a strategic attack, and with God He was successful! I think my question from God is: How hard Am I willing to fight to reclaim what is mine and fight to keep it??...It's only with His help and no one else...
Reflecting on the story of Cain and Abel has always left me curious... How God rejected one offering and accepted another... Both were first fruits from their hardwork, but the Spirit led me to understand that God searched their hearts and that's why Cain's was rejected and Abel wasnt. Cain's heart was unpure and you can see what he did = killed his own brother... I think this message is still relevant today. How people go around with outward pretensions of being holy, while their hearts are unacceptable to God. It doesnt matter what they do because God operates by the heart and He knows all intentions behind every act. So as for me...Lord create within me a new and clean heart everyday. Continue to search me and Holy Spirit help me present my unconfessed sins to God. Help me seek restitution with those I've offended and with God always. Amen.
As I just wrote this my player is playing " Today (As for me and my house)". I know there's no mistake in this moment, that while I'm reflecting on this passage God this song plays in the background. These lyrics have always touched my heart:
Today I choose to follow you
Today I choose to gi ve my'yes' to u
Today I choose tyo hear your voice and live
Today I choose to follow you
Verse:
As for me and my house
We will serve you
As for me and my house
We will spend our lives on you
ChorusBridge:
Wonderful counseler ,
Everlasting Father,
Eternal King ,
Lord of hosts
Willingly we follow
For Your name, for Your sake
(We will spend our lives on You)
For Your name, for Your sake
(We will spend our lives on You)
Yes Lord, for Your faith, for Your faith
We will spend our lives on You
Very simple song... I believe that God is encouraging me to continue on towards Him. As I come to Him in His son's name, He keeps me, He is faithful to me, I belong and have access to Him at all times. To know that The One and Only True GOD loves me and wants to live my life with me, I say yes with arms extended high!!! He is my security and that makes me content :-D
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Day 6-Purpose
I've been wrestling with this subject for quite a while now. And as the years progress the more haunting this subject presses on my mind. Ever since recommitting my life once more to Jesus, I must admit it has been a journey. What He's enabled me to accomplish has been wonderful...too many memories to list. However, I will say this...though they were exciting, incredible, emotionally overwhelming...nothing would be more amazing than living in my purpose. Dont get me wrong, I know I'm where I need to be, and I'm being used to bless those around me. I get confrimations everyday, through the Word, or too many un-coincidental events. But my heart searches and longs for THE ASSIGNMENT...
I've decided that since last week God revealed to me my talents/spiritual gifts,...this next week is revealing my purpose. Aligning my will with His. His direction and vision for my life. What He created me for and How my life can bring Him Glory.
Yesterday I was privileged to attend a bible study on "Purpose". There's soo much that was given me and I have some reflection and evaluating and talking to do with God...which is great! I cant wait to receive His answers. Only God who knew the questions in my heart, about the direction and the upcoming opportunities in my life, would send me to a place where the Holy Spirit can reveal God's plans for me. Only God, would know that when I had questions no one could answer...questions about my "true identity", would surround me with people at the right time with the answers. Only He because Father, You know everything about me. There's nothing hidden within me...The darkness is not really dark as it would present itself to be.
This 2nd phase of the fast begins Your revelation to me what you have made me to do for You. I'm sooo excited!!!
I've decided that since last week God revealed to me my talents/spiritual gifts,...this next week is revealing my purpose. Aligning my will with His. His direction and vision for my life. What He created me for and How my life can bring Him Glory.
Yesterday I was privileged to attend a bible study on "Purpose". There's soo much that was given me and I have some reflection and evaluating and talking to do with God...which is great! I cant wait to receive His answers. Only God who knew the questions in my heart, about the direction and the upcoming opportunities in my life, would send me to a place where the Holy Spirit can reveal God's plans for me. Only God, would know that when I had questions no one could answer...questions about my "true identity", would surround me with people at the right time with the answers. Only He because Father, You know everything about me. There's nothing hidden within me...The darkness is not really dark as it would present itself to be.
This 2nd phase of the fast begins Your revelation to me what you have made me to do for You. I'm sooo excited!!!
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Day 5 - I recommit myself to You
Psalm 62:5 "Find rest, O my soul, in God alone. My HOPE comes from Him"
Lord the desires in my heart are soo great...Dreams of doing great things for You. Living out Your purpose for my life. I relinquish all my desires, aspirations, all that I find of worth. The only precious thing I have I return to You. I give You my heart and recommit myself to You. For I acknowledge how easily I get distracted by everyday life and dont give You my best praise, best worship...You who has already given me Your best - Your precious Son.
Father I want to live for Your glory! I want to live an impossibly great life for You! I want more of Your Spirit in me! I need You everyday! Open my eyes and ears, enhance my ability to see and hear You! Holy Spirit search me, if there's any unconfessed sin then reveal it to me! A new heart, more Faith, refreshing and double portion of the Spirit, I cry out loud, in Jesus Name.
The past 5 days You have sustained me, shown me Your compassion, strength, grace, and mercy. My work nor any other area of my life has suffered, and through it all You've kept me still. I ask that You continue to reveal Yourself to me in a real and personal way. Jesus I want to know You more. You said in Your word that "whoever finds His life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it" (Mathew 10:39). And I believe...Empty me of myself and use me as a vessel filled with You....Live out through me.
I lay everything down and I return to You once more as a prodigal daughter. I know I'm back where I belong = In Your Presence. Glorious God, Sovereign Jehovah, Almighty Father I thank You for all that You are doing in my life. Amen
Lord the desires in my heart are soo great...Dreams of doing great things for You. Living out Your purpose for my life. I relinquish all my desires, aspirations, all that I find of worth. The only precious thing I have I return to You. I give You my heart and recommit myself to You. For I acknowledge how easily I get distracted by everyday life and dont give You my best praise, best worship...You who has already given me Your best - Your precious Son.
Father I want to live for Your glory! I want to live an impossibly great life for You! I want more of Your Spirit in me! I need You everyday! Open my eyes and ears, enhance my ability to see and hear You! Holy Spirit search me, if there's any unconfessed sin then reveal it to me! A new heart, more Faith, refreshing and double portion of the Spirit, I cry out loud, in Jesus Name.
The past 5 days You have sustained me, shown me Your compassion, strength, grace, and mercy. My work nor any other area of my life has suffered, and through it all You've kept me still. I ask that You continue to reveal Yourself to me in a real and personal way. Jesus I want to know You more. You said in Your word that "whoever finds His life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it" (Mathew 10:39). And I believe...Empty me of myself and use me as a vessel filled with You....Live out through me.
I lay everything down and I return to You once more as a prodigal daughter. I know I'm back where I belong = In Your Presence. Glorious God, Sovereign Jehovah, Almighty Father I thank You for all that You are doing in my life. Amen
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Day 4 - Your Grace is sufficient
I started off today thinking...it's gonna be a long day Prepping for meetings, finishing projects, a very busy day. I was prompted to start praying for peace of mind and strength at work. Got to work called on a fellow sister in Christ to offer up prayers for guidance on our day-to-day activities...God answers prayers!!!!
-Copier and Printer jams right before leaving for our monthly meetings
-Last minute revisions after printing
-Technical difficulties of the worse kind = equipment not doing what they're suppose to do...
The list is endless, but through it all, I was as calm as the waves at a tropical beach on a cool summer's day...though I'd like to be there right now...But my point is God answers even the tiniest prayers if we present it to Him and trust that He will come through. I know He came through for me. Through it all I was smiling and just in a state of rest...I guess this is what Jesus means when He says come to me all who labor and I'll give you rest. He desires to take on ALL our burdens, worries, fears, and concerns. He can make every situation good.
Lord I'm thankful that You are concerned with ALL areas of my life and desire to see me happy and thrive in Your good work. Once I'm off this fast, please help me remember Your limitless goodness, and Your Ability to do anything. Help me remember that You are my God and that's where my focus should be. And when I drift away, Holy Spirit I need your help to refocus and reorient me in Jesus Name I ask. Father be thou glorified in me always. Amen
-Copier and Printer jams right before leaving for our monthly meetings
-Last minute revisions after printing
-Technical difficulties of the worse kind = equipment not doing what they're suppose to do...
The list is endless, but through it all, I was as calm as the waves at a tropical beach on a cool summer's day...though I'd like to be there right now...But my point is God answers even the tiniest prayers if we present it to Him and trust that He will come through. I know He came through for me. Through it all I was smiling and just in a state of rest...I guess this is what Jesus means when He says come to me all who labor and I'll give you rest. He desires to take on ALL our burdens, worries, fears, and concerns. He can make every situation good.
Lord I'm thankful that You are concerned with ALL areas of my life and desire to see me happy and thrive in Your good work. Once I'm off this fast, please help me remember Your limitless goodness, and Your Ability to do anything. Help me remember that You are my God and that's where my focus should be. And when I drift away, Holy Spirit I need your help to refocus and reorient me in Jesus Name I ask. Father be thou glorified in me always. Amen
Day 3 - Actively Watching For God
So this blog is about my love journey with Jesus...and He gave me a more concrete response on Day 3 :John 17
This is the most beautiful, perfect prayer I've ever read and It's for me. Though His death was fst approaching, His hunters climbing the hill to arrest Him and start the long torturous, humiliating, degrading, painful process...Jesus blessed the Father. Thanked Him for using Him to be the light of the world, to glorify God yet while He was still in the world. Then Jesus prayed for His disciples, that God would protect them and strengthen them for the belong to Jesus. AND next He prayed for me...a believer. One who has not seen but yet believe in Him.
Jesus asked God on my behalf to know God = eternal life. To partake and share the love that is between Him and the Father. This makes my heart rejoice and I know understand real love found in John 17.
The key points I took away are:
-No one can seperate me from Jesus' or God's love (John 10:28)
-I came to Him because He's in me and I'm not rejected (John 6:37)
-Jesus came for me, to rescue me (John 3:17)
-God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit were before this world was formed ( Gen 1:1)
-I belong to Jesus and was given to Him so that God would live through me (John 8:51)
-Jesus shared His wisdom & knowledge, He lived with us, He loved us, He walked this earth with us. He is a friend. (John 1:4, 15:15)
-God sent Jesus and Jesus obeyed (John 8:42, 16:27)
-I am commanded to help others with the most amazing helper = Holy Spirit that dwells in me (Luke 22:32)
-The world will hate me because I am not of the world. But I am commanded to serve Jesus by exercising mercy, love, justice at all times, like He did. (John 10:38, John 15:19, 1 John 3:18)
-I am made clean by the word (John 15:3) andGod has been faithful to cleanse me of my sins for He is righteous (1 John 1:9)
-I partake in His glory if I serve Him (John 12:26)
My favorite that sums up everything = God Loves me, Jesus Loves me, and I am forever in their love...(John 15:9-17)
"9As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you.
Now remain in my love.
10If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love,
just as I have obeyed my Father's commands
and remain in his love.
11I have told you this so that my joy may be in you
and that your joy may be complete.
12My command is this:
Love each other as I have loved you.
13Greater love has no one than this,
that he lay down his life for his friends.
14You are my friends if you do what I command.
15I no longer call you servants,
because a servant does not know his master's business.
Instead, I have called you friends,
for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.
16You did not choose me,
but I chose you and appointed you to go
and bear fruit—fruit that will last.
Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.
17This is my command: Love each other.
This is the most beautiful, perfect prayer I've ever read and It's for me. Though His death was fst approaching, His hunters climbing the hill to arrest Him and start the long torturous, humiliating, degrading, painful process...Jesus blessed the Father. Thanked Him for using Him to be the light of the world, to glorify God yet while He was still in the world. Then Jesus prayed for His disciples, that God would protect them and strengthen them for the belong to Jesus. AND next He prayed for me...a believer. One who has not seen but yet believe in Him.
Jesus asked God on my behalf to know God = eternal life. To partake and share the love that is between Him and the Father. This makes my heart rejoice and I know understand real love found in John 17.
The key points I took away are:
-No one can seperate me from Jesus' or God's love (John 10:28)
-I came to Him because He's in me and I'm not rejected (John 6:37)
-Jesus came for me, to rescue me (John 3:17)
-God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit were before this world was formed ( Gen 1:1)
-I belong to Jesus and was given to Him so that God would live through me (John 8:51)
-Jesus shared His wisdom & knowledge, He lived with us, He loved us, He walked this earth with us. He is a friend. (John 1:4, 15:15)
-God sent Jesus and Jesus obeyed (John 8:42, 16:27)
-I am commanded to help others with the most amazing helper = Holy Spirit that dwells in me (Luke 22:32)
-The world will hate me because I am not of the world. But I am commanded to serve Jesus by exercising mercy, love, justice at all times, like He did. (John 10:38, John 15:19, 1 John 3:18)
-I am made clean by the word (John 15:3) andGod has been faithful to cleanse me of my sins for He is righteous (1 John 1:9)
-I partake in His glory if I serve Him (John 12:26)
My favorite that sums up everything = God Loves me, Jesus Loves me, and I am forever in their love...(John 15:9-17)
"9As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you.
Now remain in my love.
10If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love,
just as I have obeyed my Father's commands
and remain in his love.
11I have told you this so that my joy may be in you
and that your joy may be complete.
12My command is this:
Love each other as I have loved you.
13Greater love has no one than this,
that he lay down his life for his friends.
14You are my friends if you do what I command.
15I no longer call you servants,
because a servant does not know his master's business.
Instead, I have called you friends,
for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.
16You did not choose me,
but I chose you and appointed you to go
and bear fruit—fruit that will last.
Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.
17This is my command: Love each other.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Day 2- All I Need is YOU
How incredible it is to have a King leave His throne where He was in Glory with the Father...to sacrifice himself for our sins. I'm grateful to have a compassionate God who love me soo much to humble himself, walk this earth, associate himself with sinners, and opens His loving arms to receive me...All of Me...just the way I am with my faults, and failures, but chosing to see His beauty in me.
Just thinking about this brings me joy that I serve an incredibly gracious God of Love and great Mercy. By Grace I am saved, not by any acts or sacrifices...God saved me because He loves me and wanted to...He didnt have to...He could have left us under the law...But in His infinite wisdom and abundant love. He asked His Son to walk the earth, teach His creation, create disciples who's eyes are open to the truth about the real kingdom. Jesus obeyed, walked by Faith, taught us how to relate with God...How to Fellowship with God. Before Him very few knew our left from our right...
As I continue on with this fast I know and believe in my heart that at the end my spiritual eyes will be focused, my ears will be ever listening keenly to the Spirit, and my heart will be completely open to You Lord. Thank you for being longsuffering with me as I crawled, walked, stumbled, fell...perseverance and character are developing I know that full well. I know that You Will complete Your work in me. I know that I will not be the same anymore at the end of this fast.
Glory to Your Holy name Heavenly Father. You Are With Me Always and You hold me. All I need is YOU....
Just thinking about this brings me joy that I serve an incredibly gracious God of Love and great Mercy. By Grace I am saved, not by any acts or sacrifices...God saved me because He loves me and wanted to...He didnt have to...He could have left us under the law...But in His infinite wisdom and abundant love. He asked His Son to walk the earth, teach His creation, create disciples who's eyes are open to the truth about the real kingdom. Jesus obeyed, walked by Faith, taught us how to relate with God...How to Fellowship with God. Before Him very few knew our left from our right...
As I continue on with this fast I know and believe in my heart that at the end my spiritual eyes will be focused, my ears will be ever listening keenly to the Spirit, and my heart will be completely open to You Lord. Thank you for being longsuffering with me as I crawled, walked, stumbled, fell...perseverance and character are developing I know that full well. I know that You Will complete Your work in me. I know that I will not be the same anymore at the end of this fast.
Glory to Your Holy name Heavenly Father. You Are With Me Always and You hold me. All I need is YOU....
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Day 1 - You Alone Are God
"It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy" (Romans 9:16)
Day 1 of my church's 21 day fast was filled with pushing through intense sleep. I was sleepy from when I woke up, while at work, while commuting to church for evening worship. Reflecting on this, there were times I wanted to forsake what I said I would do so I could sleep...telling myself I could leave early...or I could go next week....but there's soo much I would have missed out on. My personality profile being taken and my eyes opened to who I was created to be, the talents God placed within me. I learned that who I've always thought I was is consistent with my profile. I am a peacemaker/diplomat/one who is faithful. This gives me more than enough to believe that we have to persevere always, inspite of how we feel...for what is to be gained is worth it. Though it is not a compelling, intense, or profound story with incredible trials...this just reminds me that God expects us to follow through on every task and committment each day...to be faithful where He has placed us...He is a wonder
God has called us to be His children, to be used for His Glory. I keep returning to the fact that He created me...and as anything created...I am for a purpose. What right do I have to argue with Him? He does as He pleases because I belong to Him. I can be obedient, or kick and scream like a 2-yr old having a tantrum, but His will always comes to pass. If I refuse, it still comes to pass but someone else gets the honor and blessings. I dont know about You but I want to be chosen, called to do something great or small for Him. To be used by God, now that's an honor...I choose Your way God....Your Life God... Sensitize me to Your spirit, I pray for swiftness in obedience, break all resistance to Your will in me...create within me a new heart, sanctify, and change me to whom You want me to be. Amen
We cannot look unto this life with our own personal desires...everything is temporary and will pass. But we have a God who reigns now and forevermore, unchanging, perfect, sovereign, and almighty...He is and soo much more :o)
Day 1 of my church's 21 day fast was filled with pushing through intense sleep. I was sleepy from when I woke up, while at work, while commuting to church for evening worship. Reflecting on this, there were times I wanted to forsake what I said I would do so I could sleep...telling myself I could leave early...or I could go next week....but there's soo much I would have missed out on. My personality profile being taken and my eyes opened to who I was created to be, the talents God placed within me. I learned that who I've always thought I was is consistent with my profile. I am a peacemaker/diplomat/one who is faithful. This gives me more than enough to believe that we have to persevere always, inspite of how we feel...for what is to be gained is worth it. Though it is not a compelling, intense, or profound story with incredible trials...this just reminds me that God expects us to follow through on every task and committment each day...to be faithful where He has placed us...He is a wonder
God has called us to be His children, to be used for His Glory. I keep returning to the fact that He created me...and as anything created...I am for a purpose. What right do I have to argue with Him? He does as He pleases because I belong to Him. I can be obedient, or kick and scream like a 2-yr old having a tantrum, but His will always comes to pass. If I refuse, it still comes to pass but someone else gets the honor and blessings. I dont know about You but I want to be chosen, called to do something great or small for Him. To be used by God, now that's an honor...I choose Your way God....Your Life God... Sensitize me to Your spirit, I pray for swiftness in obedience, break all resistance to Your will in me...create within me a new heart, sanctify, and change me to whom You want me to be. Amen
We cannot look unto this life with our own personal desires...everything is temporary and will pass. But we have a God who reigns now and forevermore, unchanging, perfect, sovereign, and almighty...He is and soo much more :o)
Friday, January 2, 2009
New Beginnings
As the entire world watched as 2009 ushered in...hope, joy, optimism filled hearts everywhere. As I reflect on day one of the first day...It dawned on me that we get new beginnings with God everyday. We get a new year everyday...the promise of a day with Him, serving Him, fellowshiping with Him, learning about Him. A day of hope that no matter what comes, we're not alone. The promises of a new year...hope, joy, prosperity, love, health are available to us who believe in God's amazing grace and live by faith--EVERYDAY. This is plenty reason for me to praise God everyday for bringing newness, a fresh start with Him every dawn when I wake up to a bran new day. Hallelujah!
Lord I than you for my devotional piece and promise this morning. I know in my heart and believe that this is the year of favor, a great harvest, of celebration and rejoicing in your Blessings in my life.
Joel 2: 18-27
The Lord's Answer
"Then the Lord will be jealous for His land,
and take pity on His people.
The Lord will reply to them:
"I am sending you grain, new wine and oil,
enough to satisfy you fully;
never again will I make you
an object of scorn among nations.
I will drive the northern army far from you,
pushing it into a parched and barren land,
with its front columns going into the eastern sea
and those in the rear into the western sea.
And its stench will go up;
its smell will rise."
Surely He has done great things.
Be not afraid, O land;
be glad and rejoice.
Surely the Lord has done great things.
Be not afraid, O wild animals,
for the open pastures are becoming green.
The trees are bearing their fruit;
the fig tree and the vine yield their riches.
Be glad, O people of Zion,
rejoice in the Lord your God,
for He has given you
the autumn rains in righteousness.
He sends you abundant showers,
both autumn and spring rains, as before.
The threshing floors will be filled with grain;
the vats will overflow with new wine and oil.
"I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten-
the great locust and the young locust,
the other locusts and the locust swarms-
my great army that I sent among you.
You will have plenty to eat, until you are full,
and you will praise the name of the Lord your God,
who has worked wonders for you;
never again will my people be shamed.
Then you will know that I am in Israel,
that I am the Lord your God,
and that there is no other;
never again will my people be shamed.
Lord I than you for my devotional piece and promise this morning. I know in my heart and believe that this is the year of favor, a great harvest, of celebration and rejoicing in your Blessings in my life.
Joel 2: 18-27
The Lord's Answer
"Then the Lord will be jealous for His land,
and take pity on His people.
The Lord will reply to them:
"I am sending you grain, new wine and oil,
enough to satisfy you fully;
never again will I make you
an object of scorn among nations.
I will drive the northern army far from you,
pushing it into a parched and barren land,
with its front columns going into the eastern sea
and those in the rear into the western sea.
And its stench will go up;
its smell will rise."
Surely He has done great things.
Be not afraid, O land;
be glad and rejoice.
Surely the Lord has done great things.
Be not afraid, O wild animals,
for the open pastures are becoming green.
The trees are bearing their fruit;
the fig tree and the vine yield their riches.
Be glad, O people of Zion,
rejoice in the Lord your God,
for He has given you
the autumn rains in righteousness.
He sends you abundant showers,
both autumn and spring rains, as before.
The threshing floors will be filled with grain;
the vats will overflow with new wine and oil.
"I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten-
the great locust and the young locust,
the other locusts and the locust swarms-
my great army that I sent among you.
You will have plenty to eat, until you are full,
and you will praise the name of the Lord your God,
who has worked wonders for you;
never again will my people be shamed.
Then you will know that I am in Israel,
that I am the Lord your God,
and that there is no other;
never again will my people be shamed.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Many are the plans in my heart
Thank You Lord for an incredible night and morning of worship. Putting on your armor and waging war through dance. Father I thank You for moving, for seeing me through praise and worship. There were moments when I felt my muscles tightening, my weary hands and thighs...breathing...I asked for strength and received Praise God! Thank You for being able to stand the gap and take watch not just for myself but for my family as well.
Ok...so let me get back to the title of this blog...I'm thankful that Your purpose always comes to pass. I was unsure how I would get from Boston to Stoughton and back home without a car. But I kept dancing and it was interesting how I did not worry because in my spirit I know everything done for You succeeds...and that is true. I got a ride to Stoughton, I got a ride back to Boston...and was adopted by an incredibly loving family for the ride back to my apartment. Though we had 5-7" of snow fall that evening, though it was 10 degrees and probably colder because of high winds...You kept me safe, warm, and loved. Daddy I want to experience this peace and joy @ all times, everyday. It was incredible! You are incredible!
Thank You for teaching me how to rest in You...to Trust You...to enjoy & live the life I was created to experience, bringing You Glory in ALL that I do :0)
-Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails (Proverbs 19:21)
- In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. (Proverbs 16:9)
Your amazing, beautiful, wonderful, BEST always prevails
I encourgae You to allow God to strategically order your steps in everything and trust You will be blessed in return. He created You...He has the blueprint for Your life...He is a Creator...and noone makes anything without a purpose...A carpenter builds a house to provide shelter, a business man opens a shop to sell goods, a potter makes a vase to hold flowers, a painter paints pictures to be displayed for others, a musician writes music to be heard by others....the list could go on. You, just like your Father are creators, we make things that serve a purpose. He made you for His purposes...dont resist, accept and embrace for His plans for your life can only be made perfect with Him in it.
"God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect" (Hebrews 11:40)
And if You're feeling lost, He's always much closer than You think. This is my favorite scripture:
"I will lead the blind by ways they have not known,
along unfamiliar paths I will guide them;
I will turn the darkness into light before them
and make the rough places smooth.
These are the things I will do;
I will not forsake them."
(Isaiah 42:16)
Ok...so let me get back to the title of this blog...I'm thankful that Your purpose always comes to pass. I was unsure how I would get from Boston to Stoughton and back home without a car. But I kept dancing and it was interesting how I did not worry because in my spirit I know everything done for You succeeds...and that is true. I got a ride to Stoughton, I got a ride back to Boston...and was adopted by an incredibly loving family for the ride back to my apartment. Though we had 5-7" of snow fall that evening, though it was 10 degrees and probably colder because of high winds...You kept me safe, warm, and loved. Daddy I want to experience this peace and joy @ all times, everyday. It was incredible! You are incredible!
Thank You for teaching me how to rest in You...to Trust You...to enjoy & live the life I was created to experience, bringing You Glory in ALL that I do :0)
-Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails (Proverbs 19:21)
- In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. (Proverbs 16:9)
Your amazing, beautiful, wonderful, BEST always prevails
I encourgae You to allow God to strategically order your steps in everything and trust You will be blessed in return. He created You...He has the blueprint for Your life...He is a Creator...and noone makes anything without a purpose...A carpenter builds a house to provide shelter, a business man opens a shop to sell goods, a potter makes a vase to hold flowers, a painter paints pictures to be displayed for others, a musician writes music to be heard by others....the list could go on. You, just like your Father are creators, we make things that serve a purpose. He made you for His purposes...dont resist, accept and embrace for His plans for your life can only be made perfect with Him in it.
"God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect" (Hebrews 11:40)
And if You're feeling lost, He's always much closer than You think. This is my favorite scripture:
"I will lead the blind by ways they have not known,
along unfamiliar paths I will guide them;
I will turn the darkness into light before them
and make the rough places smooth.
These are the things I will do;
I will not forsake them."
(Isaiah 42:16)
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