I love writing on this blog, it is one of the highlights of my day really.
I especially love to hear when what I've wrote has also blessed someone else.
It is funny though, the last couple of weeks have been a whirlwind
of emotion and distraction. I am feeling called to leave this aside for February
and come back to it again in a month.
I feel like God wants me to spend some time with Him;
working on an issue that I have put off far too long.
So needless to say, I will be back....but for now I will put aside my wants
and attend to some needs.
if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray
and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways,
then I will hear from heaven,
and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers
offered in this place.
2 Chronicles 7:14-15
Thank you Daddy, that you have made times and seasons for everything under heaven! Please meet me where I am, and as I draw near to You I know that Your Word promises that You will draw near to me.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
Motives
What motivates you? Many things seem like good things.
Sometimes I think that things are even really good things.
But have I checked my heart and checked in with God before proceeding?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no.
Do I do things for what I will get out of it, or for the pure joy of doing it?
I want to be a person who's utmost motive is to live a life worthy
of the One who gave it to me.
Life is a gift, people are gifts and what are we called to do?
Love the Lord (the giver of gifts) with all your heart, mind, soul and strength.
Love others as you would love yourself.
Do I love with expectations, or do I love freely?
All a person’s ways seem pure to them,
but motives are weighed by the LORD.
Proverbs 16:2
Thank you Daddy, that what You desire from me is relationship. Please test my motives and show me if I am living a life of selfishness, or if I am moving in the direction of selflessness. I know by nature I am sinful and selfish, but I desire to be moving away from that and towards You more each day.
Sometimes I think that things are even really good things.
But have I checked my heart and checked in with God before proceeding?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no.
Do I do things for what I will get out of it, or for the pure joy of doing it?
I want to be a person who's utmost motive is to live a life worthy
of the One who gave it to me.
Life is a gift, people are gifts and what are we called to do?
Love the Lord (the giver of gifts) with all your heart, mind, soul and strength.
Love others as you would love yourself.
Do I love with expectations, or do I love freely?
All a person’s ways seem pure to them,
but motives are weighed by the LORD.
Proverbs 16:2
Thank you Daddy, that what You desire from me is relationship. Please test my motives and show me if I am living a life of selfishness, or if I am moving in the direction of selflessness. I know by nature I am sinful and selfish, but I desire to be moving away from that and towards You more each day.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Sharp
It is never easy to hear things that you don't want to hear.
I want to be sharp, and effective in my life....full of purpose and integrity.
I am thankful for the honest words of a friend,
the ones that challenge me to be a better person.
Sometimes I also feel the nudge to share things.
Things my friends may not want to hear.
If I truly love them, I that trust God will give me the right words to say in due season.
As iron sharpens iron,
so one person sharpens another.
Proverbs 27:17
Thank you Daddy that wounds from a friend can be trusted. Please make my heart like yours, so that all the conversation that comes from my mouth is loving and life giving; from words of encouragement to the ones that I feel You have given me to share to help someone grow. Please keep my heart soft and my mind open to hear Your heart in the words of my friends so that I can receive them graciously and grow more each day.
I want to be sharp, and effective in my life....full of purpose and integrity.
I am thankful for the honest words of a friend,
the ones that challenge me to be a better person.
Sometimes I also feel the nudge to share things.
Things my friends may not want to hear.
If I truly love them, I that trust God will give me the right words to say in due season.
As iron sharpens iron,
so one person sharpens another.
Proverbs 27:17
Thank you Daddy that wounds from a friend can be trusted. Please make my heart like yours, so that all the conversation that comes from my mouth is loving and life giving; from words of encouragement to the ones that I feel You have given me to share to help someone grow. Please keep my heart soft and my mind open to hear Your heart in the words of my friends so that I can receive them graciously and grow more each day.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Humble Service in the Body of Christ
Am I doing everything I can with the gifts God has given me?
Do I even know what my gifts are?
I am walking in humility and love?
Is it evident in my lifestyle; is it visible in my life?
I love that we each have special gifts, and that each gift fits together with others.
There is no one that is without value, but some that don't know what their value is.
We were each created for a specific time and purpose.
They are all different, but equally important in the big picture of eternity.
Do you know really know that?
Are you content doing what it is God has asked you to do at this time?
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you:
Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought,
but rather think of yourself with sober judgment,
in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.
We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.
If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith;
if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach;
if it is to encourage, then give encouragement;
if it is giving, then give generously;
if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
For just as each of us has one body with many members,
and these members do not all have the same function,
so in Christ we, though many, form one body,
and each member belongs to all the others.
Romans 12:3-8
Thank you Daddy that You put me here on earth at this time, in this place, for Your good pleasure and purpose. Please help me to be content in all situations and to use the gifts You gave me to the highest potential so that you may be known and glorified.
Do I even know what my gifts are?
I am walking in humility and love?
Is it evident in my lifestyle; is it visible in my life?
I love that we each have special gifts, and that each gift fits together with others.
There is no one that is without value, but some that don't know what their value is.
We were each created for a specific time and purpose.
They are all different, but equally important in the big picture of eternity.
Do you know really know that?
Are you content doing what it is God has asked you to do at this time?
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you:
Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought,
but rather think of yourself with sober judgment,
in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.
We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.
If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith;
if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach;
if it is to encourage, then give encouragement;
if it is giving, then give generously;
if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
For just as each of us has one body with many members,
and these members do not all have the same function,
so in Christ we, though many, form one body,
and each member belongs to all the others.
Romans 12:3-8
Thank you Daddy that You put me here on earth at this time, in this place, for Your good pleasure and purpose. Please help me to be content in all situations and to use the gifts You gave me to the highest potential so that you may be known and glorified.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
God's Voice
I've been involved in a bible study on discerning the voice of God.
It is so freeing to know that it is not all about the things I do to strive to hear God,
but that throughout the bible His desire is to have me know Him.
His character, His love, His goodness, His mercy, His amazing grace!
Hearing the voice of God is a natural outpouring of seeking to know Him.
As I invest time to become intimately acquainted with Him, He will reveal himself to me.
The LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence
of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.”
Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and
shattered the rocks before the LORD,but the LORD was not in the wind.
After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was
not in the earthquake.
After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire.
And after the fire came a gentle whisper.
1Kings 19:11-12
Thank you Daddy that you have special ways of talking to each of Your children. Thank you that I have Your Word to show me Your character, so that I can know what is truth and what is lies.
It is so freeing to know that it is not all about the things I do to strive to hear God,
but that throughout the bible His desire is to have me know Him.
His character, His love, His goodness, His mercy, His amazing grace!
Hearing the voice of God is a natural outpouring of seeking to know Him.
As I invest time to become intimately acquainted with Him, He will reveal himself to me.
The LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence
of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.”
Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and
shattered the rocks before the LORD,but the LORD was not in the wind.
After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was
not in the earthquake.
After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire.
And after the fire came a gentle whisper.
1Kings 19:11-12
Thank you Daddy that you have special ways of talking to each of Your children. Thank you that I have Your Word to show me Your character, so that I can know what is truth and what is lies.
Friday, January 21, 2011
The Gift of A Friend
There are many gifts God gives me everyday,
but I have to admit that the most precious to me is the gift of a really great girlfriend.
One who knows your heart.
The one you can rejoice in the amazing things God has done in all the big and small ways, as only He can do.
The one that can walk with you through the tough stuff.
The one that you can say the stupidest things around, and she still loves you.
The one that understands that when God is moving in me.....tears run down my face.
I pray that every woman encounters a friend like mine!
Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart,
and the pleasantness of a friend
springs from their heartfelt advice.
Proverbs 27:9
Daddy, I thank you for the treasure and gift of close girlfriends. They may not be many, but they are extremely valued treasures....the ones that point me to You and the conversation is sweet and life-giving.
but I have to admit that the most precious to me is the gift of a really great girlfriend.
One who knows your heart.
The one you can rejoice in the amazing things God has done in all the big and small ways, as only He can do.
The one that can walk with you through the tough stuff.
The one that you can say the stupidest things around, and she still loves you.
The one that understands that when God is moving in me.....tears run down my face.
I pray that every woman encounters a friend like mine!
Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart,
and the pleasantness of a friend
springs from their heartfelt advice.
Proverbs 27:9
Daddy, I thank you for the treasure and gift of close girlfriends. They may not be many, but they are extremely valued treasures....the ones that point me to You and the conversation is sweet and life-giving.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Fearfully and Wonderfully Made
My sister had surgery last week and came home yesterday.
As I watched her go through the whole process this last month,
I was reminded of how we are God's handiwork.
How He intricately fashioned us with His own hands.
How He created these bodies with the ability to heal and recover.
It brought me to a place of thankfulness and awe.
Sometimes life gets so busy that I forget to appreciate the simple,
yet amazing things God does everyday.
And this all was just a catalyst for my gratitude.
Another is Francis Chan's book, "Crazy Love" and the videos he has
made....if you have some time you should check a few of his short videos out.
www.crazylovebook.com
For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
Psalm 139:13-15
Daddy, I am so amazed by You; You are the God who created the immense universe and also painted the colors of the tiniest flowers. Please help me to see each day, that your hand has created and continues to sustain all things....that I may live each day in child-like wonder of Your awesomeness.
As I watched her go through the whole process this last month,
I was reminded of how we are God's handiwork.
How He intricately fashioned us with His own hands.
How He created these bodies with the ability to heal and recover.
It brought me to a place of thankfulness and awe.
Sometimes life gets so busy that I forget to appreciate the simple,
yet amazing things God does everyday.
And this all was just a catalyst for my gratitude.
Another is Francis Chan's book, "Crazy Love" and the videos he has
made....if you have some time you should check a few of his short videos out.
www.crazylovebook.com
For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
Psalm 139:13-15
Daddy, I am so amazed by You; You are the God who created the immense universe and also painted the colors of the tiniest flowers. Please help me to see each day, that your hand has created and continues to sustain all things....that I may live each day in child-like wonder of Your awesomeness.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Joy Cometh
I have to admit that yesterday sucked!!!!
But as I took a bit of my own medicine and sought God, He came through!
I was having a pity party because things weren't going my way,
and after the end of a grueling month of praying and waiting I was just plain
emotionally exhausted and needing some company.
While all of that did not work out, my Daddy ministered to me in a way
that only He can. He can do so much when we wait on Him and trust Him!
Praise God; that His mercies are new every day!
Sing praise to the LORD, you saints of His,
And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.
For His anger is but for a moment,
His favor is for life;
Weeping may endure for a night,
But joy comes in the morning.
Now in my prosperity I said,
“I shall never be moved.”
Psalm 30:4-6
I can only thank you Daddy that Your mercies are new every day, that weeping may last for a night....BUT....JOY COMETH! You are so good!
But as I took a bit of my own medicine and sought God, He came through!
I was having a pity party because things weren't going my way,
and after the end of a grueling month of praying and waiting I was just plain
emotionally exhausted and needing some company.
While all of that did not work out, my Daddy ministered to me in a way
that only He can. He can do so much when we wait on Him and trust Him!
Praise God; that His mercies are new every day!
Sing praise to the LORD, you saints of His,
And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.
For His anger is but for a moment,
His favor is for life;
Weeping may endure for a night,
But joy comes in the morning.
Now in my prosperity I said,
“I shall never be moved.”
Psalm 30:4-6
I can only thank you Daddy that Your mercies are new every day, that weeping may last for a night....BUT....JOY COMETH! You are so good!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
What is Most Important?
There can be a million things going on in any given week,
or should I say any given day.
But what is the most important?
Is it my husband and kids, they are important....
Is it my family and friends, they are important....
Is it my home and my work there, also important....
Is it the things I'm doing to become a better person, definitely important....
Well the bible says something a little different; they will all fall in line when I:
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness,
and all these things will be given to you as well.
Matthew 6:33
In the hustle and bustle, and the battle in my mind for all the things I think I have to do Daddy, please help me to stop. To spend time with You, because I know that as I put You first...all these other good things will fall into place and be blessed by you.
or should I say any given day.
But what is the most important?
Is it my husband and kids, they are important....
Is it my family and friends, they are important....
Is it my home and my work there, also important....
Is it the things I'm doing to become a better person, definitely important....
Well the bible says something a little different; they will all fall in line when I:
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness,
and all these things will be given to you as well.
Matthew 6:33
In the hustle and bustle, and the battle in my mind for all the things I think I have to do Daddy, please help me to stop. To spend time with You, because I know that as I put You first...all these other good things will fall into place and be blessed by you.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Beautiful in its Time
I am amazed how God can make something beautiful out of nothing.
He is Creator God.
I am amazed how God can make something beautiful out of something ugly.
He is God the Redeemer.
I am amazed how God can make something beautiful out of brokenness.
He is The Lord Who Heals.
I am amazed how God can make something beautiful out of lack.
He is God our Provider.
I am amazed how God can make something beautiful out of anything.
He is Almighty God....He is Yahweh.
He has made everything beautiful in its time.
He has also set eternity in the human heart;
yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.
Ecclesiastes 3:11
Daddy, you are all of this and so much more than I can imagine.
Thank you that You make all things beautiful in its time....even when I can see it right now, I know you are working all things out for good.
He is Creator God.
I am amazed how God can make something beautiful out of something ugly.
He is God the Redeemer.
I am amazed how God can make something beautiful out of brokenness.
He is The Lord Who Heals.
I am amazed how God can make something beautiful out of lack.
He is God our Provider.
I am amazed how God can make something beautiful out of anything.
He is Almighty God....He is Yahweh.
He has made everything beautiful in its time.
He has also set eternity in the human heart;
yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.
Ecclesiastes 3:11
Daddy, you are all of this and so much more than I can imagine.
Thank you that You make all things beautiful in its time....even when I can see it right now, I know you are working all things out for good.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Show Me How to Love
I bought a CD the other day, and was moved by the lyrics of this song,
We are the Body of Christ and the People of God!
Let's stand up and be the church...walking in love and unity!
It doesn't matter what building we worship in, we are God's children!
Show Me How to Love....Sidewalk Prophets
Show Me How to Love....Sidewalk Prophets
Passed by you today,
Why is there a war between us?
Why is there a war between us?
Are you not my brother?
Are you not my sister?
Something’s got to change.
Stood by you today,
Why is there a wall between us?
Are you not my sister?
Are you not my brother?
Are you not my brother?
Well something’s got to change.
I confess that I’ve been blind,
Open up this heart of mine.
Show me how to love.
Farther than this world I know,
Take me where You want me to go.
Farther than this world I know,
Take me where You want me to go.
Show me how to love.
I know the times are always changing,
But our hearts still beat the same.
We have a Father,
We have a Savior,
And that will never change.
I confess that I’ve been blind,
Open up this heart of mine.
Show me how to love.
Farther than this world I know,
Take me where You want me to go.
Show me how to love.
We are one heart beating,
We are one body breathing,
We are broken and needing.
The same love of the Father.
I confess that I’ve been blind,
I confess, start with me, Lord.
Thank you Daddy for my sisters and brothers in Christ! I ask that you help us see beyond our differences, walk in unity and love, and that our relationships would glorify You!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Am I Using the Gifts God Gave Me?
This is really fun for me! At youth last night, our pastor was starting a series on using the gifts God gave us, and I'm really excited to go deeper in it and see the young people I spend time with interested in doing the same!
Have you spent time figuring out what spiritual gifts God has given you?
Do you even know where to start? (1Corinthians 12,14 and Ephesians 4)
Are you serving and loving people to your full potenial?
Are you just coming and going to church, or are you filling your place in the puzzle?
What would our homes, communities and churches look like if we all filled the roles that were specifically designed and assigned for us?
Maybe it's simpler than you think......will you find the joy of sharing your gifts?
The end of all things is near.
Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.
Above all, love each other deeply,
because love cover over a multitude of sins.
Offer hospitality to on another without grumbling.
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others,
faithfully administering God's grace in it's various forms.
If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God.
If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides,
so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.
To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 4:7-11
Thank you Daddy that You have given each of us, Your children, special gifts and talents that are to be used to glorify you. Help us to see what they are, where we should use them to serve You and others, and to get great joy from seeing You at work in our lives!
Have you spent time figuring out what spiritual gifts God has given you?
Do you even know where to start? (1Corinthians 12,14 and Ephesians 4)
Are you serving and loving people to your full potenial?
Are you just coming and going to church, or are you filling your place in the puzzle?
What would our homes, communities and churches look like if we all filled the roles that were specifically designed and assigned for us?
Maybe it's simpler than you think......will you find the joy of sharing your gifts?
The end of all things is near.
Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.
Above all, love each other deeply,
because love cover over a multitude of sins.
Offer hospitality to on another without grumbling.
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others,
faithfully administering God's grace in it's various forms.
If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God.
If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides,
so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.
To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 4:7-11
Thank you Daddy that You have given each of us, Your children, special gifts and talents that are to be used to glorify you. Help us to see what they are, where we should use them to serve You and others, and to get great joy from seeing You at work in our lives!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Sleepy, Yet Satisfied.
I had an interesting night...you forget how different things are when there is a newborn in the house!
I had my sweet little nephew over for a sleepover, so that his daddy and grandma could go visit my sweet sister as she bides her time in the hospital.
When your own youngest is 5;
you forget - the little fussy times.
- how you just can't sleep without checking them like a million times.
- how sweet their little smiles are in the morning that
erases all the rest!
As I go through today, a little bit on the sleepy side, yet entirely satisfied....
I will think on these...
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble,
whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely,
whatever is admirable—if anything is
excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Philippians 4:8
Thank you Daddy for the beautiful gift of babies! I pray for Your grace today and please comfort my sister. Please help me to keep my mind on the things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy!
I had my sweet little nephew over for a sleepover, so that his daddy and grandma could go visit my sweet sister as she bides her time in the hospital.
When your own youngest is 5;
you forget - the little fussy times.
- how you just can't sleep without checking them like a million times.
- how sweet their little smiles are in the morning that
erases all the rest!
As I go through today, a little bit on the sleepy side, yet entirely satisfied....
I will think on these...
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble,
whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely,
whatever is admirable—if anything is
excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Philippians 4:8
Thank you Daddy for the beautiful gift of babies! I pray for Your grace today and please comfort my sister. Please help me to keep my mind on the things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
I Will Praise Him in the Storm
Have you been through a time, where every time you turn you see yet more tragedy?
I'm not talking about the kind you hear on the news and then dismiss....I mean the times when, a week in the life of your family is composed of those stories.
When it's hitting so very close to home and your heart.
Our pastor's message could not have been more timely for me,
in the calm between the waves of this storm.....my heart will choose to say;
blessed be the name of the Lord!
At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head.
Then he fell to the ground in worship and said:
“Naked I came from my mother’s womb,
and naked I will depart.
The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away;
may the name of the LORD be praised.”
Job 1:20-21
I realize Lord, that You are the Creator and Giver of Life. That You give and You take away. Help me to see your goodness and mercy in the midst of life's storms, because I will continue to praise Your name!
I'm not talking about the kind you hear on the news and then dismiss....I mean the times when, a week in the life of your family is composed of those stories.
When it's hitting so very close to home and your heart.
Our pastor's message could not have been more timely for me,
in the calm between the waves of this storm.....my heart will choose to say;
blessed be the name of the Lord!
At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head.
Then he fell to the ground in worship and said:
“Naked I came from my mother’s womb,
and naked I will depart.
The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away;
may the name of the LORD be praised.”
Job 1:20-21
I realize Lord, that You are the Creator and Giver of Life. That You give and You take away. Help me to see your goodness and mercy in the midst of life's storms, because I will continue to praise Your name!
Monday, January 10, 2011
Consumed
I wonder if you have felt the presence of the Holy Spirit in such a deep way
that it has brought you to tears?
Have you felt the overwhelming weight of his love, that all you could do is repent?
Have you then felt the joy that comes after?
I went through this whole pricess in the course of 3 worship songs in church!
And to add icing to the cake...our pastor reiterated the message I taught last week.
I was flabbergasted!
God is so amazing! He does the work.....He changes everything!
The interest of the people by now was building. They were all beginning to wonder, "Could this John be the Messiah?"
But John intervened: "I'm baptizing you here in the river. The main character in this drama, to whom I'm a mere stagehand, will ignite the kingdom life, a fire, the Holy Spirit within you, changing you from the inside out. He's going to clean house—make a clean sweep of your lives.
He'll place everything true in its proper place before God; everything false he'll put out with the trash to be burned."
Luke 3:15-17 (Message)
Thank you Daddy that You speak, and for the power of the Holy Spirit! I love sweet times like that; I wonder if other people at church think I'm crazy....but if I'm going to me made the fool, I will gladly be made the fool for You!
that it has brought you to tears?
Have you felt the overwhelming weight of his love, that all you could do is repent?
Have you then felt the joy that comes after?
I went through this whole pricess in the course of 3 worship songs in church!
And to add icing to the cake...our pastor reiterated the message I taught last week.
I was flabbergasted!
God is so amazing! He does the work.....He changes everything!
The interest of the people by now was building. They were all beginning to wonder, "Could this John be the Messiah?"
But John intervened: "I'm baptizing you here in the river. The main character in this drama, to whom I'm a mere stagehand, will ignite the kingdom life, a fire, the Holy Spirit within you, changing you from the inside out. He's going to clean house—make a clean sweep of your lives.
He'll place everything true in its proper place before God; everything false he'll put out with the trash to be burned."
Luke 3:15-17 (Message)
Thank you Daddy that You speak, and for the power of the Holy Spirit! I love sweet times like that; I wonder if other people at church think I'm crazy....but if I'm going to me made the fool, I will gladly be made the fool for You!
Friday, January 7, 2011
Committed
This week I have committed to being expectant.
The more I dive into it, being watchful and patient, I have really heard God speaking.
I have seen Him bring together scriptures from all over the bible to confirm what I
believe He wants me to focus on in this season.
It's all about making time for prayer, listening and being obedient!
I can't wait to see what He has in store as I walk this out with Him...I'm committed!
And let these words that I've prayed in the presence of God
be always right there before him, day and night, so that he'll do what is right for me,
to guarantee justice for his people Israel day after day after day.
Then all the people on earth will know God is the true God;
there is no other God.
And you, your lives must be totally obedient to God, our personal God,
following the life path he has cleared, alert and attentive to everything
he has made plain this day."
1 Kings 8:59-61 (Message)
Thank you Daddy that your Word is a double-edged sword. That it has the power to cut off what is useless, to heal what is broken and to renew my heart and my mind! I commit my day to you and ask that You would help me to be attentive and aware, like a watchman, to what it is you would have me spend my time and efforts on today.
The more I dive into it, being watchful and patient, I have really heard God speaking.
I have seen Him bring together scriptures from all over the bible to confirm what I
believe He wants me to focus on in this season.
It's all about making time for prayer, listening and being obedient!
I can't wait to see what He has in store as I walk this out with Him...I'm committed!
And let these words that I've prayed in the presence of God
be always right there before him, day and night, so that he'll do what is right for me,
to guarantee justice for his people Israel day after day after day.
Then all the people on earth will know God is the true God;
there is no other God.
And you, your lives must be totally obedient to God, our personal God,
following the life path he has cleared, alert and attentive to everything
he has made plain this day."
1 Kings 8:59-61 (Message)
Thank you Daddy that your Word is a double-edged sword. That it has the power to cut off what is useless, to heal what is broken and to renew my heart and my mind! I commit my day to you and ask that You would help me to be attentive and aware, like a watchman, to what it is you would have me spend my time and efforts on today.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
It is Not about Me!
I had a great conversation last night with a couple I greatly admire and respect.
After speaking to a room full of teens, I sat back and wondered, did I do a good job?
Were they really listening to the heart of the message?
This man I respect so much told me that the Holy Spirit will make sure each person got what they needed to hear from what I talked about. How freeing! How liberating!
All I'm called to do is:
If I obey when God asks me to do something, I know that is something that will be part of the puzzle that will fulfill His ultimate purpose for placing me on this earth at this particular time.
Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,
says the LORD Almighty.
Zechariah 4:6
Thank you Daddy for the council and encouragement of the brothers and sisters in Christ You have put in my life! A Word in due season is sweet and refreshing! Please help me to move forward today and continue to obediently and willingly do the work that you set before me.
After speaking to a room full of teens, I sat back and wondered, did I do a good job?
Were they really listening to the heart of the message?
This man I respect so much told me that the Holy Spirit will make sure each person got what they needed to hear from what I talked about. How freeing! How liberating!
All I'm called to do is:
- listen and obey
- walk by faith and not by sight
- do it afraid if necessary
If I obey when God asks me to do something, I know that is something that will be part of the puzzle that will fulfill His ultimate purpose for placing me on this earth at this particular time.
Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,
says the LORD Almighty.
Zechariah 4:6
Thank you Daddy for the council and encouragement of the brothers and sisters in Christ You have put in my life! A Word in due season is sweet and refreshing! Please help me to move forward today and continue to obediently and willingly do the work that you set before me.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Inventory
As I was preparing for speaking tonight at our youth group,
I was forced to really inventory myself in the area of worship.
Am I truly living a Lifestyle of Worship?
Am I really someone who has something to say about this topic?
I know I have a long way to go, but thank goodness I am moving forward!
We truly are a work in progress, being transformed day by day...if we are willingly obedient!
My heart's desire is that my life will be an outward expression of an inward reality....that people will spend time with me and see the heart of a worshiper,
and in turn want to spend time with the One I worship!
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy,
to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God
- this is your spiritual act of worship.
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is
- his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:1-2
Daddy, thank-you for how far You have brought me!
I know there is still so much work to be done, but as I spend time teaching teens about living a lifestyle of worship, may they see Your heart in this area.
I was forced to really inventory myself in the area of worship.
Am I truly living a Lifestyle of Worship?
Am I really someone who has something to say about this topic?
I know I have a long way to go, but thank goodness I am moving forward!
We truly are a work in progress, being transformed day by day...if we are willingly obedient!
My heart's desire is that my life will be an outward expression of an inward reality....that people will spend time with me and see the heart of a worshiper,
and in turn want to spend time with the One I worship!
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy,
to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God
- this is your spiritual act of worship.
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is
- his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:1-2
Daddy, thank-you for how far You have brought me!
I know there is still so much work to be done, but as I spend time teaching teens about living a lifestyle of worship, may they see Your heart in this area.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Happy New Year!
I really started feeling that longing to get back in the swing of things,
the longing to spend time with other women!
Yesterday was such a blessing to me as we started back into bible study. I was pleasantly surprised in many ways, especially because I just did not know what to expect....who would return after our last study, will I be able to remember people's names and will the environment be a welcoming one (I really like to know that people feel like they belong, especially if they have taken a leap of faith to join a group).
I got over the first day jitters and am so excited for all the beautiful women that I get the privilege of spending the next 6 weeks studying together with!
Thank you Daddy for bring out many lovely ladies to spend time with, pray with, and learn more about you! Please help us to grow together and closer to you, help us to trust that we are hearing your voice each day.
the longing to spend time with other women!
Yesterday was such a blessing to me as we started back into bible study. I was pleasantly surprised in many ways, especially because I just did not know what to expect....who would return after our last study, will I be able to remember people's names and will the environment be a welcoming one (I really like to know that people feel like they belong, especially if they have taken a leap of faith to join a group).
I got over the first day jitters and am so excited for all the beautiful women that I get the privilege of spending the next 6 weeks studying together with!
And let us consider how we may spur one another on
toward love and good deeds,
not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing,
but encouraging one another—
and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews 10:24-25
Thank you Daddy for bring out many lovely ladies to spend time with, pray with, and learn more about you! Please help us to grow together and closer to you, help us to trust that we are hearing your voice each day.
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