Tuesday, January 31, 2017
no longer CEO...
Good Morning Father,
It's day 16/17 of 21 days of Prayer and Fasting. The focus, "I Believe Therefore I Confess". May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, my rock and my redeemer...I pledge my allegiance to the Lord, aligning my life in submission to the loving instructions, commandments and laws purposely and intentionally gifted to me for my good. I get it!
But! I know there are those who don't like to be told what to do, after all, "you're not the boss of me" One of my sisters is an Educator, she shares with her high school students that they are the "CEO's" of their lives. No one can make them do anything, they will decided if they succeed or if they fail. That's true of all of us! The Lord gave us all FREE WILL. We always have a choice. Truth be told, God always wanted us to choose. To love because we want to, not because we have too. No one wants to receive love or have something done for them out of obligation or guilt.
This is the thing, when I believed God and confessed all that had separated me from him, I could see clearly that the path that I was on could not and would not render the desired outcome for my life. I no longer desired my will, I wanted His will. I desired a good life, a joy filled godly marriage, sons who would grow up to love the Lord and discover success in his will, a peaceful home, mental and physical well-being, friendships, professional success, laughter...lots of it:) As I sought the Lord with all my heart, choosing to obey His teachings, what was promised in his word happened!! All that I had desired has been added/adding to my life every day... yes, there are days when life is far from easy, bad days are real, seasons of uncertainty (physical, relational, financial) are real, loss of love ones are real...yet in our darkest hours...the promised light still comes through...
No longer the CEO of my life, I have freely given over that position of authority...
Psalm 19:7-14 (NLT)
7 The instructions of the LORD are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
8 The commandments of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are clear, giving insight for living.
9 Reverence for the LORD is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the LORD are true; each one is fair.
10 They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb.
11 They are a warning to your servant, a great reward for those who obey them.
12 How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults.
13 Keep your servant from deliberate sins! Don’t let them control me. Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin.
14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
Monday, January 30, 2017
especially yours...
Good Morning Father,
It's day 15 of the 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting. Today's petition..."Lord, Anoint Me with Your Power"...To anoint, simply means a "special setting apart". Thankful to be forgiven, no longer separated by our evil thoughts and actions. No longer far...more than near...Christ in me...POWER! No longer hidden, no more secrets, we have available to us, a complete knowledge of his will, spiritual wisdom and understanding...
Available! We have available to us a way to live that will always honor and please the Lord, and will produce every kind of good fruit. We actually can grow as we learn to know God better and better.
To produce...To grow...No matter our age or stage, there is MORE...For years, I have heard my Pastor say this words, "I want EVERYTHING God has for me" "God came to give us new life, abundant life, eternal life" God has high standards...but he gave us power...exceeding power, exceedingly, abundantly, above what we could even imagine or think power!
Lord, Anoint me...especially set me apart with your power...to love wholeheartedly, to serve joyfully, to give freely, to forgive immediately... to diligently coach, empower and encourage the next generation, to obediently write the book(s) you have birth in me...To leave a LEGACY...
What about you? What have you been set apart for... ESPECIALLY YOURS!...May the Lord, Anoint YOU...
two little words..
Good Morning Father,
Day 12 of the 21 days of prayer and fasting...Day 13, 14...three days to meditate on the heart beat, the back bone, the very core of our existence, who we are, or ever hope to be..."I FORGIVE!" Two little words, could not be so BIG!
Lord, have I truly forgiven everyone that has offended me... hurt me, used me, betrayed me, lied on me, denied me...deceived me...spoke ill of me...did not value me as a person...?????????????
There is freedom in FORGIVENESS...There is power in FORGIVENESS...
Mark 11:22-25 (NLT)
22 Then Jesus said to the disciples, “Have faith in God.
23 I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart.
24 I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours.
25 But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.”
Thursday, January 26, 2017
who do you trust...
Good Morning Father,
Its day 11 of the 21 days of prayer and fasting. The statement "I Trust the Lord", the questions "do you really trust the Lord?" "do you really depend on HIM?" Inhaling, Exhaling, Inhaling, Exhaling...I feel like Peter, when the Lord was asking him, do you love me? He ask him this question repeatedly...Leaving Peter a bit exasperated...You know ALL things Lord, you know I love YOU...
The title of my Journal is TRUST! Some 20 years ago on my birthday, Jan 8th. My husband and I were on our way out to dinner, when I received a call from Credit Card company, the gentlemen on the line said. "Hello, Mrs. Robinson, I just want to confirm your purchase for $5000" That was the beginning of several more purchases and several more phone calls. In one night... "I had purchased over $30k worth of merchandise." For weeks I received credit card statements in the mail. Some with personal notes, "Happy Birthday, I hope you enjoy your new diamond bracelet" In that season, I felt so vulnerable and violated. My emotions swung. Anyone who has ever had their identity stolen, knows the road back is not always an easy process.
A few years prior to this event, I had to go a court to pay a traffic violation. Standing in line, waiting my turn to pay my ticket, I kept observing people coming out from the back offices staring at me. After, I paid my ticket, the clerk ask me if I wouldn't mind having a seat, there was some thing she needed to confirm. I sat for over an hour waiting, one by one people kept coming out and peeking at me. I later learned, that someone who looked just like me had been involved in several bank robberies. Apparently, everything about me, matched her... fear rising in me...I had done nothing wrong, what if I am held responsible for something I didn't do? After, what felt like a life time of waiting...A detective came out and gently spoke this words. "we are so sorry for the confusion, it turn out that the other woman had a distinctive birthmark on her face" I didn't...
Situations like these, and many more life circumstances throughout the years...I have found great comfort in knowing that I have someone that I can depend. Someone who can fight my battles, be the source of all that I have need of, someone that know matter what life deals me, will never leave or forsake me. Someone that can declare without a shadow of doubt... this thing happening to you is working out for your good! The circumstances of my life have drawn me closer to my Father! For over 20 years, daily I remind myself through every journal entry..."I TRUST YOU LORD"
With this resolve, I have a peace that can never completely articulate. Instead of living in fear of "what if"... I live in a FREEDOM that declares...BUT GOD!
.
..YOU CAN TRUST HIM TOO!
Its day 11 of the 21 days of prayer and fasting. The statement "I Trust the Lord", the questions "do you really trust the Lord?" "do you really depend on HIM?" Inhaling, Exhaling, Inhaling, Exhaling...I feel like Peter, when the Lord was asking him, do you love me? He ask him this question repeatedly...Leaving Peter a bit exasperated...You know ALL things Lord, you know I love YOU...
The title of my Journal is TRUST! Some 20 years ago on my birthday, Jan 8th. My husband and I were on our way out to dinner, when I received a call from Credit Card company, the gentlemen on the line said. "Hello, Mrs. Robinson, I just want to confirm your purchase for $5000" That was the beginning of several more purchases and several more phone calls. In one night... "I had purchased over $30k worth of merchandise." For weeks I received credit card statements in the mail. Some with personal notes, "Happy Birthday, I hope you enjoy your new diamond bracelet" In that season, I felt so vulnerable and violated. My emotions swung. Anyone who has ever had their identity stolen, knows the road back is not always an easy process.
A few years prior to this event, I had to go a court to pay a traffic violation. Standing in line, waiting my turn to pay my ticket, I kept observing people coming out from the back offices staring at me. After, I paid my ticket, the clerk ask me if I wouldn't mind having a seat, there was some thing she needed to confirm. I sat for over an hour waiting, one by one people kept coming out and peeking at me. I later learned, that someone who looked just like me had been involved in several bank robberies. Apparently, everything about me, matched her... fear rising in me...I had done nothing wrong, what if I am held responsible for something I didn't do? After, what felt like a life time of waiting...A detective came out and gently spoke this words. "we are so sorry for the confusion, it turn out that the other woman had a distinctive birthmark on her face" I didn't...
Situations like these, and many more life circumstances throughout the years...I have found great comfort in knowing that I have someone that I can depend. Someone who can fight my battles, be the source of all that I have need of, someone that know matter what life deals me, will never leave or forsake me. Someone that can declare without a shadow of doubt... this thing happening to you is working out for your good! The circumstances of my life have drawn me closer to my Father! For over 20 years, daily I remind myself through every journal entry..."I TRUST YOU LORD"
With this resolve, I have a peace that can never completely articulate. Instead of living in fear of "what if"... I live in a FREEDOM that declares...BUT GOD!
.
..YOU CAN TRUST HIM TOO!
Wednesday, January 25, 2017
"Do"
Good Morning Father,
It's day 10 of 21 days of Prayer and Fasting. "I Focus" pt 2. Reflecting on what should be my focus in this season of my life. In part 1, I discerned it was necessary to separate out what we should not be doing in this season. Romans 12, again the suggested text. One of the things, I love about the word is that it always provides full and complete counsel/answers/clarity. "don't to that" "do this" Today, "we focus" on what "to do" in this season....
Today its about our "To Do's"...In this season of our history, its like God is speaking from Heaven, reminding us that His ways never change! What an opportunity to respond to situations and circumstances with a resolve that we can be different...that we can make a difference!
It's day 10 of 21 days of Prayer and Fasting. "I Focus" pt 2. Reflecting on what should be my focus in this season of my life. In part 1, I discerned it was necessary to separate out what we should not be doing in this season. Romans 12, again the suggested text. One of the things, I love about the word is that it always provides full and complete counsel/answers/clarity. "don't to that" "do this" Today, "we focus" on what "to do" in this season....
- Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world... Do: Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think
- Don’t think you are better than you really are... Do: Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves
- Don’t just pretend to love others... Do: Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good
- Never be lazy...Do: Work hard and serve
- Don’t curse them (people who curse you)...Do: Pray that God will bless them
- Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people...Do: Live in harmony with each other
- Don’t think you know it all!...Do: Live in harmony with each other
- Never pay back evil with more evil... Do: Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.
- Never take revenge... Do: Leave that to the righteous anger of God
- Don’t let evil conquer you...Do: Conquer evil by doing good
Today its about our "To Do's"...In this season of our history, its like God is speaking from Heaven, reminding us that His ways never change! What an opportunity to respond to situations and circumstances with a resolve that we can be different...that we can make a difference!
Tuesday, January 24, 2017
"Don't"
Good Morning Father,
Day 9 of the 21 Days of prayer and fasting. Today, "I FOCUS". What should be my focus in this season of my life? As I meditate on the suggested text in Romans 12. For the first time in quite awhile, my eyes kept going to the things I should not be doing/focusing. The "don't" and the "never"! Being the optimist that I am, my focus is seldom on this part of the text. However; TODAY, in this season...I discern that these powerful reminders magnify for good reason!
- Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world
- Don’t think you are better than you really are
- Don’t just pretend to love others
- Never be lazy
- Don’t curse them (people who curse you)
- Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people
- Don’t think you know it all!
- Never pay back evil with more evil
- Never take revenge
- Don’t let evil conquer you...
Thoughts?
Monday, January 23, 2017
I love apples...
Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT)
22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
Good Morning Father,
Day 8 of the 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting, Today, "I RECEIVE"! Today, we meditate on the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Our guide, who dwells and richly empowers us to live effective lives. Our guide plants in us the power to produce. He produces fruit in our lives. This kind of fruit reveals itself in love, in joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. When we see this kind of fruit, we have evidence that a "good God seed" has been planted.
We are told that whatever is on the inside of us, will eventually show on the outside. People can try to mimic these behaviors, and it may look very good on the outside, but just like the fruit we eat, when we cut it open and give it a taste we know the truth. It may not be quite right; perhaps, it was picked to soon, or picked too late, maybe it will be okay to eat if its mixed with something else or blended...perhaps its no use at all-- I love apples, I have one every day. Fuji is my apple of choice-- its crisp, sweet and when picked properly its ready for consumption, just a little wash is all that's required.
Today, we receive a fresh watering, a refilling of the power of the Holy Spirit at work in our lives. Making our FRUIT ready for consumption, good through and through, inside...out...May what you see, be what you enjoy!
22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
Good Morning Father,
Day 8 of the 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting, Today, "I RECEIVE"! Today, we meditate on the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Our guide, who dwells and richly empowers us to live effective lives. Our guide plants in us the power to produce. He produces fruit in our lives. This kind of fruit reveals itself in love, in joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. When we see this kind of fruit, we have evidence that a "good God seed" has been planted.
We are told that whatever is on the inside of us, will eventually show on the outside. People can try to mimic these behaviors, and it may look very good on the outside, but just like the fruit we eat, when we cut it open and give it a taste we know the truth. It may not be quite right; perhaps, it was picked to soon, or picked too late, maybe it will be okay to eat if its mixed with something else or blended...perhaps its no use at all-- I love apples, I have one every day. Fuji is my apple of choice-- its crisp, sweet and when picked properly its ready for consumption, just a little wash is all that's required.
Today, we receive a fresh watering, a refilling of the power of the Holy Spirit at work in our lives. Making our FRUIT ready for consumption, good through and through, inside...out...May what you see, be what you enjoy!
Sunday, January 22, 2017
Why we PRAISE!
Psalm 150:1-6 (NLT)
1 Praise the LORD! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heaven!
2 Praise him for his mighty works; praise his unequaled greatness!
3 Praise him with a blast of the ram’s horn; praise him with the lyre and harp!
4 Praise him with the tambourine and dancing; praise him with strings and flutes!
5 Praise him with a clash of cymbals; praise him with loud clanging cymbals.
6 Let everything that breathes sing praises to the LORD! Praise the LORD!
Good Morning Father,
Day 7 of the 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting. "I Remember" "I Praise"!
Praising your mighty works this day, praising your unequaled greatness! Even though I personally have no gift of praising your name through an instrument or a voice that sings on key:) May my LIFE be an instrument of Praise to you Father!
Reflecting on my WHY this morning! May we never forget WHY WE PRAISE!
1 Praise the LORD! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heaven!
2 Praise him for his mighty works; praise his unequaled greatness!
3 Praise him with a blast of the ram’s horn; praise him with the lyre and harp!
4 Praise him with the tambourine and dancing; praise him with strings and flutes!
5 Praise him with a clash of cymbals; praise him with loud clanging cymbals.
6 Let everything that breathes sing praises to the LORD! Praise the LORD!
Good Morning Father,
Day 7 of the 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting. "I Remember" "I Praise"!
Praising your mighty works this day, praising your unequaled greatness! Even though I personally have no gift of praising your name through an instrument or a voice that sings on key:) May my LIFE be an instrument of Praise to you Father!
Reflecting on my WHY this morning! May we never forget WHY WE PRAISE!
Saturday, January 21, 2017
Nothing more...
Psalm 32:1-11 (NLT) A Psalm of David!
1 Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight!
2 Yes, what joy for those whose record the LORD has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty!
3 When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long.
4 Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat. Interlude
5 Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the LORD.” And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone. Interlude
6 Therefore, let all the godly pray to you while there is still time, that they may not drown in the floodwaters of judgment.
7 For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory. Interlude
8 The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.
9 Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.”
10 Many sorrows come to the wicked, but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the LORD.
11 So rejoice in the LORD and be glad, all you who obey him! Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!
Father God!
Day 6 of 21 days of Prayer and Fasting today's focus: "I WORSHIP" David has encapsulated every expression of truth in these statements. There is nothing more to say about this! Personally, I wish I could say...I don't have first hand knowledge of this text but that would not be true...The word says, "THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN FORGIVEN MUCH, LOVE MUCH/MORE"!
We love because we are loved! We forgive because we are forgiven! We have every reason to WORSHIP!
1 Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight!
2 Yes, what joy for those whose record the LORD has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty!
3 When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long.
4 Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat. Interlude
5 Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the LORD.” And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone. Interlude
6 Therefore, let all the godly pray to you while there is still time, that they may not drown in the floodwaters of judgment.
7 For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory. Interlude
8 The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.
9 Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.”
10 Many sorrows come to the wicked, but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the LORD.
11 So rejoice in the LORD and be glad, all you who obey him! Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!
Father God!
Day 6 of 21 days of Prayer and Fasting today's focus: "I WORSHIP" David has encapsulated every expression of truth in these statements. There is nothing more to say about this! Personally, I wish I could say...I don't have first hand knowledge of this text but that would not be true...The word says, "THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN FORGIVEN MUCH, LOVE MUCH/MORE"!
We love because we are loved! We forgive because we are forgiven! We have every reason to WORSHIP!
Friday, January 20, 2017
Unsealed lips...
Psalm 51:12-15 (NLT)
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you.
13 Then I will teach your ways to rebels, and they will return to you.
14 Forgive me for shedding blood, O God who saves; then I will joyfully sing of your forgiveness.
15 Unseal my lips, O Lord, that my mouth may praise you.
Good Morning Father,
Day 5 of the 21 days of prayer and fasting. "I REPENT" This focus covered the span of three days, revealing to me that repentance is a process. The act of repentance is a simple one, a true act of confession and a true act of forgiveness follows. While that happens all at once in the presence of a loving God. If we bring it up later, our God would have no record of that conversation. All has been forgiven! It's our own conscience that takes time to accept forgiveness. There is a time to be restored, there is a time to be taught why we don't want to continue in a pattern of sin, there is that moment when we know we have been completely forgiven, and something begins to stir inside of us, a joy, a song. Our lips no longer sealed. Our mouth full of praise!
There is no greater song than the song of one who has been forgiven. This kind of forgiveness wrapped in a love that we know is undeserving. There was nothing we could do to earn it, no act of service, no act of giving something in return...the state of knowing that love has been set on you. Just as you are. JUST AS I AM...
JUST AS I AM...No more to be said about that!
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you.
13 Then I will teach your ways to rebels, and they will return to you.
14 Forgive me for shedding blood, O God who saves; then I will joyfully sing of your forgiveness.
15 Unseal my lips, O Lord, that my mouth may praise you.
Good Morning Father,
Day 5 of the 21 days of prayer and fasting. "I REPENT" This focus covered the span of three days, revealing to me that repentance is a process. The act of repentance is a simple one, a true act of confession and a true act of forgiveness follows. While that happens all at once in the presence of a loving God. If we bring it up later, our God would have no record of that conversation. All has been forgiven! It's our own conscience that takes time to accept forgiveness. There is a time to be restored, there is a time to be taught why we don't want to continue in a pattern of sin, there is that moment when we know we have been completely forgiven, and something begins to stir inside of us, a joy, a song. Our lips no longer sealed. Our mouth full of praise!
There is no greater song than the song of one who has been forgiven. This kind of forgiveness wrapped in a love that we know is undeserving. There was nothing we could do to earn it, no act of service, no act of giving something in return...the state of knowing that love has been set on you. Just as you are. JUST AS I AM...
JUST AS I AM...No more to be said about that!
Thursday, January 19, 2017
a "heart matter"
James 4:7-10 (NLT)
7 So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
8 Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.
9 Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy.
10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.
Good Morning Father,
It's Day 4 of 21 days of fasting and prayer. "I REPENT" we are taking three days to focus this particular "heart matter." Repentance is no simple act, well...actually it is...It begins with us humbling ourselves before God, then the power of God in us does the rest. He gives us power to resist the devil, causing him to flee. The devil, our adversary finds his way into our lives by our own desires, deep in the heart of men is the appetite for sin, he simply provides the temptation to act. Now the act is where our power lies, there is no sin in the temptation its when we take the next step that we give our power over to the enemy and then the destruction begins. We are daily invited to come close to God and he promises to come close to us, some version say "draw near". The nearer we are to God the further we are away from sin and temptations. When we repent of our sins, the Lord is near. There is nothing hidden from God, He KNOWS!
Repentance gives us the opportunity to be forgiven. He can't forgive what we won't confess. Oh to come clean! Jeremiah 29:11. I know the plans I have for you says the Lord, they are plans for good and not for disaster. Plans to give you a future and a hope.
What I love about the Lord is that He always provides away to be made right again, a way back home. Today may we declare Psalm 27:4 (NLT) 4 The one thing I ask of the LORD— the thing I seek most— is to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, delighting in the LORD’s perfections and meditating in his Temple.
7 So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
8 Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.
9 Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy.
10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.
Good Morning Father,
It's Day 4 of 21 days of fasting and prayer. "I REPENT" we are taking three days to focus this particular "heart matter." Repentance is no simple act, well...actually it is...It begins with us humbling ourselves before God, then the power of God in us does the rest. He gives us power to resist the devil, causing him to flee. The devil, our adversary finds his way into our lives by our own desires, deep in the heart of men is the appetite for sin, he simply provides the temptation to act. Now the act is where our power lies, there is no sin in the temptation its when we take the next step that we give our power over to the enemy and then the destruction begins. We are daily invited to come close to God and he promises to come close to us, some version say "draw near". The nearer we are to God the further we are away from sin and temptations. When we repent of our sins, the Lord is near. There is nothing hidden from God, He KNOWS!
Repentance gives us the opportunity to be forgiven. He can't forgive what we won't confess. Oh to come clean! Jeremiah 29:11. I know the plans I have for you says the Lord, they are plans for good and not for disaster. Plans to give you a future and a hope.
What I love about the Lord is that He always provides away to be made right again, a way back home. Today may we declare Psalm 27:4 (NLT) 4 The one thing I ask of the LORD— the thing I seek most— is to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, delighting in the LORD’s perfections and meditating in his Temple.
Wednesday, January 18, 2017
a FREE gift...
Romans 5:15-17
But there is a great difference between Adam’s sin and God’s gracious gift. For the sin of this one man, Adam, brought death to many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through this other man, Jesus Christ.
And the result of God’s gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man’s sin. For Adam’s sin led to condemnation, but God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God, even though we are guilty of many sins. For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ.
Good Morning Father,
Today is day 3 of the 21 days of prayer and fasting. The next 3 days the focus is on..."I Repent". The simple act of repentance and belief in the ONE that was to come and bear the sins of the world. One act, released the greatest gift ever for mankind. This gracious free gift is way too BIG for the human heart. The thought of being made right with God, many struggle to digest this truth. That's why we sit in the state of repentance, grieving the sins in our lives and yet you said we are right with God even though we are guilty of many sins. Now this free gift does not make allowances for continued sin, this kind of gift should rendered an awe inspiring reverence. Who would not want to give their lives in return for this incredible gift of love that was freely lavished on us. Love died for me, can I live for it!
Many hold back their love for fear of rejection, fear of giving oneself to another only to be betrayed, cheated on, lied too. Many struggle with giving of themselves completely to another, if I give all of me, there will be none of me left. Love has been redefined by the hurts of its victims. AND YET, THIS INCREDIBLE LOVE FREELY OFFERED TO THE SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF MEN, ONLY FOR THE PURPOSE OF GOOD! ITS A GOOD LOVE IF WE COULD ONLY ACCEPT IT!
I could reflect all day on this gift of life freely presented to me. Thank you Father, thank you for loving me, for showing me what pure love looks like.
But there is a great difference between Adam’s sin and God’s gracious gift. For the sin of this one man, Adam, brought death to many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through this other man, Jesus Christ.
And the result of God’s gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man’s sin. For Adam’s sin led to condemnation, but God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God, even though we are guilty of many sins. For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ.
Good Morning Father,
Today is day 3 of the 21 days of prayer and fasting. The next 3 days the focus is on..."I Repent". The simple act of repentance and belief in the ONE that was to come and bear the sins of the world. One act, released the greatest gift ever for mankind. This gracious free gift is way too BIG for the human heart. The thought of being made right with God, many struggle to digest this truth. That's why we sit in the state of repentance, grieving the sins in our lives and yet you said we are right with God even though we are guilty of many sins. Now this free gift does not make allowances for continued sin, this kind of gift should rendered an awe inspiring reverence. Who would not want to give their lives in return for this incredible gift of love that was freely lavished on us. Love died for me, can I live for it!
Many hold back their love for fear of rejection, fear of giving oneself to another only to be betrayed, cheated on, lied too. Many struggle with giving of themselves completely to another, if I give all of me, there will be none of me left. Love has been redefined by the hurts of its victims. AND YET, THIS INCREDIBLE LOVE FREELY OFFERED TO THE SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF MEN, ONLY FOR THE PURPOSE OF GOOD! ITS A GOOD LOVE IF WE COULD ONLY ACCEPT IT!
I could reflect all day on this gift of life freely presented to me. Thank you Father, thank you for loving me, for showing me what pure love looks like.
Monday, January 16, 2017
Loving my neighbor...
Matthew 22:37-40 (NLT)
37 Jesus replied, “‘You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment.
39 A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
40 The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”
Good Morning Father,
Day 1 of 21 days of prayer and fasting, a season of consecration. I adore you so much Lord, I love you with all my heart, soul and all my mind. Setting all of me before you this morning. Mindful of the second commandment, to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. Much love to go around this morning, its starts inside of me, works its way outside of me. Lord, permit me to share this incredible love with those you place in my path. Today, our Nation remembers Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His legacy, his love, his discipline, his response to his enemies. We can all set our love on our friends and our good neighbors, but not all neighbors are good and the emphasis was never on their goodness but more on our commitment to this commandment to love!
A man who hates cannot love, both darkness and light cannot dwell inside of a man. Either we are children of the day or children of the night, to have our feet in both the night and the day, place us nowhere. There is nothing profitable about being lukewarm. Make me hot, make me cold, but don't make me lukewarm. Jesus, my love is hot, the burning desire in me to love comes from YOUR spirit at work in me. Thank you for that. I get the reality of hate, hate can rise when we least expect it. Betrayed...CRUCIFIED, no one knows more than you that men can be very hateful. None of that mattered to you, your agenda surpasses the hatred of men. They knew not what they were doing, but YOU DID!
37 Jesus replied, “‘You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment.
39 A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
40 The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”
Good Morning Father,
Day 1 of 21 days of prayer and fasting, a season of consecration. I adore you so much Lord, I love you with all my heart, soul and all my mind. Setting all of me before you this morning. Mindful of the second commandment, to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. Much love to go around this morning, its starts inside of me, works its way outside of me. Lord, permit me to share this incredible love with those you place in my path. Today, our Nation remembers Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His legacy, his love, his discipline, his response to his enemies. We can all set our love on our friends and our good neighbors, but not all neighbors are good and the emphasis was never on their goodness but more on our commitment to this commandment to love!
A man who hates cannot love, both darkness and light cannot dwell inside of a man. Either we are children of the day or children of the night, to have our feet in both the night and the day, place us nowhere. There is nothing profitable about being lukewarm. Make me hot, make me cold, but don't make me lukewarm. Jesus, my love is hot, the burning desire in me to love comes from YOUR spirit at work in me. Thank you for that. I get the reality of hate, hate can rise when we least expect it. Betrayed...CRUCIFIED, no one knows more than you that men can be very hateful. None of that mattered to you, your agenda surpasses the hatred of men. They knew not what they were doing, but YOU DID!
Saturday, January 14, 2017
When you see me...
John 14:9-11 (NLT)
9 Jesus replied, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don’t know who I am? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father! So why are you asking me to show him to you?
10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I speak are not my own, but my Father who lives in me does his work through me.
Good Morning Father,
Sitting in your presence basking in the gifts of your words of life and truth. Reflective! As I read, various thoughts are piercing my heart. Thoughts about people you love, reading your conversation with one of the disciples. "When you see me, you see the Father" You said that you and the Father would come make his home with me/us. Can I say? When you see me, you have seen the Father and the Son. Surely that's true. Oh that we would see one another in that way, a refreshing smile from the neighbor next to me.
I attended a home going celebration of a father of the gospel this week, the preacher often had us saying something to our neighbor, in a sense I believe he was saying "help me share this good news". Honestly, I grew weary of talking to my neighbor in this instance. Perhaps that's the problem, we have forgotten how to talk to our neighbors. There are more awkward moments between people than ever before. We don't know how to converse with people. Today, let's just start with a smile, a warm reflection speaks volumes.
Thankful for this reminder.
9 Jesus replied, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don’t know who I am? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father! So why are you asking me to show him to you?
10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I speak are not my own, but my Father who lives in me does his work through me.
Good Morning Father,
Sitting in your presence basking in the gifts of your words of life and truth. Reflective! As I read, various thoughts are piercing my heart. Thoughts about people you love, reading your conversation with one of the disciples. "When you see me, you see the Father" You said that you and the Father would come make his home with me/us. Can I say? When you see me, you have seen the Father and the Son. Surely that's true. Oh that we would see one another in that way, a refreshing smile from the neighbor next to me.
I attended a home going celebration of a father of the gospel this week, the preacher often had us saying something to our neighbor, in a sense I believe he was saying "help me share this good news". Honestly, I grew weary of talking to my neighbor in this instance. Perhaps that's the problem, we have forgotten how to talk to our neighbors. There are more awkward moments between people than ever before. We don't know how to converse with people. Today, let's just start with a smile, a warm reflection speaks volumes.
Thankful for this reminder.
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