Yesterday was one of those busy, rushed, crazy days that we all have from time to time. A friend had asked me the day before if I could run by for coffee and cookies on Wednesday for a little while. I agreed in advance not knowing that my day would be so flustered and crazy.
My day was so hurried that I even forgot to go, but thanks to my sweet hubby calling (from out of town) to remind me, I quickly rushed over there. We had the greatest visit and got off on the subject of how we get so tangled up in our own lives and our "stuff" that we lose the real focus of why we're here. For me, it seems we go through seasons where our focus is right for a while and then it gets off balance. We get off track and begin to focus on things and stuff. I want to keep my heart and motives pure before Him. I want to lose sight of myself so that I can find His purpose, His perspective.
This morning during my prayer time, my scripture reading was Hebrews 13:5 (NKJV) "Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have..." Was that an accident? I say, NO! God always confirms His word to us. I am thankful for the whispers He gives us each day!
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Faith That Pleases Him
Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV) "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him."
What a scary thought that when we don't exercise faith, we are NOT pleasing Him. What are you believing Him for? What impossible situation have you failed to place in His hands today? We have no problem believing He IS... we know He's God but we forget that He longs to reward us as we follow hard after Him. Our filter is all messed up, clogged with cobwebs of past failures, doubt, feelings of unworthiness or just clogged with our own way of thinking. Why do we think we can fix any problem with our own methods or worries?
I vow to give everything big & small to you, Lord.
I vow to give it to you BEFORE I sit and worry over it.
I vow to make you my FIRST option.
I vow to see it as "done" before I see any glimpse of hope that you are working on my behalf.
I vow to recognize that you want what's best for me and will always work things for my good.
What a scary thought that when we don't exercise faith, we are NOT pleasing Him. What are you believing Him for? What impossible situation have you failed to place in His hands today? We have no problem believing He IS... we know He's God but we forget that He longs to reward us as we follow hard after Him. Our filter is all messed up, clogged with cobwebs of past failures, doubt, feelings of unworthiness or just clogged with our own way of thinking. Why do we think we can fix any problem with our own methods or worries?
I vow to give everything big & small to you, Lord.
I vow to give it to you BEFORE I sit and worry over it.
I vow to make you my FIRST option.
I vow to see it as "done" before I see any glimpse of hope that you are working on my behalf.
I vow to recognize that you want what's best for me and will always work things for my good.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Another Miracle in the Cook House!
Once again, I am overwhelmed that He would bring yet another miracle into my life! He's already given our family so many miracles! As a teenager He healed me of anemia in a healing service then orchestrated a process healing of eating disorders (which I will share at a later date). Several years ago He healed me of allergies during a church service and then a little over a year and a half ago He miraculously realigned Tanner's spine, completely healing him of scoliosis, when we anointed him with oil in our home. And now... He's done it again!
Six months ago I had surgery to try to relieve some of the pain I had been experiencing only to learn that most of my suffering was coming from a bladder condition that doesn't have a cure. Once diagnosed, it is something you will always suffer with and can be controlled by a strict diet. So, for the last six months I have only been drinking water and decaf coffee. I have tried my best not to eat preservatives and suffered terribly when I did have them. I can only describe it as razor blades in the lower abdominal area.
At first I thought I would try the medicine because the diet part was just too hard. I quickly changed my mind when I found out that the medicine was $75 after insurance for a monthly dose. There were also horrible side effects which included hair loss. I decided I would do what the doctor said. I thought of the miracles in the Bible and how sometimes God required action on the part of the miracle receiver. The blind man in John 9 had to go wash in the pool of Siloam before he could see. Naaman the leper had to go wash seven times in the Jordan before he was healed. I would do my part and wait for God to do the rest.
A few weeks before my surgery our Bishop laid hands on me while I was leading worship on a Sunday morning. I believed God for my healing. The very spot on my head where he anointed me with oil had a sun spot that I was worried about. I was planning to get it checked out. The next morning I noticed that it had begun to shrink and within a couple of weeks it was gone completely. I took this as a sign that God would finish healing every part of me.
Now, back to my present miracle. Last week I decided I wanted to drink a diet red cream soda. Normally I wouldn't dare! The pain that would follow would not be worth it. I drank the whole thing... no pain. The next day I decided the real test would be to have a "real" coffee drink. I ordered me a caramel macchiato (lots of caffeine). I waited to see what the next day would bring... no pain! The real test is artificial sweeteners (which I still plan to stay away from). I was at my mom's house and had to use them because I didn't have my "special sweeteners". Still... no pain followed. I am healed! I will shout it from the rooftops... MY GOD IS STILL IN THE MIRACLE BUSINESS!!!
Six months ago I had surgery to try to relieve some of the pain I had been experiencing only to learn that most of my suffering was coming from a bladder condition that doesn't have a cure. Once diagnosed, it is something you will always suffer with and can be controlled by a strict diet. So, for the last six months I have only been drinking water and decaf coffee. I have tried my best not to eat preservatives and suffered terribly when I did have them. I can only describe it as razor blades in the lower abdominal area.
At first I thought I would try the medicine because the diet part was just too hard. I quickly changed my mind when I found out that the medicine was $75 after insurance for a monthly dose. There were also horrible side effects which included hair loss. I decided I would do what the doctor said. I thought of the miracles in the Bible and how sometimes God required action on the part of the miracle receiver. The blind man in John 9 had to go wash in the pool of Siloam before he could see. Naaman the leper had to go wash seven times in the Jordan before he was healed. I would do my part and wait for God to do the rest.
A few weeks before my surgery our Bishop laid hands on me while I was leading worship on a Sunday morning. I believed God for my healing. The very spot on my head where he anointed me with oil had a sun spot that I was worried about. I was planning to get it checked out. The next morning I noticed that it had begun to shrink and within a couple of weeks it was gone completely. I took this as a sign that God would finish healing every part of me.
Now, back to my present miracle. Last week I decided I wanted to drink a diet red cream soda. Normally I wouldn't dare! The pain that would follow would not be worth it. I drank the whole thing... no pain. The next day I decided the real test would be to have a "real" coffee drink. I ordered me a caramel macchiato (lots of caffeine). I waited to see what the next day would bring... no pain! The real test is artificial sweeteners (which I still plan to stay away from). I was at my mom's house and had to use them because I didn't have my "special sweeteners". Still... no pain followed. I am healed! I will shout it from the rooftops... MY GOD IS STILL IN THE MIRACLE BUSINESS!!!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
God Ordained Detours
I have blogged many times about detours but once again, I have a detour story. It happened several weeks ago. First of all, I will share what I had journaled in prayer...
"Trust Me and I will use your life as a living sacrifice. The experiences I allow in you will be the greatest teacher. Live out loud for Me, full of promise and purpose. Don't seek the blessing. That will come when your motive is for the good of My Kingdom."
I Samuel 2:7 "The Lord maketh poor and maketh rich: he bringeth low and lifteth up."
I'm not sure that every part of that entry fit into my circumstance that day but that is what I felt Him telling me. Cameron had been sick and was at work with me that day. At lunch I had a few errands to run for the church. We went to three stores. When I came out of the third store I realized I didn't have my iPhone. Now, I don't know how you are with your phone, but mine has everything on it... lot of personal information, emails, notes... it's pretty vital to my day. Needless to say, I was panicked and frustrated.
We ran back into the store we had just left and didn't find it. We decided to back track. I knew that it was most likely at the first store (Kroger). I also knew that it was a very busy place and where we had spent most of our time. The second store was Tuesday Morning, a much less busy store. We decided to try Kroger first. We went to the customer service desk, back to the cashier and then retraced our steps through the store. I gave them Bryan's number in case it turned up. From there we went to Tuesday Morning. When I asked the cashier about it, a lady in line insisted that I take her phone and use it to call my phone throughout the store. We thanked her and tried this with no luck. She then insisted that I take it out to my car and call, making sure it hadn't fallen down between the seats. She was so nice and trusting of us, complete strangers. We gave her back her phone and headed back to my office to try to cancel the phone and see what else I needed to do. On the way back I realized that I had given the cashier at Tuesday Morning my number instead of Bryan's but I didn't even worry about correcting it because I knew my phone wasn't there. I had only been on one aisle in that store.
Later that evening when we got home with a new SIM card to put in one of my old phones, I was able to get my line working again. I immediately had a voicemail from the lady who had been in line at Tuesday Morning. While listening to it, my phone started ringing. It was her again. She explained how she had been trying to call me all day long. She said that after I left she got a call from a lady shopping at Kroger who had found this phone in her buggy and decided to call the last number that had called the phone. She wasn't sure what to do with the phone, but my new found friend from TM told her to hang onto it and she would get in touch with me. Here's the neat part... neither lady should have been there that day. The lady at TM wasn't even from here. She was in town that one day and in the same store as me at the right time. The lady who found my phone had just had surgery but needed to get her hair cut that day and had stopped by Kroger for just a minute. God knew who to trust my phone with for sure.
To wind this story down... I made contact with the lady and drove to her house to get my phone. She was such a sweet lady and was obviously very weak from surgery. We talked for quite a while and then she asked that we keep her in our prayers. I told her that if she didn't mind, we would pray for her right then. She said, "you would do that?" I said, "Absolutely!" So, Cam & I joined hands with her and we had prayer. God's presence was there so rich and full. She just hugged me so tightly and thanked me. She said she felt like this was supposed to happen that day and I agreed. The lady from TM also shared with me some personal things she had been through and felt we were supposed to meet that day.
We say we want to be led by God, used by God, but we don't want the inconvenience that comes with it so many times. I want to immediately recognize Him in every detail of my day (yes, even the "not so nice" parts). He can get glory in every detail of our day!
"Trust Me and I will use your life as a living sacrifice. The experiences I allow in you will be the greatest teacher. Live out loud for Me, full of promise and purpose. Don't seek the blessing. That will come when your motive is for the good of My Kingdom."
I Samuel 2:7 "The Lord maketh poor and maketh rich: he bringeth low and lifteth up."
I'm not sure that every part of that entry fit into my circumstance that day but that is what I felt Him telling me. Cameron had been sick and was at work with me that day. At lunch I had a few errands to run for the church. We went to three stores. When I came out of the third store I realized I didn't have my iPhone. Now, I don't know how you are with your phone, but mine has everything on it... lot of personal information, emails, notes... it's pretty vital to my day. Needless to say, I was panicked and frustrated.
We ran back into the store we had just left and didn't find it. We decided to back track. I knew that it was most likely at the first store (Kroger). I also knew that it was a very busy place and where we had spent most of our time. The second store was Tuesday Morning, a much less busy store. We decided to try Kroger first. We went to the customer service desk, back to the cashier and then retraced our steps through the store. I gave them Bryan's number in case it turned up. From there we went to Tuesday Morning. When I asked the cashier about it, a lady in line insisted that I take her phone and use it to call my phone throughout the store. We thanked her and tried this with no luck. She then insisted that I take it out to my car and call, making sure it hadn't fallen down between the seats. She was so nice and trusting of us, complete strangers. We gave her back her phone and headed back to my office to try to cancel the phone and see what else I needed to do. On the way back I realized that I had given the cashier at Tuesday Morning my number instead of Bryan's but I didn't even worry about correcting it because I knew my phone wasn't there. I had only been on one aisle in that store.
Later that evening when we got home with a new SIM card to put in one of my old phones, I was able to get my line working again. I immediately had a voicemail from the lady who had been in line at Tuesday Morning. While listening to it, my phone started ringing. It was her again. She explained how she had been trying to call me all day long. She said that after I left she got a call from a lady shopping at Kroger who had found this phone in her buggy and decided to call the last number that had called the phone. She wasn't sure what to do with the phone, but my new found friend from TM told her to hang onto it and she would get in touch with me. Here's the neat part... neither lady should have been there that day. The lady at TM wasn't even from here. She was in town that one day and in the same store as me at the right time. The lady who found my phone had just had surgery but needed to get her hair cut that day and had stopped by Kroger for just a minute. God knew who to trust my phone with for sure.
To wind this story down... I made contact with the lady and drove to her house to get my phone. She was such a sweet lady and was obviously very weak from surgery. We talked for quite a while and then she asked that we keep her in our prayers. I told her that if she didn't mind, we would pray for her right then. She said, "you would do that?" I said, "Absolutely!" So, Cam & I joined hands with her and we had prayer. God's presence was there so rich and full. She just hugged me so tightly and thanked me. She said she felt like this was supposed to happen that day and I agreed. The lady from TM also shared with me some personal things she had been through and felt we were supposed to meet that day.
We say we want to be led by God, used by God, but we don't want the inconvenience that comes with it so many times. I want to immediately recognize Him in every detail of my day (yes, even the "not so nice" parts). He can get glory in every detail of our day!
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Clay In The Potter's Hand
This past weekend we took a much needed family trip with my mom, mother-in-law, two of my brothers and their families. We had a great time of shopping, relaxing and just enjoying being together.
One of the adventures included a trip to an art museum. In one area of viewing, there was a man giving a demonstration about pottery. He told how that each type of pottery goes under different temperatures depending on what it will become. The most beautiful vessel is the china and it's temperature is so much hotter than the others. The purest, most beautiful china will be translucent and you can actually hold it up and see the light shining through it.
I couldn't help but think of the vessel God wants us to be. At our purest form, we will be a vessel of purity and beauty. His light will completely shine through us. This purest form comes at a cost. We may have to endure some really "hot" trials and circumstances but we will come out the way He intends us to be. It's no wonder He used pottery so often in His Word to convey a message to us...
Isaiah 64:8 "But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand."
One of the adventures included a trip to an art museum. In one area of viewing, there was a man giving a demonstration about pottery. He told how that each type of pottery goes under different temperatures depending on what it will become. The most beautiful vessel is the china and it's temperature is so much hotter than the others. The purest, most beautiful china will be translucent and you can actually hold it up and see the light shining through it.
I couldn't help but think of the vessel God wants us to be. At our purest form, we will be a vessel of purity and beauty. His light will completely shine through us. This purest form comes at a cost. We may have to endure some really "hot" trials and circumstances but we will come out the way He intends us to be. It's no wonder He used pottery so often in His Word to convey a message to us...
Isaiah 64:8 "But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand."
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Empty Me of Me So I Can Be Filled With You
On the way to take the boys to school this morning, we heard this song. I've heard it a thousand times but this morning I couldn't stop the tears from stinging my cheeks as I listened closely to the lyrics. I was reminded how true it must have been for Chris Sligh when he wrote it. After getting caught up in the glitz and glamour of American Idol, he no doubt came home and allowed God to speak to him and reveal the motives of his heart. I want this to be my daily prayer. It's so easy for us to get caught away with all the things we want and all the selfish motives behind our every prayer and every action. I want Him to strip away my stinkin' flesh every day. Here's the lyrics & a link to hear it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnycyGi7bTg
I've had just enough of the spotlight
When it burns bright
To see how it gets in the blood
And I've tasted my share
Of the sweet life
And the wild ride
And found a little is not quite enough
I know how i can stray
And how fast my heart could change
Empty me
Of the selfishness inside
Every vain ambition
And the poison of my pride
And any foolish thing my heart holds to
Lord empty me of meSo i can be
Filled with you
Ive seen just enough of the quick buys
Of the best lies
To know how prodigals can be drawn away
I know how I can stray
And how fast my heart could change
Cuz everything is a lesser thing
Compared to you
Compared to you
Cuz everything is a lesser thing
Compared to you
So I surrender all
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnycyGi7bTg
I've had just enough of the spotlight
When it burns bright
To see how it gets in the blood
And I've tasted my share
Of the sweet life
And the wild ride
And found a little is not quite enough
I know how i can stray
And how fast my heart could change
Empty me
Of the selfishness inside
Every vain ambition
And the poison of my pride
And any foolish thing my heart holds to
Lord empty me of meSo i can be
Filled with you
Ive seen just enough of the quick buys
Of the best lies
To know how prodigals can be drawn away
I know how I can stray
And how fast my heart could change
Cuz everything is a lesser thing
Compared to you
Compared to you
Cuz everything is a lesser thing
Compared to you
So I surrender all
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
My Part in the Body
It seems lately He has said to me...
"I am daily writing upon the tablet of your heart. Let your heart stay tender and broken before Me. I've trusted you with gifts that are unique to you. Don't compare yourself with others. Just be all I've called YOU to be. I place you where your gifts are best used at the best times. ...all parts of the body working together at My timing, My beckoning..."
I Corinthians 12:18 "But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. (v20) But now are they many members, yet but one body. (v22) Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: (v25) That there should be no schism (division) in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another."
Why do we always seems to think our part doesn't matter or isn't as important? Let's purpose to put away those thoughts and voices. There's only one me. He made me unique and if I don't do what He's called me to do, I am hindering His work. I need to be reminded to embrace my strengths and weaknesses and let Him use it all for His glory!
"I am daily writing upon the tablet of your heart. Let your heart stay tender and broken before Me. I've trusted you with gifts that are unique to you. Don't compare yourself with others. Just be all I've called YOU to be. I place you where your gifts are best used at the best times. ...all parts of the body working together at My timing, My beckoning..."
I Corinthians 12:18 "But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. (v20) But now are they many members, yet but one body. (v22) Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: (v25) That there should be no schism (division) in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another."
Why do we always seems to think our part doesn't matter or isn't as important? Let's purpose to put away those thoughts and voices. There's only one me. He made me unique and if I don't do what He's called me to do, I am hindering His work. I need to be reminded to embrace my strengths and weaknesses and let Him use it all for His glory!
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Oh Happy Day!
Today the love of my life turns 40 and I just wanted to take a moment and say, "Happy Birthday" to the greatest man in all the earth! I love you dearly!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Heal Our Backslidings
Jeremiah 3:12 "Return, backsliding Israel, says the Lord; I will not cause my anger to fall on you. For I am merciful, says the Lord; I will not remain angry forever. Only acknowledge your iniquity."
Why do we try to hide the secret things of our hearts when He knows anyway? All He wants is for us to be open and honest with Him. We always try to hide our weaknesses and failures. He knows we are flawed. He loves us just as we are. He tells us in verse 15, "And I will give you shepherds according to My heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding."
Once we acknowledge our weaknesses and failures, take off the "fake facade", He has promised to bring us knowledge and understaning. He promised to lead us to the right "shepherd" in our lives. Verse 22: "Return, you backsliding children, And I will heal your backslidings."
What area of my life am I "backsliding" in? To backslide is to turn back or away from God. Is there something I am trying to control myself or figure out with my methods? If so, I am turning back from His plan. His plan is for me to lay all my cares upon Him.
James 4:7 says "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth [it] not, to him it is sin."
Maybe it's what I'm NOT doing, that is a "backsliding" in my life. I want to daily check myself at the cross for His plan for my day, His cleansing of my heart, His perspective, His vision for my life. It's the only way to ensure that I am not giving in to a backsliding heart.
Why do we try to hide the secret things of our hearts when He knows anyway? All He wants is for us to be open and honest with Him. We always try to hide our weaknesses and failures. He knows we are flawed. He loves us just as we are. He tells us in verse 15, "And I will give you shepherds according to My heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding."
Once we acknowledge our weaknesses and failures, take off the "fake facade", He has promised to bring us knowledge and understaning. He promised to lead us to the right "shepherd" in our lives. Verse 22: "Return, you backsliding children, And I will heal your backslidings."
What area of my life am I "backsliding" in? To backslide is to turn back or away from God. Is there something I am trying to control myself or figure out with my methods? If so, I am turning back from His plan. His plan is for me to lay all my cares upon Him.
James 4:7 says "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth [it] not, to him it is sin."
Maybe it's what I'm NOT doing, that is a "backsliding" in my life. I want to daily check myself at the cross for His plan for my day, His cleansing of my heart, His perspective, His vision for my life. It's the only way to ensure that I am not giving in to a backsliding heart.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
His Rewards
Psalm 145:19 (NKJV) "He will fulfill the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry and will save them."(verse 20) "The Lord preserveth all them that love him..."
This morning I felt Him asking me, "Do you trust my rewards? I won't leave you wanting for anything. Lay aside every worry and fear. All things in your life will be perfectly cared for by Me. Continue to give Me your time and watch Me multiply the seeds you are sowing."
He then led me directly to this verse... (I just LOVE when He confirms what He's saying through His Word!)
Psalm 34:9 "O fear the Lord, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him."
Psalm 84:10 "...they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing."
Here's our problem... we have a beggar mentality! We don't realize who we are in Him and all the access we have to Him. We feel condemned that we aren't deserving of all He has for us. He wants us to see Him as our Father. ...a loving Father who wants the absolute best for us. Give Him all of yourself, every inch, every hidden place of your heart. Once you've done that, recognize Him as the Father who adores you, wants you to have the desires of your heart. He places dreams and visions within all of us... even the things that we don't think of as spiritual. He has a purpose for our visions and dreams. When they are surrendered to Him, He can fulfill His purpose through all of it.
This morning I felt Him asking me, "Do you trust my rewards? I won't leave you wanting for anything. Lay aside every worry and fear. All things in your life will be perfectly cared for by Me. Continue to give Me your time and watch Me multiply the seeds you are sowing."
He then led me directly to this verse... (I just LOVE when He confirms what He's saying through His Word!)
Psalm 34:9 "O fear the Lord, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him."
Psalm 84:10 "...they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing."
Here's our problem... we have a beggar mentality! We don't realize who we are in Him and all the access we have to Him. We feel condemned that we aren't deserving of all He has for us. He wants us to see Him as our Father. ...a loving Father who wants the absolute best for us. Give Him all of yourself, every inch, every hidden place of your heart. Once you've done that, recognize Him as the Father who adores you, wants you to have the desires of your heart. He places dreams and visions within all of us... even the things that we don't think of as spiritual. He has a purpose for our visions and dreams. When they are surrendered to Him, He can fulfill His purpose through all of it.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Successful Day 101
Psalm 111:10 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever."
Good understanding here also translates "good success" or "insight". He causes us to succeed when we seek and strive to do all He's asked us to do. He desires obedience more than sacrifice (I Samuel 15:22). When we seek Him early in our day, He brings direction and wise decisions.
Give Him your day and watch Him work out all the small details... things you would have otherwise missed. Who wouldn't want special insight into their day? It reminds me of one of those advertisements where you can pay this fee to receive a little something "extra"... information that others don't have. Bryan recently had to take a course to become certified in mortgage lending (or something like that). We were willing to pay all the extra to get all the "extra information" that was out there. That's what prayer early in your day is... it's the small fee to be paid for secret insight on how to get the most out of your day.
Good understanding here also translates "good success" or "insight". He causes us to succeed when we seek and strive to do all He's asked us to do. He desires obedience more than sacrifice (I Samuel 15:22). When we seek Him early in our day, He brings direction and wise decisions.
Give Him your day and watch Him work out all the small details... things you would have otherwise missed. Who wouldn't want special insight into their day? It reminds me of one of those advertisements where you can pay this fee to receive a little something "extra"... information that others don't have. Bryan recently had to take a course to become certified in mortgage lending (or something like that). We were willing to pay all the extra to get all the "extra information" that was out there. That's what prayer early in your day is... it's the small fee to be paid for secret insight on how to get the most out of your day.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Open Hands and Open Doors
Matthew West has a new song called "My Own Little World" and it just speaks to me on so many levels. One of my favorite lines is:
"Father, break my heart for what breaks Yours
Give me open hands and open doors
Put Your light in my eyes and let me see
That my own little world is not about me"
We forget that it's not all about us. He does things for us, through us and in us and we so often keep it all to ourselves. We owe it to Him to speak of all the things He does. ...to share what He's given us... not just in word but in deed. Do we give away our time and resources that He's blessed us with? Just this morning in prayer I felt Him saying...
When personal gain is not your aim, I will open unlimited doors and resources to you. Accomplish My purpose and I will bring personal accomplishment to you. Go beyond yourself. Be My pure vessel. See the vision I have for you. Outer influences can't touch you here in the safety of My presence.
It's time we stop thinking of what's best for us. We need to lose our agenda and sight of ourselves. He miraculously healed my son and recharted his course on a day that I lost myself completely in intercession for him. It's high time I remember that and lose myself for someone else. I'm asking myself the hard question, "when's the last time you gave yourself completely in prayer and fasting for someone besides your own?" It's been way too long. I want to give until there's no more to give... knowing that He restores in ways that are so much higher than me and my own vision. Give me your vision, Lord!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvSwcMp9vU4&ob=av2e
"Father, break my heart for what breaks Yours
Give me open hands and open doors
Put Your light in my eyes and let me see
That my own little world is not about me"
We forget that it's not all about us. He does things for us, through us and in us and we so often keep it all to ourselves. We owe it to Him to speak of all the things He does. ...to share what He's given us... not just in word but in deed. Do we give away our time and resources that He's blessed us with? Just this morning in prayer I felt Him saying...
When personal gain is not your aim, I will open unlimited doors and resources to you. Accomplish My purpose and I will bring personal accomplishment to you. Go beyond yourself. Be My pure vessel. See the vision I have for you. Outer influences can't touch you here in the safety of My presence.
It's time we stop thinking of what's best for us. We need to lose our agenda and sight of ourselves. He miraculously healed my son and recharted his course on a day that I lost myself completely in intercession for him. It's high time I remember that and lose myself for someone else. I'm asking myself the hard question, "when's the last time you gave yourself completely in prayer and fasting for someone besides your own?" It's been way too long. I want to give until there's no more to give... knowing that He restores in ways that are so much higher than me and my own vision. Give me your vision, Lord!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvSwcMp9vU4&ob=av2e
Friday, September 24, 2010
Bread of Adversity
Psalm 35:15 "But in mine adversity they rejoiced..."
Job had to have adversity to receive his double portion. He had to endure all of this to show others the "right way" to walk through trials. Sometimes our trials are for the greater good... Kingdom purpose. God allowed it. He trusted him with it.
Isaiah 30:20 "And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction..."
Sometimes God allows these things to come... what is my reaction to tests and trials? I don't know about you, but I'm no "Job". Help me, Lord. I want to do better.
Job had to have adversity to receive his double portion. He had to endure all of this to show others the "right way" to walk through trials. Sometimes our trials are for the greater good... Kingdom purpose. God allowed it. He trusted him with it.
Isaiah 30:20 "And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction..."
Sometimes God allows these things to come... what is my reaction to tests and trials? I don't know about you, but I'm no "Job". Help me, Lord. I want to do better.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
In The Midst With Us
In Mark 4 the disciples awakened Jesus (who was sleeping on the ship) because of their fear in the midst of the storm. He rebuked them for their lack of faith and trust. He asked in verse 40, "Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?" He did calm the storm by saying “Peace…be still”.
Even if He doesn’t calm our storm, as long as He is “in the midst” we will still come out where He planned all along. They had Him in the boat with them. They were going to be ok. So many times we don’t want the storms to blow… just keep everything calm, Lord! Many times He has spoken in the whirlwind, in the fire, in the storm. Don’t let the storm cause you to think He isn’t there and isn’t working on your behalf.
Don’t be afraid to walk into the midst of the sea when God parts the waters—He will make sure you cross over safely.
Don’t run from the storms, the pressing in… just be sure that He is your hiding place. Be sure you’re hidden away with Him so that a great fragrance of His Presence can come forth… there’s no greater peace than bringing ourselves as a sacrifice to Him.
Even if He doesn’t calm our storm, as long as He is “in the midst” we will still come out where He planned all along. They had Him in the boat with them. They were going to be ok. So many times we don’t want the storms to blow… just keep everything calm, Lord! Many times He has spoken in the whirlwind, in the fire, in the storm. Don’t let the storm cause you to think He isn’t there and isn’t working on your behalf.
Don’t be afraid to walk into the midst of the sea when God parts the waters—He will make sure you cross over safely.
Don’t run from the storms, the pressing in… just be sure that He is your hiding place. Be sure you’re hidden away with Him so that a great fragrance of His Presence can come forth… there’s no greater peace than bringing ourselves as a sacrifice to Him.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Sweet Aroma of His Presence
2 Corinthians 2:14 “Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.”
This verse alone tells me that God desires that we be triumphant & victorious in Him and that we give off a sweet fragrance of His Presence everywhere that we go.
Have you ever been around someone who smelled bad? It’s kind of hard to ignore. We can put on our friendly face and pretend not to notice but you find yourself trying to move away from the smell. Worse than that, have you ever been around someone who was so negative and discontented? …having a bad attitude… we often describe this as having a “stinking” attitude. Our means of escape is the same with this smell as it is with the literal smell. We don’t want to stay too long in their company.
Have you ever gone into a restaurant where they were serving food and you come out smelling like that? This can be good or bad… there are certain places where it smells good before you eat but really bad on your clothes when you leave.
Lingering in His Presence should leave us with an aroma of His Presence. Our spirit should give off the sweet fragrance of the one who makes all things new. There’s no substitute for being in His presence. We can talk about prayer all day but until we actually make time to come before Him EVERY DAY we will be doing just that… speaking in theory but not being changed into His likeness.
This verse alone tells me that God desires that we be triumphant & victorious in Him and that we give off a sweet fragrance of His Presence everywhere that we go.
Have you ever been around someone who smelled bad? It’s kind of hard to ignore. We can put on our friendly face and pretend not to notice but you find yourself trying to move away from the smell. Worse than that, have you ever been around someone who was so negative and discontented? …having a bad attitude… we often describe this as having a “stinking” attitude. Our means of escape is the same with this smell as it is with the literal smell. We don’t want to stay too long in their company.
Have you ever gone into a restaurant where they were serving food and you come out smelling like that? This can be good or bad… there are certain places where it smells good before you eat but really bad on your clothes when you leave.
Lingering in His Presence should leave us with an aroma of His Presence. Our spirit should give off the sweet fragrance of the one who makes all things new. There’s no substitute for being in His presence. We can talk about prayer all day but until we actually make time to come before Him EVERY DAY we will be doing just that… speaking in theory but not being changed into His likeness.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Deep Places
If only there were more hours in the day! I would be a much more faithful blogger because I really have a lot I want to share lately. It just seems that I can't find the moments it will take to type it all out. So, if you're a faithful follower of The Cook Clan, please forgive the sporatic posts. These are the whispers I've heard from Him about going deeper...
To know the deep places of the Spirit you may have to walk through deep valleys... have deep waters overwhelm you. But if you will be led by My hand, be pliable in My care, I will show you deep things... things only revealed to those who will pay the price.
In Luke 5:4 I told Simon to launch out into the deep. They had toiled all night having nothing with their own efforts. After obeying Me they saw a great harvest. I long for people to go into the deep. It must be at My beckoning, guided by My hand, at My timing, in obedience and alignment with My way.
To know the deep places of the Spirit you may have to walk through deep valleys... have deep waters overwhelm you. But if you will be led by My hand, be pliable in My care, I will show you deep things... things only revealed to those who will pay the price.
In Luke 5:4 I told Simon to launch out into the deep. They had toiled all night having nothing with their own efforts. After obeying Me they saw a great harvest. I long for people to go into the deep. It must be at My beckoning, guided by My hand, at My timing, in obedience and alignment with My way.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
My Plans or His Plans?
Proverbs 19:21 "There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand."
The Amplified versions says, "Many plans are in a man's mind, but it is the Lord's purpose for him that will stand."
So many times we think we have it all figured out! We make our big plans of how we think everything in our life should be but are we seeking HIS purpose for us? His plan and purpose is the only thing that will stand. I want His plans to be my plans, His ways my ways, His vision my vision... change me, Lord!
The Amplified versions says, "Many plans are in a man's mind, but it is the Lord's purpose for him that will stand."
So many times we think we have it all figured out! We make our big plans of how we think everything in our life should be but are we seeking HIS purpose for us? His plan and purpose is the only thing that will stand. I want His plans to be my plans, His ways my ways, His vision my vision... change me, Lord!
Thursday, September 2, 2010
All To The Glory of God
I Corinthians 10:31 "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."
Ecclesiastes 10:10 (NKJV) "If the ax is dull, And one does not sharpen the edge, Then he must use more strength; But wisdom brings success."
If we seek Him daily, His counsel, and then do all things to His glory, He will bring wisdom that will ease our efforts and bring greater success than what our greatest efforts combined could possibly bring. I don't know about you, but I'd rather work smart than overwork, tiring myself out. I want Him to show me the best way to accomplish the tasks set before me each day.
Ecclesiastes 10:10 (NKJV) "If the ax is dull, And one does not sharpen the edge, Then he must use more strength; But wisdom brings success."
If we seek Him daily, His counsel, and then do all things to His glory, He will bring wisdom that will ease our efforts and bring greater success than what our greatest efforts combined could possibly bring. I don't know about you, but I'd rather work smart than overwork, tiring myself out. I want Him to show me the best way to accomplish the tasks set before me each day.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
The Author & Finisher
It seems that life is just too busy lately... no time to even blog what I have felt Him saying. In the midst of all this, I felt that I heard Him so clearly yesterday and had to share. These were His words to me early yesterday morning...
I never change. It is man who changes. Your filter of how you perceive Me changes. I long for you to take away the filter. Take the limits off of Me in your mind. Let Me work for you. Let Me show you things you've never seen or imagined. I am the unchanging God. I am no respecter of persons. What I did for My disciples and the early church I long to do for you. Do you see Me big enough? Do you recognize Me as your source, your supply, your everything? ...or you have become too "American-ized", humanized... relying on your own plan and fixes? I'm looking for wild faith, unwavering faith that looks beyond the "seen" to what CAN and WILL BE! Keep listening. Be ready. I am the sovereign God. When My people doubt, worry, and fear, they continually dethrone Me from their lives. I can't reign where I'm not given full control. I won't force My way in. I made man with a free will to choose Me as Lord. Are you choosing Me for the solutions you need or do you look for another?
Hebrews 12:2 "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."
I paid too high a price for you to try your own way. Come to Me... with everything. You will find no fear or condemnation from Me.
I never change. It is man who changes. Your filter of how you perceive Me changes. I long for you to take away the filter. Take the limits off of Me in your mind. Let Me work for you. Let Me show you things you've never seen or imagined. I am the unchanging God. I am no respecter of persons. What I did for My disciples and the early church I long to do for you. Do you see Me big enough? Do you recognize Me as your source, your supply, your everything? ...or you have become too "American-ized", humanized... relying on your own plan and fixes? I'm looking for wild faith, unwavering faith that looks beyond the "seen" to what CAN and WILL BE! Keep listening. Be ready. I am the sovereign God. When My people doubt, worry, and fear, they continually dethrone Me from their lives. I can't reign where I'm not given full control. I won't force My way in. I made man with a free will to choose Me as Lord. Are you choosing Me for the solutions you need or do you look for another?
Hebrews 12:2 "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."
I paid too high a price for you to try your own way. Come to Me... with everything. You will find no fear or condemnation from Me.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Godly Counsel
In 2 Chronicles 22 Ahaziah becomes king. Verses 3 and 4 tell us, "He also walked in the ways of the house of Ahab: for his mother was his counsellor to do wickedly. Wherefore he did evil in the sight of the LORD like the house of Ahab: for they were his counsellors after the death of his father to his destruction."
Godly counsel matters. Who are we listening to? I want to seek His voice first of all, but I also want to follow His leading to wise, godly counsel in my life.
Godly counsel matters. Who are we listening to? I want to seek His voice first of all, but I also want to follow His leading to wise, godly counsel in my life.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Deeper
This morning I felt Him telling me, "There's no shortcut to the deep things of the Spirit. Time... I want your time to be spent with Me. I have need of fellowship with you. It's the greatest thing man can give Me. It costs you something. Unhurried time... time to listen and wait on Me.
Deep calleth unto deep... it's so easy for your time to be stolen away. If the enemy can steal your time, he can plant seeds of doubt and discouragement. He knows that time spent with Me empowers you to be a life changer... to go deeper.
Psalm 42:7 "Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of they waterspouts: all thy waves and they billows are gone over me... Verse 11 "Why are thou cast down, O my soul? and why are thou disquieted within me? Hope thou "in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God."
Psalm 95:4 "In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also."
Psalm 107:24 " These see the works of the LORD, and his wonders in the deep. "
Even in the deep waters of circumstances when trials overwhelm us, He is in the deep as well... even there He is with us, His wonders unfolding.
Deep calleth unto deep... it's so easy for your time to be stolen away. If the enemy can steal your time, he can plant seeds of doubt and discouragement. He knows that time spent with Me empowers you to be a life changer... to go deeper.
Psalm 42:7 "Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of they waterspouts: all thy waves and they billows are gone over me... Verse 11 "Why are thou cast down, O my soul? and why are thou disquieted within me? Hope thou "in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God."
Psalm 95:4 "In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also."
Psalm 107:24 " These see the works of the LORD, and his wonders in the deep. "
Even in the deep waters of circumstances when trials overwhelm us, He is in the deep as well... even there He is with us, His wonders unfolding.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Ordered Steps
Proverbs 20:24 (Amplified) "Man's steps are ordered by the Lord. How then can a man understand his way?"
Either we believe that or we don't. I want to be Spirit led. It is so easy to get disgruntled when a door closes or something doesn't work out the way we planned. We have to recognize that He knows what's best for us and sometimes that requires some "no's", closed doors or even some waiting.
Either we believe that or we don't. I want to be Spirit led. It is so easy to get disgruntled when a door closes or something doesn't work out the way we planned. We have to recognize that He knows what's best for us and sometimes that requires some "no's", closed doors or even some waiting.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Giving My Life Away
I know I've neglected my blogging, but our lives are getting back on schedule now with the starting of school and I will start sharing what I have felt Him saying during these past weeks when I didn't take the time to sit down and type it out. He's been really dealing with Me about giving my life away for His cause... losing sight of my desires. I am in no way even close to this, but He keeps reminding me. His whispers to me:
The more you die to self, the more you become alive to what I want to say and do in you and through you. It is then that you allow Me to effortlessly flow through you. You allow Me to interrupt your day and help you effortlessly accomplish the tasks before you.
Always seek to learn of Me. Let that be your only aim. I know all. Learning of Me brings understanding and knowledge in every area of your life.
I long to bring fresh revelation of My Word to you. Seek, listen... be still before Me. Put away condemnation and feelings of inadequacy. Realize who you are in Me and that I need you to be my mouthpiece, My hands, My feet. Conversations that may have seemed pointless to you are divinely led by Me. Speak to strangers. Seeds are always being planted.
I want to give of not only my resources, but of my time to other people. I remember hearing a quote recently that when you give away your time to someone, you are giving them a piece of your life. I want to give freely.
The more you die to self, the more you become alive to what I want to say and do in you and through you. It is then that you allow Me to effortlessly flow through you. You allow Me to interrupt your day and help you effortlessly accomplish the tasks before you.
Always seek to learn of Me. Let that be your only aim. I know all. Learning of Me brings understanding and knowledge in every area of your life.
I long to bring fresh revelation of My Word to you. Seek, listen... be still before Me. Put away condemnation and feelings of inadequacy. Realize who you are in Me and that I need you to be my mouthpiece, My hands, My feet. Conversations that may have seemed pointless to you are divinely led by Me. Speak to strangers. Seeds are always being planted.
I want to give of not only my resources, but of my time to other people. I remember hearing a quote recently that when you give away your time to someone, you are giving them a piece of your life. I want to give freely.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Sitting At His Feet
Luke 10:40 (NKJV) "But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me."And Jesus answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things."But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her."
Mary understood about sitting at His feet. I don't want to become so busy doing His work (the mechanics of it) that I forget to sit at His feet and hear what He is actually saying.
Today I hear Him saying...
"I hear every word. I am continually guiding you in truth and revelation. Be led by Me always. It is a choice you make. Still yourself before Me as Mary. Sit at My feet and listen for My words. Humble yourself. At My feet is a place of humility. I bring favor and exalt those who aren't trying to promote themselves."
Mary understood about sitting at His feet. I don't want to become so busy doing His work (the mechanics of it) that I forget to sit at His feet and hear what He is actually saying.
Today I hear Him saying...
"I hear every word. I am continually guiding you in truth and revelation. Be led by Me always. It is a choice you make. Still yourself before Me as Mary. Sit at My feet and listen for My words. Humble yourself. At My feet is a place of humility. I bring favor and exalt those who aren't trying to promote themselves."
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
More Revelation, Lord!
Luke 10:3 "Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves."
I feel Him reminding me that we are as lambs... meek, humble... remain a lamb in encounters with wolves... that's a tough one!
We also have to know what we believe and where we stand because the enemy of our soul wants nothing more than to destroy our belief system. He tells His disciple in the next few verses:
Luke 10:21 "All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him.
On the day that I wrote these words in my prayer journal, I have this personal word from Him:
"Private revelation... all comes from Me. Recognize fully who I am. I bring more revelation to those who fully know Me."
I don't ever want to think that I have Him all figured out. His Word says in I Timothy 3:16:
"And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory."
We don't get more revelation until we fully grasp what He's showing us now. I want to ever be a student of His Word and His Presence... seeking to know more of Him. Do we have a personal revelation from Him or something that we've been taught by others? There comes a time in all our lives where we need to ask Him to show us who He really is and what He wants to reveal to us personally. When I stand before Him in judgment, it will only be me & Him. I wonder what He will say about how diligent I've been at working out my own salvation with fear and trembling. I wonder what He'll say about what I've done with what He has given me. Did I spend my gifts, talents and abilities wisely? Did I give my life away for His cause? Or was I selfish with my resources? Did I always seek selfish gain?
I feel Him reminding me that we are as lambs... meek, humble... remain a lamb in encounters with wolves... that's a tough one!
We also have to know what we believe and where we stand because the enemy of our soul wants nothing more than to destroy our belief system. He tells His disciple in the next few verses:
Luke 10:21 "All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him.
On the day that I wrote these words in my prayer journal, I have this personal word from Him:
"Private revelation... all comes from Me. Recognize fully who I am. I bring more revelation to those who fully know Me."
I don't ever want to think that I have Him all figured out. His Word says in I Timothy 3:16:
"And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory."
We don't get more revelation until we fully grasp what He's showing us now. I want to ever be a student of His Word and His Presence... seeking to know more of Him. Do we have a personal revelation from Him or something that we've been taught by others? There comes a time in all our lives where we need to ask Him to show us who He really is and what He wants to reveal to us personally. When I stand before Him in judgment, it will only be me & Him. I wonder what He will say about how diligent I've been at working out my own salvation with fear and trembling. I wonder what He'll say about what I've done with what He has given me. Did I spend my gifts, talents and abilities wisely? Did I give my life away for His cause? Or was I selfish with my resources? Did I always seek selfish gain?
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Spending Time...
A few weeks ago the Cook Clan found themselves in a place we get to more often than I'd like... you know that place... maybe you've been there. It's the place where everyone is so busy and schedules are crazy and you feel like you are only passing each other on the way to something else. In the midst of one of those weeks I got a text from my sweetie on the way to work. It said:
"just wanted to say I love and appreciate you... hope you have a great day!"
My response:
"Well, I do you too. I miss you. Passing in the hall isn't the same as spending time... tonight we need to chill..."
As soon as I had pressed "send", I felt the Lord prompting me... How many times do we just pass Him in the hall... throw out a quick "love you, Lord... thank you" and go about our busy schedules? Sometimes are prayers are just that, but let's make sure that at some point in our day we are actually making time to sit in His presence. How can I know His plans for me if I never stop and listen to what He is saying back to me? How can I really know Him if I don't have open communication with Him? A one sided conversation is not open communication. Let's make time... listen... do you hear Him?
"just wanted to say I love and appreciate you... hope you have a great day!"
My response:
"Well, I do you too. I miss you. Passing in the hall isn't the same as spending time... tonight we need to chill..."
As soon as I had pressed "send", I felt the Lord prompting me... How many times do we just pass Him in the hall... throw out a quick "love you, Lord... thank you" and go about our busy schedules? Sometimes are prayers are just that, but let's make sure that at some point in our day we are actually making time to sit in His presence. How can I know His plans for me if I never stop and listen to what He is saying back to me? How can I really know Him if I don't have open communication with Him? A one sided conversation is not open communication. Let's make time... listen... do you hear Him?
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Am I Tying the Hands of God?
I'm reminded of a passage in Matthew 13:58:
"And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief."
Unbelief and doubt tie the hands of God and keep Him from working on our behalf.
In Psalm 78:40-42 we find the children of Israel, His chosen people, doing the same thing.
"How oft did they provoke him in the wilderness, and grieve him in the desert! Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel. They remembered not his hand, nor the day when he delivered them from the enemy."
What are you believing Him for today? There are no limits to what He can and will do if we will let Him. Are we truly trusting Him... or are we trying to figure everything out our way? He has our every answer, our every need supplied. We have to remember that He is in control... remember that He is the one who has delivered us in times past and made a way where there seemed to be no way. Let's reflect on that and believe Him once again for even greater things NOW!
"And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief."
Unbelief and doubt tie the hands of God and keep Him from working on our behalf.
In Psalm 78:40-42 we find the children of Israel, His chosen people, doing the same thing.
"How oft did they provoke him in the wilderness, and grieve him in the desert! Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel. They remembered not his hand, nor the day when he delivered them from the enemy."
What are you believing Him for today? There are no limits to what He can and will do if we will let Him. Are we truly trusting Him... or are we trying to figure everything out our way? He has our every answer, our every need supplied. We have to remember that He is in control... remember that He is the one who has delivered us in times past and made a way where there seemed to be no way. Let's reflect on that and believe Him once again for even greater things NOW!
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Make My Time Count
This morning in prayer I heard myself praying the words "teach me to number my days". As I've said before, I firmly believe He actually guides our prayers. I knew this was a verse so I grabbed my phone and did a search on my Bible app. I searched all kind of ways and didn't find anything.
Over the last few days I have been spending part of my devotion time going back through my prayer journal over the last year. It is a helpful reminder of all He's been saying to me. I don't do this often enough. It was so amazing to be reminded of all He has spoken so personally to me... things I had even forgotten. As I opened to the place I had left off with yesterday, it was on January 18th. I sat there frozen as I read what I had written that day. The verse I wrote down was:
Psalm 90:12 "So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom."
Tears started to flow as I was reminded of how powerful the supernatural is in our lives. I want to always hear Him. These are the words that seemed to pour out from Him to me today...
"We are all given a measure of time. What we do with that time matters. Time given to Me won't be wasted. It is an investment in the eternal. I long to pour wisdom and understanding on My people who are called by My name, hidden in Me, seeking My wisdom and understanding. I will guard the hearts of those desiring more of Me."
Over the last few days I have been spending part of my devotion time going back through my prayer journal over the last year. It is a helpful reminder of all He's been saying to me. I don't do this often enough. It was so amazing to be reminded of all He has spoken so personally to me... things I had even forgotten. As I opened to the place I had left off with yesterday, it was on January 18th. I sat there frozen as I read what I had written that day. The verse I wrote down was:
Psalm 90:12 "So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom."
Tears started to flow as I was reminded of how powerful the supernatural is in our lives. I want to always hear Him. These are the words that seemed to pour out from Him to me today...
"We are all given a measure of time. What we do with that time matters. Time given to Me won't be wasted. It is an investment in the eternal. I long to pour wisdom and understanding on My people who are called by My name, hidden in Me, seeking My wisdom and understanding. I will guard the hearts of those desiring more of Me."
Friday, July 2, 2010
The Head & Not the Tail
He knows where you are. Trust Him in all things despite what you see. His ways are higher than ours. His ear is open to our every cry.
Psalm 9:12 “…he forgetteth not the cry of the humble.”
Psalm 34:15 “The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.”
Job 36:7 “He withdraweth not his eyes from the righteous: but with kings are they on the throne; yea, he doth establish them for ever, and they are exalted.”
God brings favor. Trust in that. Maybe you feel like you are being treated wrongly. First of all, check your heart and your motives in at the cross every day. When you aren't seeking selfish gain, He will make you the head and not the tail (Deuteronomy 28:13)... that's a promise!
Psalm 9:12 “…he forgetteth not the cry of the humble.”
Psalm 34:15 “The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.”
Job 36:7 “He withdraweth not his eyes from the righteous: but with kings are they on the throne; yea, he doth establish them for ever, and they are exalted.”
God brings favor. Trust in that. Maybe you feel like you are being treated wrongly. First of all, check your heart and your motives in at the cross every day. When you aren't seeking selfish gain, He will make you the head and not the tail (Deuteronomy 28:13)... that's a promise!
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Formula for Answered Prayer
Another passage regarding a call to remembrance was in Mark 11:21 “And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away.
In verse 14 he had told the fig tree “And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it.”
This led to another teaching moment with Jesus and His disciples. He wants to teach us in our valleys of remembrance. We aren’t always open to it but stop & ask Him and then really listen for what He will say… He began to tell them in verse 22:
“And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”
There are 3 very important things here… 1) Have faith, 2)Remove all doubt & 3) Forgive. A simple formula for answered prayer!
In verse 14 he had told the fig tree “And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it.”
This led to another teaching moment with Jesus and His disciples. He wants to teach us in our valleys of remembrance. We aren’t always open to it but stop & ask Him and then really listen for what He will say… He began to tell them in verse 22:
“And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”
There are 3 very important things here… 1) Have faith, 2)Remove all doubt & 3) Forgive. A simple formula for answered prayer!
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Change of Perspective
No matter what you are facing, you need His perspective in order to see your way through. I can give you my opinion all day but that won't help you one bit. You need to know what He says. His Word washes away the old man, our way of thinking… but we also choose our perspective by the words that we speak. We can either speak life or death into any circumstance we face.
Proverbs 18:21 “Death and life are in the power of the tongue…”
Proverbs 21:23 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.”
James 1:26 “If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.”
James 3:6And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
James 3:8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
Psalm 120:2 “Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue.”
Proverbs 10:31 “The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out.”
Isaiah 28:11 “For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people.
No wonder He speaks to us in another tongue… ours is so deceitful and wicked… unruly!
Proverbs 18:21 “Death and life are in the power of the tongue…”
Proverbs 21:23 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.”
James 1:26 “If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.”
James 3:6And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
James 3:8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
Psalm 120:2 “Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue.”
Proverbs 10:31 “The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out.”
Isaiah 28:11 “For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people.
No wonder He speaks to us in another tongue… ours is so deceitful and wicked… unruly!
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Be Careful Little Mouth What You Say...
I’ve been really convicted lately about my words… esp. with the passing of our sweet Bishop. I wonder if he ever had to repent of his idle words. I want to be careful with ever conversation.
Proverbs 17:9 “He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.”
Gossip is killing us… sometimes it’s disguised as a prayer request. Just because something is true and you know about it, there is no need to repeat it. We tell ourselves it isn’t gossip if it’s true.
Psalm 15: 1-3 “Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.”
I want to abide in His tabernacle, dwell in His holy hill… I want to guard my tongue.
Matthew 12:36But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
James 3:10 “Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing…”
Proverbs 17:9 “He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.”
Gossip is killing us… sometimes it’s disguised as a prayer request. Just because something is true and you know about it, there is no need to repeat it. We tell ourselves it isn’t gossip if it’s true.
Psalm 15: 1-3 “Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour.”
I want to abide in His tabernacle, dwell in His holy hill… I want to guard my tongue.
Matthew 12:36But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
James 3:10 “Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing…”
Monday, June 28, 2010
Jesus, I'll Never Forget
This old song was always one of our Bishop's favorites. As you can tell, he has been on all our minds a lot lately. He is mentioned in every sermon, every Sunday school lesson, every conversation. He was quite a man and has left us with a convicting, gripping responsibility to do more in his absence. I will continue in the vein of thought from my post about the valley of remembrance. We have to remember what God has done in the past for us to remind us that He is still working for us now.
All throughout Psalm 78 we read of how God’s people provoked him in the wilderness (v 40)… they remembered not his hand nor the day when he delivered them from the enemy (or translates from affliction)… it goes on to tell all he did unto them and then, in verse 52 it says:
“But God made his own people to go forth like sheep, and guided them in the wilderness like a flock. And he led them on safely, so that they feared not: but the sea overwhelmed their enemies.”
He is such a merciful God. No matter how much we fail Him, how much we get it wrong, we are always His sheep in need of a shepherd. That's how He sees us. We get bogged down feeling unworthy of His guiding hand… feeling that we’ve doubted Him when the waters got too high or the way seemed too rough. Here is a clear example of how He longs to lead His people safely and in the way that’s best for us. You’re only a breath of repentance away from His perfect divine plan.
What has always moved the heart of God? Repentance. He can’t help but rush in when we acknowledge our ignorance, our selfishness, our wrong choices, our weakness and lack of faith.
2 Chronicles 7:14 “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
One more example... in Mark 9 a man brought to Jesus his son, who had a deaf and dumb spirit. This spirit would sometimes cast the boy into the fire. Jesus told the man, "If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth." I love this part... the man was honest enough with Jesus to just cry out with tears and say, "Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief." He acknowledged that he didn't quite have all the faith he needed. We don't have to have it all together. We just have to admit that to Him and watch Him work. By the way, He healed the child instantly. We won't forget!!!
All throughout Psalm 78 we read of how God’s people provoked him in the wilderness (v 40)… they remembered not his hand nor the day when he delivered them from the enemy (or translates from affliction)… it goes on to tell all he did unto them and then, in verse 52 it says:
“But God made his own people to go forth like sheep, and guided them in the wilderness like a flock. And he led them on safely, so that they feared not: but the sea overwhelmed their enemies.”
He is such a merciful God. No matter how much we fail Him, how much we get it wrong, we are always His sheep in need of a shepherd. That's how He sees us. We get bogged down feeling unworthy of His guiding hand… feeling that we’ve doubted Him when the waters got too high or the way seemed too rough. Here is a clear example of how He longs to lead His people safely and in the way that’s best for us. You’re only a breath of repentance away from His perfect divine plan.
What has always moved the heart of God? Repentance. He can’t help but rush in when we acknowledge our ignorance, our selfishness, our wrong choices, our weakness and lack of faith.
2 Chronicles 7:14 “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
One more example... in Mark 9 a man brought to Jesus his son, who had a deaf and dumb spirit. This spirit would sometimes cast the boy into the fire. Jesus told the man, "If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth." I love this part... the man was honest enough with Jesus to just cry out with tears and say, "Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief." He acknowledged that he didn't quite have all the faith he needed. We don't have to have it all together. We just have to admit that to Him and watch Him work. By the way, He healed the child instantly. We won't forget!!!
Thursday, June 17, 2010
A Mighty Warrior Has Made It Home...
Psalm 116:15 "Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. "
If possible, I think this verse is even MORE true for such a man as this. Our Bishop, Gerald Archie Mangun, went to be with his maker early this morning. He will be missed greatly but what an impact he has made on this world! There's no telling how many people will be in Heaven because of him. His focus was always on eternity. It affected everything he did, said and breathed... what an example for all of us to follow! We will give it our all, Bishop! We won't forget...
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Through The Sea
I've had surgery so I've been in somewhat of an abyss... a big black hole. That's the best way I know how to describe how I have felt.
The other night I had a dream in which I was being pulled through murky water. It was a place I didn't want to be. I felt like God was saying "this is the valley of remembrance" over & over. It was such a restless night. The next morning I couldn't stop thinking of it and looked up scriptures relating to "call to remembrance" and I found this:
Psalm 77:6 (Amplified) "I call to remembrance my song in the night; with my heart I meditate and my spirit searches diligently."
This chapter goes on and on talking about how surely God has forgotten and shut up His mercies... but then... he begins to call to remembrance what God has already done...
Verse 19 "Your way [in delivering Your people] was through the sea, and your paths through the great waters, yet Your footsteps were not traceable, but were obliterated."
Sometimes we may have to face the sea... with things looking as if our answer is not going to come... but just like He did for the children of Israel, He will take us right through the very thing that looks uncrossable. His ways are so much higher than ours. We can't always trace His steps or know what He's doing, but we have to know that He is ever guiding, leading and yes, sometimes "carrying" us.
The other night I had a dream in which I was being pulled through murky water. It was a place I didn't want to be. I felt like God was saying "this is the valley of remembrance" over & over. It was such a restless night. The next morning I couldn't stop thinking of it and looked up scriptures relating to "call to remembrance" and I found this:
Psalm 77:6 (Amplified) "I call to remembrance my song in the night; with my heart I meditate and my spirit searches diligently."
This chapter goes on and on talking about how surely God has forgotten and shut up His mercies... but then... he begins to call to remembrance what God has already done...
Verse 19 "Your way [in delivering Your people] was through the sea, and your paths through the great waters, yet Your footsteps were not traceable, but were obliterated."
Sometimes we may have to face the sea... with things looking as if our answer is not going to come... but just like He did for the children of Israel, He will take us right through the very thing that looks uncrossable. His ways are so much higher than ours. We can't always trace His steps or know what He's doing, but we have to know that He is ever guiding, leading and yes, sometimes "carrying" us.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Quietness and Confidence
Early this morning I sat quietly in my time of prayer... I'm trying to do that more. I do speak, but I'm trying to listen MORE than I speak. I felt Him bring this scripture to my remembrance, so I looked it up.
Isaiah 30:15 "For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not."
Searching this scripture out more closely I learned that confidence here means "trust". He truly wants us to have that quiet confidence and trust that He is in control of every little thing. This is what I felt Him saying:
"I see everything that concerns you. In quietness and confidence will be your strength. Rest quietly in knowing I hold every answer in the palm of My hand. There's nothing that goes unnoticed with Me. I long to move on your behalf. Trust Me and allow Me to work.
I prepare you for each day. That's why it's so important to seek Me early. I know what your day holds before it even gets started. Don't worry that you don't feel alert early. I am there in the quiet stillness. I am in the unexpected things. Marvel not at all I will use to fulfil My purpose. Storms and uncertainty... All to confirm that your confidence can't be shaken when you're built on the rock of My firm foundation. There's nothing that you face that I don't already have the answer for. Wait and watch Me work."
Then I thought of this song by Hillsong:
"When the oceans rise and thunder roar, I will soar with you above the storm. Father, you are king over the flood. I will be still and know you are God."
Isaiah 30:15 "For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not."
Searching this scripture out more closely I learned that confidence here means "trust". He truly wants us to have that quiet confidence and trust that He is in control of every little thing. This is what I felt Him saying:
"I see everything that concerns you. In quietness and confidence will be your strength. Rest quietly in knowing I hold every answer in the palm of My hand. There's nothing that goes unnoticed with Me. I long to move on your behalf. Trust Me and allow Me to work.
I prepare you for each day. That's why it's so important to seek Me early. I know what your day holds before it even gets started. Don't worry that you don't feel alert early. I am there in the quiet stillness. I am in the unexpected things. Marvel not at all I will use to fulfil My purpose. Storms and uncertainty... All to confirm that your confidence can't be shaken when you're built on the rock of My firm foundation. There's nothing that you face that I don't already have the answer for. Wait and watch Me work."
Then I thought of this song by Hillsong:
"When the oceans rise and thunder roar, I will soar with you above the storm. Father, you are king over the flood. I will be still and know you are God."
Monday, May 17, 2010
185th Post
Yesterday I had someone tell me, with tears in their eyes, that this blog ministered to them last week. As you may or may not know, I have quit blogging a thousand times in my mind... but each time... something like that will happen. So I want to say thank you. Thanks to all of you for reading. He's still speaking... I just hope I'm listening enough to His voice. He gently nudges us on when we think it's time to do something different. Do you ever feel that way? He is always in control... I have to remind myself of that so often. I only want the plans He has for me.
Jeremiah 29:11 from The Amplified version, "For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome."
Why would we want anything else? ...any other plan? He has our well being, hope and peace all planned out!
Jeremiah 29:11 from The Amplified version, "For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome."
Why would we want anything else? ...any other plan? He has our well being, hope and peace all planned out!
Friday, May 14, 2010
Broken Cisterns
As you can see, I'm on a roll. I know I was silent a while but I was journaling... so, now I'm taking the time to share it all. I'm so amazed at how He speaks to us. He has been dealing with me a lot lately about us being vessels of living water. He prompted me that... "I long for My children to be fountains of living water springing forth but so many have hewn cisterns, broken cisterns that hold no water... they have shaped their lives to be vessels that hold no water."
Jeremiah 2:13 "For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water."
I felt Him ask me "what is causing holes in your vessel?" This caused me to think about ways we keep ourselves whole... a worthy vessel, unspotted from the world.
Galatians 5:16 "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh."
I pray He helps me to walk in the Spirit... not giving in to what my flesh wants... I want to be a vessel that holds all He wants to pour into me. A whole vessel is able to pour out what He gives into the lives of those He intends. A life poured out... that's what I keep hearing Him say...
Jeremiah 2:13 "For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water."
I felt Him ask me "what is causing holes in your vessel?" This caused me to think about ways we keep ourselves whole... a worthy vessel, unspotted from the world.
Galatians 5:16 "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh."
I pray He helps me to walk in the Spirit... not giving in to what my flesh wants... I want to be a vessel that holds all He wants to pour into me. A whole vessel is able to pour out what He gives into the lives of those He intends. A life poured out... that's what I keep hearing Him say...
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Changing Seasons
Call me completely crazy... I don't care. But... I can assuredly say that I do hear from Him. Communication is a two way process and so many times we do all the talking but don't wait to hear what He has to say. I'm #1 on the guilty list for this. He has been slowly, gradually teaching me to listen. It has changed my life! Have you ever had a really huge misunderstanding with someone only to later learn that things were not as they seemed? You didn't fully understand that until you actually talked to them about it... that's what happens with our Abba Father so many times. I will get so bent out of shape sometimes but then... I finally take the time to listen to what He's saying back and I'm so relieved, happy, peaceful, grateful... too many emotions to name. That was the case the day He spoke this to me. Right now I don't even remember what was going on in my world, but I did journal what He said and I remember feeling such relief and understanding. This was His answer:
"So many times I wait to see if the changing seasons of your life will affect the time you set apart with Me to hear My voice. As you pass that test, I bless those seasons and pour out more favor... I stretch your capabilities and giftings."
Daniel 2:21 "And he changeth the times and the seasons..."
"So many times I wait to see if the changing seasons of your life will affect the time you set apart with Me to hear My voice. As you pass that test, I bless those seasons and pour out more favor... I stretch your capabilities and giftings."
Daniel 2:21 "And he changeth the times and the seasons..."
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Digging Wells
His whispers to me...
"Those who keep their lives clear of this world's agenda and way of thinking will hear My voice so clearly. Redig the wells every day... clear out all that would distract. The maintenance is easy when tended to daily. Free flow of My Spirit... My words become a normal part of your life... it's a gradual retraining.
Genesis 26:18 "And Isaac digged again the wells of water, which they had digged in the days of Abraham his father; for the Philistines had stopped them after the death of Abraham: and he called their names after the names by which his father had called them."
In verse 19 Isaac's servants digged in the valley and found there a well of springing (living) water. I pray His Word will take root in my life and spring forth like a living well.
Isaiah 12:3 "Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation."
John 4:14 "But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life."
"Those who keep their lives clear of this world's agenda and way of thinking will hear My voice so clearly. Redig the wells every day... clear out all that would distract. The maintenance is easy when tended to daily. Free flow of My Spirit... My words become a normal part of your life... it's a gradual retraining.
Genesis 26:18 "And Isaac digged again the wells of water, which they had digged in the days of Abraham his father; for the Philistines had stopped them after the death of Abraham: and he called their names after the names by which his father had called them."
In verse 19 Isaac's servants digged in the valley and found there a well of springing (living) water. I pray His Word will take root in my life and spring forth like a living well.
Isaiah 12:3 "Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation."
John 4:14 "But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life."
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
In The Waiting
Isaiah 40:31 "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
When searching this scripture out more closely, I learned that this can also mean "they that diligently serve the Lord" shall "change" their strength... so I'm wondering... if we diligently serve Him WHILE we're waiting, if possibly He gives us new strength, a greater strength than we had before? I believe it!
The day He gave me this He seemed to whisper... "Be patient as you wait for Me to unfold My plan. You MUST know that I am ever working on your behalf. I don't bring the waiting to punish you... I am working out the things unseen."
So, maybe you're in what I call "the waiting"... I've been there many times. Don't fret about it... embrace it. Look around for what He's teaching you while you wait. The answer is already there in His plan. You just haven't stepped into the reality of it yet. It's just beyond what you can see. He's a great God! So mindful of the details. He only wants to teach us a little in these times of waiting.
Greg Long sings a song called "In The Waiting". There have beens so many times in our lives that this song has ministered to us. The first time I remember was right after Cameron was born. He was four weeks early and we had to leave him in the NICU because his lungs weren't developed yet. We drove up to our house and this song started playing on the radio. We just sat and cried. Here are the lyrics:
"I want a peace beyond my understanding
I want to feel it fall like rain
In the middle of my hurting
I want to feel Your arms as they surround me
And let me know that it's okay
To be here in this place
Resting in the peace that only comes
In the waiting"
When searching this scripture out more closely, I learned that this can also mean "they that diligently serve the Lord" shall "change" their strength... so I'm wondering... if we diligently serve Him WHILE we're waiting, if possibly He gives us new strength, a greater strength than we had before? I believe it!
The day He gave me this He seemed to whisper... "Be patient as you wait for Me to unfold My plan. You MUST know that I am ever working on your behalf. I don't bring the waiting to punish you... I am working out the things unseen."
So, maybe you're in what I call "the waiting"... I've been there many times. Don't fret about it... embrace it. Look around for what He's teaching you while you wait. The answer is already there in His plan. You just haven't stepped into the reality of it yet. It's just beyond what you can see. He's a great God! So mindful of the details. He only wants to teach us a little in these times of waiting.
Greg Long sings a song called "In The Waiting". There have beens so many times in our lives that this song has ministered to us. The first time I remember was right after Cameron was born. He was four weeks early and we had to leave him in the NICU because his lungs weren't developed yet. We drove up to our house and this song started playing on the radio. We just sat and cried. Here are the lyrics:
"I want a peace beyond my understanding
I want to feel it fall like rain
In the middle of my hurting
I want to feel Your arms as they surround me
And let me know that it's okay
To be here in this place
Resting in the peace that only comes
In the waiting"
Monday, May 10, 2010
Feed My Sheep
As I catch my breath after a week of moving, He has been dealing with me about the busyness. Here's what I've felt Him saying:
"Hearing Me is so simple when I am given access into your day. I want My children to learn this... make room for Me in your day... even in the midst of rushed, hurried schedules. Let nothing crowd out My voice... crowd out the time with Me. It is vital to being led by Me.
Give your life away. There can be no selfish motives, no thought of what's best for you. Let Me take care of that. As I told Peter, feed My sheep. If you'll take care of My sheep, I'll take care of you. Remember that I first asked him if he loved Me. You show you love Me by taking care of what's dear to My heart.
John 21:17 "He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep."
"Hearing Me is so simple when I am given access into your day. I want My children to learn this... make room for Me in your day... even in the midst of rushed, hurried schedules. Let nothing crowd out My voice... crowd out the time with Me. It is vital to being led by Me.
Give your life away. There can be no selfish motives, no thought of what's best for you. Let Me take care of that. As I told Peter, feed My sheep. If you'll take care of My sheep, I'll take care of you. Remember that I first asked him if he loved Me. You show you love Me by taking care of what's dear to My heart.
John 21:17 "He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep."
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
"Moving" Thoughts...
Don't give up on me... I'm coming back... we've been moving, thus the lack of posts. Long story short, we are moving back into the house we built a few years ago.
I did have a thought in the middle of all this packing up though. We got all of our stuff out of the house we've been living in. It's an older home so it had a yucky funny smell when we moved in. We've had all our stuff in there and have made it ours while living there and it smelled so nice (most of the time). After moving all of our stuff out and coming back for the last few things and to clean... (ugh!) guess what? The smell was back! How weird is that? No doubt someone has smoked in the house and some of the carpet hasn't been replaced so there is an underlying smell that may never go away unless you rip out all the old and put in new. I was explaining to our teen that it's just like sin. You can mask it for a while but it is still there. We have to allow Him to rip out all of our fleshy heart and put in a new one! All things are made new!
2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."
I did have a thought in the middle of all this packing up though. We got all of our stuff out of the house we've been living in. It's an older home so it had a yucky funny smell when we moved in. We've had all our stuff in there and have made it ours while living there and it smelled so nice (most of the time). After moving all of our stuff out and coming back for the last few things and to clean... (ugh!) guess what? The smell was back! How weird is that? No doubt someone has smoked in the house and some of the carpet hasn't been replaced so there is an underlying smell that may never go away unless you rip out all the old and put in new. I was explaining to our teen that it's just like sin. You can mask it for a while but it is still there. We have to allow Him to rip out all of our fleshy heart and put in a new one! All things are made new!
2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."
Monday, April 26, 2010
Just Ask Dad...
Today I was reading the parable of the prodigal and verse 31 just seemed to jump out at me. When the father found out that his younger son was coming home after wasting away his inheritance with prodigal living, he called a feast and killed the fatted calf. The older son came home to find out what all the fuss was about. When he found out they were celebrating the wayward son's return home, he became angry and questioned why he, the good and faithful son, had never been given such a feast and celebration. This is the line that got me...
Luke 15:31 "And he said to him, 'Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours."
The faithful son who had kept his father's commands and had served his father tirelessly never fully took advantage of what was directly available to him. That really spoke to me. How many times do we come so feebly before Him with a beggar mentality when He wants us to come boldly? We are His children. He longs to fulfill our every need and hearts cry. If we are aligning ourselves with His purpose and praying according to His will, ...serving Him with our every effort... there's no reason not to realize that all that He has is ours. What child wouldn't just ask Dad when there's something they really want or need?
Luke 15:31 "And he said to him, 'Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours."
The faithful son who had kept his father's commands and had served his father tirelessly never fully took advantage of what was directly available to him. That really spoke to me. How many times do we come so feebly before Him with a beggar mentality when He wants us to come boldly? We are His children. He longs to fulfill our every need and hearts cry. If we are aligning ourselves with His purpose and praying according to His will, ...serving Him with our every effort... there's no reason not to realize that all that He has is ours. What child wouldn't just ask Dad when there's something they really want or need?
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Along The Way...
Have you ever wondered where He was in your process... the journey you find yourself on? Sometimes He is so near and then there are days when you feel He must have forgotten you. I have definitely been there, done that, have the t-shirt! It is a journey though... ups, downs, valleys, mountains... He is there in every bit of it. That doesn't mean He necessarily ordains the bad things that happen, but He surely is there to make the way clear again.
Several weeks ago, He so gently, quietly reminded me early one morning:
"There will be times of isolation when I call you away with Me. I am preparing you, protecting you. Don't feel downtrodden over this. Recognize Me in all parts of your journey. My will and anointing come at a great cost."
Philippians 1:6 "Being confident in this very thing, that He which hath begun a good in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ."
Lord, help me to recognize you all along the way... in the good and in the bad... you can use all things for your glory!
Several weeks ago, He so gently, quietly reminded me early one morning:
"There will be times of isolation when I call you away with Me. I am preparing you, protecting you. Don't feel downtrodden over this. Recognize Me in all parts of your journey. My will and anointing come at a great cost."
Philippians 1:6 "Being confident in this very thing, that He which hath begun a good in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ."
Lord, help me to recognize you all along the way... in the good and in the bad... you can use all things for your glory!
Monday, April 12, 2010
Live Habitually in the Spirit
Galatians 5:16 "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh."
The Amplified version says "...walk and live habitually in the Holy Spirit responsive to and controlled by the Spirit...
About a month ago He led me to this verse and I felt Him saying:
"My rewards comes in ways you cannot begin to see with human eyes and understanding. I bring peace and joy when circumstances seem bleak. Only in Me comes the confident assurance that I hold your life.
The more your life is poured out, given away for My Kingdom purpose, the more you find that wellspring of joy and peace. Embrace the greater vision that I bring. There is power in the spoken word even if that word is spoken only to yourself... don't allow words of doubt, unbelief and small vision to enter your thoughts and vocabulary. Speak and believe as though it were.
All the things I've brought to pass thus far in your life are products of the dreams and visions I've given you and you've embraced. Don't waste my visions and dreams for you. Expect... hope... aspire to see them through. All I want is a heart full of desire for the things of My Kingdom."
The Amplified version says "...walk and live habitually in the Holy Spirit responsive to and controlled by the Spirit...
About a month ago He led me to this verse and I felt Him saying:
"My rewards comes in ways you cannot begin to see with human eyes and understanding. I bring peace and joy when circumstances seem bleak. Only in Me comes the confident assurance that I hold your life.
The more your life is poured out, given away for My Kingdom purpose, the more you find that wellspring of joy and peace. Embrace the greater vision that I bring. There is power in the spoken word even if that word is spoken only to yourself... don't allow words of doubt, unbelief and small vision to enter your thoughts and vocabulary. Speak and believe as though it were.
All the things I've brought to pass thus far in your life are products of the dreams and visions I've given you and you've embraced. Don't waste my visions and dreams for you. Expect... hope... aspire to see them through. All I want is a heart full of desire for the things of My Kingdom."
Friday, April 9, 2010
The Gentle Guide
Psalm 32:8 “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.”
Hebrew: (I will counsel thee, mine eye shall be upon thee)
This is what I heard Him whisper to me yesterday morning...
“If you will listen, I will counsel. My children are wandering aimlessly because they don’t stop, get silent and listen to My voice as I’m waiting to counsel them. Counseling is a 2 way conversation. The counselor asks hard questions, gets answers and provides insight. I long to share My insight, secrets, with My children. I long to have conversations with them. So many pour out their words yet don’t listen for My response.”
Hebrew: (I will counsel thee, mine eye shall be upon thee)
This is what I heard Him whisper to me yesterday morning...
“If you will listen, I will counsel. My children are wandering aimlessly because they don’t stop, get silent and listen to My voice as I’m waiting to counsel them. Counseling is a 2 way conversation. The counselor asks hard questions, gets answers and provides insight. I long to share My insight, secrets, with My children. I long to have conversations with them. So many pour out their words yet don’t listen for My response.”
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Greater Vision
Proverbs 29:18 "Where there is no vision, the people perish..."
I have felt Him saying that limited vision causes people to have small, restricted lives, but He longs for His children to have great vision, BIG lives... full, abundant lives... bigger than they can imagine!
Surround yourself with people who have a bigger vision than you... bigger Kingdom vision!
Proverbs 27:17 "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend."
I have felt Him saying that limited vision causes people to have small, restricted lives, but He longs for His children to have great vision, BIG lives... full, abundant lives... bigger than they can imagine!
Surround yourself with people who have a bigger vision than you... bigger Kingdom vision!
Proverbs 27:17 "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend."
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Full Access
My journal entries from Him...
"Whispers... I still the voices around you. Be still and know that I am God. I care so deeply about every detail of your life. Accept that. That is not arrogance. That is sonship. You are my child. A healthy relationship is one where you recognize your access to Me. Don't have a bondage mindset. Come to Me as My child, knowing that My love for you can't be measured... knowing that in love I will sometimes say no... knowing that sometimes I must discipline you but all is done because of My great love for you and My plan for your future. I see all of it. You only see a small portion. Let me lovingly lead you to your fullest potential."
Romans 8:15 "For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father."
I Corinthians 2:12 "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God."
"Whispers... I still the voices around you. Be still and know that I am God. I care so deeply about every detail of your life. Accept that. That is not arrogance. That is sonship. You are my child. A healthy relationship is one where you recognize your access to Me. Don't have a bondage mindset. Come to Me as My child, knowing that My love for you can't be measured... knowing that in love I will sometimes say no... knowing that sometimes I must discipline you but all is done because of My great love for you and My plan for your future. I see all of it. You only see a small portion. Let me lovingly lead you to your fullest potential."
Romans 8:15 "For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father."
I Corinthians 2:12 "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God."
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
A Few MORE Lessons from Daniel...
So, Daniel gives the interpretation to the dream exactly as God gave it to him… telling the king in verse 27 “Daniel answered in the presence of the king, and said, The secret which the king hath demanded cannot the wise men, the astrologers, the magicians, the soothsayers, shew unto the king; But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days…
Again, making sure God got the glory!
Lesson #11… He knows who to trust His words with…those with no hidden agenda.
I Corinthians 1:29 “That no flesh should glory in his presence.”
We have no boasting rights… it’s all HIM! He reveals to those who keep it about Him!
After he is finished relaying the interpretation from God we get to 2:46 that I started with ““Then the king Nebuchadnezzar fell upon his face, and worshipped Daniel, and commanded that they should offer an oblation and sweet odours unto him.”
Which leads me to Lesson #12… When you are only seeking favor with God and not man, God brings favor with man as it fits into His plan and purpose for you. When we give our best offering of ourselves to Him with pure motives, He can cause us to stand before kings… places of honor and power to make His name great. …but only for those who aren’t seeking glory, fortune and fame from their connection with HIM… it’s all about the motives of our heart.
The next place “oblation” was used was in chapter 9:20-22 “And whiles I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the LORD my God for the holy mountain of my God; Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation."
Lesson #13… evening oblation… don’t think of prayer as a once a day thing. Make moments throughout the day to offer up sweet times of sacrifice unto Him.
In verse 3 we learn that he had been fasting… “And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:”
Lesson #14… living a life set apart… along with prayer & fasting can bring angelic visitations.
Chapter 10:2-3 “In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled."
Verse 12 “And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands. And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling. Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia."
Lesson #15… Fasting brings results and causes angels to war for us in the supernatural! His words were heard from the 1st day… things were being fought in the spirit realm that He had no idea about. Everything we’ve sought God for on this fast will be answered. Even when we don’t see it before us… it is being taken care of in the unseen!
There are many more things to learn from Daniel. These are just a few. What an example to us of the power of not being entangled in the world we are living in! Daniel wrote a book of many visions that foretell the End of Days… things too deep for most of us to understand. He was the true example of a life sold out and poured out…
I think it is very note worthy that God showed me this vein of thought during the media fast. Daniel purposed in his heart not to be defiled with the kings meat. One form of the kings meat of our day is the media that we set before us. It is the world’s interpretation of how our world is… it’s so hard not to get “sucked in”. I know that we have made some permanent changes in our home. We are desperately trying to modify the amount of time we spend on entertainment… even things that are seemingly good… they are time suckers! There’s always a subtle underlying influence at work. We are crazy if we think the enemy is not continually looking for a way to infiltrate our thought processes. The greatest battle is within ourselves. We have to continually renew our minds in His Word and in His presence to keep ourselves unspotted from this world (James 1:27).
We are to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. We have to be aware of the enemy’s tactics. The Spirit of this World… recognize it and its pull on us and our families.
Galatians 5:16 “[This] I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.”
The Amplified says “walk and live habitually in the Holy Spirit responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit…”
We have to let Him be our guide… let’s try to have a slow fade away from the things of this world that so easily entangle us and move closer to Him.
Again, making sure God got the glory!
Lesson #11… He knows who to trust His words with…those with no hidden agenda.
I Corinthians 1:29 “That no flesh should glory in his presence.”
We have no boasting rights… it’s all HIM! He reveals to those who keep it about Him!
After he is finished relaying the interpretation from God we get to 2:46 that I started with ““Then the king Nebuchadnezzar fell upon his face, and worshipped Daniel, and commanded that they should offer an oblation and sweet odours unto him.”
Which leads me to Lesson #12… When you are only seeking favor with God and not man, God brings favor with man as it fits into His plan and purpose for you. When we give our best offering of ourselves to Him with pure motives, He can cause us to stand before kings… places of honor and power to make His name great. …but only for those who aren’t seeking glory, fortune and fame from their connection with HIM… it’s all about the motives of our heart.
The next place “oblation” was used was in chapter 9:20-22 “And whiles I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the LORD my God for the holy mountain of my God; Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation."
Lesson #13… evening oblation… don’t think of prayer as a once a day thing. Make moments throughout the day to offer up sweet times of sacrifice unto Him.
In verse 3 we learn that he had been fasting… “And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:”
Lesson #14… living a life set apart… along with prayer & fasting can bring angelic visitations.
Chapter 10:2-3 “In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks. I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled."
Verse 12 “And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands. And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling. Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia."
Lesson #15… Fasting brings results and causes angels to war for us in the supernatural! His words were heard from the 1st day… things were being fought in the spirit realm that He had no idea about. Everything we’ve sought God for on this fast will be answered. Even when we don’t see it before us… it is being taken care of in the unseen!
There are many more things to learn from Daniel. These are just a few. What an example to us of the power of not being entangled in the world we are living in! Daniel wrote a book of many visions that foretell the End of Days… things too deep for most of us to understand. He was the true example of a life sold out and poured out…
I think it is very note worthy that God showed me this vein of thought during the media fast. Daniel purposed in his heart not to be defiled with the kings meat. One form of the kings meat of our day is the media that we set before us. It is the world’s interpretation of how our world is… it’s so hard not to get “sucked in”. I know that we have made some permanent changes in our home. We are desperately trying to modify the amount of time we spend on entertainment… even things that are seemingly good… they are time suckers! There’s always a subtle underlying influence at work. We are crazy if we think the enemy is not continually looking for a way to infiltrate our thought processes. The greatest battle is within ourselves. We have to continually renew our minds in His Word and in His presence to keep ourselves unspotted from this world (James 1:27).
We are to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. We have to be aware of the enemy’s tactics. The Spirit of this World… recognize it and its pull on us and our families.
Galatians 5:16 “[This] I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.”
The Amplified says “walk and live habitually in the Holy Spirit responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit…”
We have to let Him be our guide… let’s try to have a slow fade away from the things of this world that so easily entangle us and move closer to Him.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
More Lessons from Daniel
In Daniel chapter 2... verses 17 & 18: “Then Daniel went to his house, and made the thing known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions: That they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret; that Daniel and his fellows should not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.”
Lesson #6… Surround yourself with godly people of like faith that can pray with you and believe with you.
Verse 19 “Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a night vision. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven.”
Lesson #7… God does truly speak to us in dreams… I am NOT as crazy as you may think.
Lesson #8… God should ALWAYS get the glory!
And I LOVE these next 3 verses… I have read them and poured over them many times…
Verses 20-22 “Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.
Lesson #9… God is in complete control of our world. Whether we like our president, leaders, etc., we have to realize that He knows how the story ends… all things must align to accomplish His purpose.
Lesson #10… I can know His secrets… if I set my heart on Him… put away all that distracts me… he will bring hidden things to the light. He delights in me being complete in Him… not defiled by the Babylon I am living in.
MORE TO COME...
Lesson #6… Surround yourself with godly people of like faith that can pray with you and believe with you.
Verse 19 “Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a night vision. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven.”
Lesson #7… God does truly speak to us in dreams… I am NOT as crazy as you may think.
Lesson #8… God should ALWAYS get the glory!
And I LOVE these next 3 verses… I have read them and poured over them many times…
Verses 20-22 “Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.
Lesson #9… God is in complete control of our world. Whether we like our president, leaders, etc., we have to realize that He knows how the story ends… all things must align to accomplish His purpose.
Lesson #10… I can know His secrets… if I set my heart on Him… put away all that distracts me… he will bring hidden things to the light. He delights in me being complete in Him… not defiled by the Babylon I am living in.
MORE TO COME...
Monday, March 29, 2010
Lessons from Daniel
We made it! Yesterday ended our 21 Days of Sacrifice... 21 days for some, 40 days for others... we have been on a time of fasting. Most people chose to do the Daniel fast which is mostly vegetables and fruit and water. During the first week our Pastor asked that we have a media fast as well. That can be challenging to say the least. I will say though... it was during that phase that the Lord woke me up with the word "oblation" (I blogged about this earlier... that I would be posting later). I thought it must be a medical term because I have been having all kinds of medical issues during this fast. I’ve been to the doctor and thought this must be a term he mentioned to me. When I got into prayer that morning, I felt a little guilty for doing so (since we were on a media fast) but I took my phone and decided to google the word “oblation”. It said: “an offering ,a term, particularly in ecclesiastical usage, for a solemn offering or presentation to God.”
I thought… wow! This is a Bible word… ok… maybe you are trying to tell me something, Lord! So I got out my concordance and began to try to find what He was saying. I first found
Leviticus 2:12 “As for the oblation of the firstfruits, ye shall offer them unto the LORD…”
I recognized this verse and He has already dealt with me about this before… giving Him the first, the best, of not only my resources but of my time and efforts. That didn’t seem like all He was saying though. I continued searching.
And lo and behold, I found Daniel! How fitting… we are on the Daniel fast so why wouldn’t God lead me right to the horses mouth!
So here we go… here are some lessons I learned from Daniel that started with a simple word, “oblation”…
The last few verses I found were in the book of Daniel. Daniel 2:46 says: “Then the king Nebuchadnezzar fell upon his face, and worshipped Daniel, and commanded that they should offer an oblation and sweet odours unto him.”
So here we have Daniel… offering himself first of all, interpreting the dream as God had commanded him… if you’ll remember the King had a disturbing dream and there was no one to interpret. He then wanted to kill all the wise men of Babylon. But in the midst of Babylon… in the midst of the worldliness… there was a man named Daniel who was not conformed to Babylon… he was not partaking of the things of the king and his worldly kingdom… let’s back up to
chapter 1:8 “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.”
Lesson #1… Don’t try to fit into the culture around you. You are who He has called you to be. You are not to be identified by this world and its way of thinking. Don’t compromise your convictions and consecrations when things get rough and pressure to fit in becomes great.
Daniel 1:12-13,15 "Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink. Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king's meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants. And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king's meat."
The “pulse” translates as “vegetables”… I’m no Bible scholar but I know that the Israelites had very strict dietary laws. Daniel didn’t even want the temptation to be in front of them that the meat might be one he wasn’t supposed to partake of. He wanted to stay as far away from sin as he could.
Lesson #2… Avoid even the appearance of sin or evil or the very temptation of such.
I Thessalonians 5:2 “Abstain from all appearance of evil.”
Notice that this separation from Babylon had rewards… verse 17 of chapter 1 says that God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.”
Lesson #3…God reveals himself to those who set themselves apart from this world and desire to be identified with Him. Why are we so afraid of being identified with Him?
Going back to chapter 2… the king had disturbing dreams and there was no one to interpret. They all wanted him to tell them the dream and they would interpret. The kings words were: “…The thing is gone from me: if ye will not make known unto me the dream, with the interpretation thereof, ye shall be cut in pieces, and your houses shall be made a dunghill. But if ye shew the dream, and the interpretation thereof, ye shall receive of me gifts and rewards and great honour: therefore shew me the dream, and the interpretation thereof.”
Not too much pressure! They weren’t able to do this… they told him that there was no man able to do that… it was then that the king desired to kill all the wise men of Babylon. Daniel found out and went to the king… presented himself… made himself available to be used by God… sometimes that’s the biggest hinderance.
Lesson #4…God wants to do so much in us and through us but we aren’t making ourselves available. We are sitting back waiting for some big thing to come knock us on the head. You have to DO!
In verse 16 “Then Daniel went in, and desired of the king that he would give him time, and that he would shew the king the interpretation.”
Lesson #5… Be bold and confident that you WILL hear from God. Speak it. Believe it and wait for it to happen!
...MORE TO COME...
I thought… wow! This is a Bible word… ok… maybe you are trying to tell me something, Lord! So I got out my concordance and began to try to find what He was saying. I first found
Leviticus 2:12 “As for the oblation of the firstfruits, ye shall offer them unto the LORD…”
I recognized this verse and He has already dealt with me about this before… giving Him the first, the best, of not only my resources but of my time and efforts. That didn’t seem like all He was saying though. I continued searching.
And lo and behold, I found Daniel! How fitting… we are on the Daniel fast so why wouldn’t God lead me right to the horses mouth!
So here we go… here are some lessons I learned from Daniel that started with a simple word, “oblation”…
The last few verses I found were in the book of Daniel. Daniel 2:46 says: “Then the king Nebuchadnezzar fell upon his face, and worshipped Daniel, and commanded that they should offer an oblation and sweet odours unto him.”
So here we have Daniel… offering himself first of all, interpreting the dream as God had commanded him… if you’ll remember the King had a disturbing dream and there was no one to interpret. He then wanted to kill all the wise men of Babylon. But in the midst of Babylon… in the midst of the worldliness… there was a man named Daniel who was not conformed to Babylon… he was not partaking of the things of the king and his worldly kingdom… let’s back up to
chapter 1:8 “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.”
Lesson #1… Don’t try to fit into the culture around you. You are who He has called you to be. You are not to be identified by this world and its way of thinking. Don’t compromise your convictions and consecrations when things get rough and pressure to fit in becomes great.
Daniel 1:12-13,15 "Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink. Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king's meat: and as thou seest, deal with thy servants. And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king's meat."
The “pulse” translates as “vegetables”… I’m no Bible scholar but I know that the Israelites had very strict dietary laws. Daniel didn’t even want the temptation to be in front of them that the meat might be one he wasn’t supposed to partake of. He wanted to stay as far away from sin as he could.
Lesson #2… Avoid even the appearance of sin or evil or the very temptation of such.
I Thessalonians 5:2 “Abstain from all appearance of evil.”
Notice that this separation from Babylon had rewards… verse 17 of chapter 1 says that God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.”
Lesson #3…God reveals himself to those who set themselves apart from this world and desire to be identified with Him. Why are we so afraid of being identified with Him?
Going back to chapter 2… the king had disturbing dreams and there was no one to interpret. They all wanted him to tell them the dream and they would interpret. The kings words were: “…The thing is gone from me: if ye will not make known unto me the dream, with the interpretation thereof, ye shall be cut in pieces, and your houses shall be made a dunghill. But if ye shew the dream, and the interpretation thereof, ye shall receive of me gifts and rewards and great honour: therefore shew me the dream, and the interpretation thereof.”
Not too much pressure! They weren’t able to do this… they told him that there was no man able to do that… it was then that the king desired to kill all the wise men of Babylon. Daniel found out and went to the king… presented himself… made himself available to be used by God… sometimes that’s the biggest hinderance.
Lesson #4…God wants to do so much in us and through us but we aren’t making ourselves available. We are sitting back waiting for some big thing to come knock us on the head. You have to DO!
In verse 16 “Then Daniel went in, and desired of the king that he would give him time, and that he would shew the king the interpretation.”
Lesson #5… Be bold and confident that you WILL hear from God. Speak it. Believe it and wait for it to happen!
...MORE TO COME...
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Angels All Around
This past Thursday as Bryan was getting ready to leave for work, he discovered that his laptop and briefcase had been stolen from the backseat of his car. He always locks his car and brings in his briefcase but for some reason, he didn't that night. He had gotten in late and didn't even think about it. He is in a different town every day and that laptop and briefcase are basically his office. It was quite devastating.
In prayer that morning God had reminded me of Psalm 34:7 "The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them."
I was then led to 2 Kings 6:17 where Elisha prayed that his servant's eyes would be opened to see those fighting on their behalf... how "they that be with us are more than they that be with them." He then saw that the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire around Elisha.
You have to understand... about 7 years ago God really brought us on a journey (which is a long story) that brought full revelation of the angels that we have at our disposal. Since that time we have prayed angels of protection over our home and over our kids every single day. Even when we're out of town, we will call home at bedtime and pray over the boys. Needless to say, this incident kind of caught us off guard. I asked God to please bring something good of this. I thanked him that our lives were spared and our home wasn't actually broken into. Lord, I don't know how, but surely you can turn this for the good.
It was a troublesome day for Bryan... realizing all the work he would have to do all over again. That afternoon when he got home he got a phone call and stepped outside to hear better. As he was walking around the back of the carport, there was his briefcase laying on the ground. Here's the deal... it was unzipped but the velcro strap that holds everything in place wasn't even touched. They never even went through it. What would make a thief just drop this valuable loot he just obtained? Our firm belief is that there was an angelic intervention by God... we don't know what He used or how He used it, but He truly spared us while we were sleeping so soundly.
Romans 8:31 "...if God be for us, who can be against us?"
Psalm 91:11 "For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways."
In prayer that morning God had reminded me of Psalm 34:7 "The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them."
I was then led to 2 Kings 6:17 where Elisha prayed that his servant's eyes would be opened to see those fighting on their behalf... how "they that be with us are more than they that be with them." He then saw that the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire around Elisha.
You have to understand... about 7 years ago God really brought us on a journey (which is a long story) that brought full revelation of the angels that we have at our disposal. Since that time we have prayed angels of protection over our home and over our kids every single day. Even when we're out of town, we will call home at bedtime and pray over the boys. Needless to say, this incident kind of caught us off guard. I asked God to please bring something good of this. I thanked him that our lives were spared and our home wasn't actually broken into. Lord, I don't know how, but surely you can turn this for the good.
It was a troublesome day for Bryan... realizing all the work he would have to do all over again. That afternoon when he got home he got a phone call and stepped outside to hear better. As he was walking around the back of the carport, there was his briefcase laying on the ground. Here's the deal... it was unzipped but the velcro strap that holds everything in place wasn't even touched. They never even went through it. What would make a thief just drop this valuable loot he just obtained? Our firm belief is that there was an angelic intervention by God... we don't know what He used or how He used it, but He truly spared us while we were sleeping so soundly.
Romans 8:31 "...if God be for us, who can be against us?"
Psalm 91:11 "For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways."
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Holy Vessels
In Acts 9:15, Jesus spoke of Paul (formerly Saul)... the very one who had persecuted the saints... he described him this way:
"...for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:"
What a lesson to us about the mercy of God. He visited him personally on the road to Damascus, revealing to him that He was the one he was persecuting. He knew what Paul would become with full revelation. He wrote so many books in the New Testament... words that we live by today. He gave his life for truth once he received revelation.
You can imagine Ananias' dilemna when the Lord visited him in a vision and instructed him to go visit this Saul of Tarsus, knowing how he had done evil to the saints at Jerusalem. But God had prepared the way. He had already given Saul a vision of a man named Ananias visiting him and laying hands on him that he may receive his sight. God uses the supernatural to get sinner's attention. His words were (in verse 16): "For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake."
Notice how suffering usually comes with being His chosen vessel. The benefits far outweight the suffering though.
Here are the words I feel Him speaking to me:
"Don't worry or fret over the details. I'm aligning every detail of your life, your time, into My plan. Come away with Me... into My Presence, my place of refreshing.
I long to speak to you and through you. I am ever present... even when you feel you've failed Me. Put those feelings aside. They have no place in My work, My will.
Just listen. Stop... and listen. Abide in Me and let Me transform you daily. Your life reads like a book. Each chapter I am writing. Be willing. Flow with the pen of My hand on your life. Don't compare yourself to others... your giftings, your strengths, weaknesses or even your prayers and how I speak to you. All of My children are so different. I view each as an individual. I formed you. I know the intricate workings of your whole being. I see what I want you to become. Every day is part of the journey. Each day is an important page. Don't miss a moment of what I have planned.
Be My vessel. You won't have to worry about what to say. Abiding takes care of that. I commune with you continually. I won't leave you when it counts most.
Flow in My Spirit. What I'm teaching you others must learn. How will they learn without a teacher? Just be willing and ready and allow Me to work out the details.
Be a vessel of holiness."
So, maybe this is for you too. Sometimes He speaks so clearly and the only thing I know to do is to share what I feel Him saying. Some days I will hear from someone that it was a direct word for them on that particular day. I don't discount the avenues He uses to speak to each of us. I just want to be a holy vessel unto Him... we never truly get there but there's joy in the journey.
"...for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:"
What a lesson to us about the mercy of God. He visited him personally on the road to Damascus, revealing to him that He was the one he was persecuting. He knew what Paul would become with full revelation. He wrote so many books in the New Testament... words that we live by today. He gave his life for truth once he received revelation.
You can imagine Ananias' dilemna when the Lord visited him in a vision and instructed him to go visit this Saul of Tarsus, knowing how he had done evil to the saints at Jerusalem. But God had prepared the way. He had already given Saul a vision of a man named Ananias visiting him and laying hands on him that he may receive his sight. God uses the supernatural to get sinner's attention. His words were (in verse 16): "For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake."
Notice how suffering usually comes with being His chosen vessel. The benefits far outweight the suffering though.
Here are the words I feel Him speaking to me:
"Don't worry or fret over the details. I'm aligning every detail of your life, your time, into My plan. Come away with Me... into My Presence, my place of refreshing.
I long to speak to you and through you. I am ever present... even when you feel you've failed Me. Put those feelings aside. They have no place in My work, My will.
Just listen. Stop... and listen. Abide in Me and let Me transform you daily. Your life reads like a book. Each chapter I am writing. Be willing. Flow with the pen of My hand on your life. Don't compare yourself to others... your giftings, your strengths, weaknesses or even your prayers and how I speak to you. All of My children are so different. I view each as an individual. I formed you. I know the intricate workings of your whole being. I see what I want you to become. Every day is part of the journey. Each day is an important page. Don't miss a moment of what I have planned.
Be My vessel. You won't have to worry about what to say. Abiding takes care of that. I commune with you continually. I won't leave you when it counts most.
Flow in My Spirit. What I'm teaching you others must learn. How will they learn without a teacher? Just be willing and ready and allow Me to work out the details.
Be a vessel of holiness."
So, maybe this is for you too. Sometimes He speaks so clearly and the only thing I know to do is to share what I feel Him saying. Some days I will hear from someone that it was a direct word for them on that particular day. I don't discount the avenues He uses to speak to each of us. I just want to be a holy vessel unto Him... we never truly get there but there's joy in the journey.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Restoration
Joel 2:25-26 "And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you. And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed."
Lately I have felt Him saying "when you pray for MY will, for things to be done MY way, I am going to restore to you some things you have sacrificed. I long for My children to have their heart's desires... all things in proper perspective.
Don't discount the dreams I will continue to give you. New giftings... without fear. I'm restoring every dream, every gift."
I had journaled this on 3/1/10 and now today, I am so elated! I woke up with a word ringing in my head... a word I didn't even know. After looking up the definition and finding it in the Word, I now realize a portion of what He is sharing with me. I can't post it yet, because I'm not done and because I will speak about it in our young married class in the next couple of weeks. I am overwhelmed at how clearly He speaks when we shut out the other stuff. We are on our Daniel fast and have added a media fast this week. Try it... His voice becomes so clear!
Lately I have felt Him saying "when you pray for MY will, for things to be done MY way, I am going to restore to you some things you have sacrificed. I long for My children to have their heart's desires... all things in proper perspective.
Don't discount the dreams I will continue to give you. New giftings... without fear. I'm restoring every dream, every gift."
I had journaled this on 3/1/10 and now today, I am so elated! I woke up with a word ringing in my head... a word I didn't even know. After looking up the definition and finding it in the Word, I now realize a portion of what He is sharing with me. I can't post it yet, because I'm not done and because I will speak about it in our young married class in the next couple of weeks. I am overwhelmed at how clearly He speaks when we shut out the other stuff. We are on our Daniel fast and have added a media fast this week. Try it... His voice becomes so clear!
Monday, March 8, 2010
Deny Yourself
We're in a time of corporate prayer and fasting at our church right now, so of course this subject is heavy on my mind. This year our pastors have tried to push us to make it more personal... not what the church is doing as a whole but digging deeper into ourselves. Over the last week or so I have felt Him saying:
Deny yourself... that's where the line is drawn. My people don't want to deny themselves and yet that is crucial to hearing My voice.
Matthew 16:24 "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."
The Amplified version says "let him disregard, lose sight of, and forget himself and his own interests... cleave steadfastly to Me, conform wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying also."
I want to be pliable in His hands... like the clay in the potter's hands. Less of me, Lord... more of YOU!
Deny yourself... that's where the line is drawn. My people don't want to deny themselves and yet that is crucial to hearing My voice.
Matthew 16:24 "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."
The Amplified version says "let him disregard, lose sight of, and forget himself and his own interests... cleave steadfastly to Me, conform wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying also."
I want to be pliable in His hands... like the clay in the potter's hands. Less of me, Lord... more of YOU!
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Extraordinary Results
Matthew 11:28 "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
I felt Him whisper this the other day...
"Give me your weariness, your burdens, your efforts. All efforts laid upon Me are given extraordinary results.
Don't always feel you must have words. I hear your heart's cry. Just breathing in My Presence in the stillness restores, refreshes.
My Presence, My voice is not forced or rushed. So many try to force what I am saying. It's in the stillness, in the quiet where I dwell. Sometimes you have a stillness in your spirit though you are doing daily things... that is why you hear Me in those moments of doing the things you love, things that settle you, things I've called you to do. They are a part of your make-up."
I can't make it on my own. I need His help every moment, in every decision... I want His extraordinary results, so here it is, Lord... I don't take ownership over any of it... I give it to you. Work everything in my life according to Your plan!
I felt Him whisper this the other day...
"Give me your weariness, your burdens, your efforts. All efforts laid upon Me are given extraordinary results.
Don't always feel you must have words. I hear your heart's cry. Just breathing in My Presence in the stillness restores, refreshes.
My Presence, My voice is not forced or rushed. So many try to force what I am saying. It's in the stillness, in the quiet where I dwell. Sometimes you have a stillness in your spirit though you are doing daily things... that is why you hear Me in those moments of doing the things you love, things that settle you, things I've called you to do. They are a part of your make-up."
I can't make it on my own. I need His help every moment, in every decision... I want His extraordinary results, so here it is, Lord... I don't take ownership over any of it... I give it to you. Work everything in my life according to Your plan!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
"Eat This Book" Class
I am so excited about the class I've been privileged to be a part of. So much information! We are learning to break The Word down and get the exact meaning of passages. Check it out. She's offering it as a blog study too. Just click on "questmiles" in the upper left corner of my blog.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Preserved By Him
He gave this to Me, but maybe, just maybe, it was for you too.
"I've had your life in My hands from the beginning. There's no detail that I have missed. All things serve a purpose to bring you closer to Me. That should be our only aim. The plans that I have for you will succeed. As long as you stay near to Me, near the cross, My plan will be realized. There are no limits to where I want to take you, what I want to do through you if you will yield yourself completely to Me.
Being set apart with Me is a bloody process. It was not easy for My disciples. Even Peter denied Me.
I don't see your failures. I see what you can be as you stay on the course I have set before you. Not everyone will choose the path of being "set apart". Don't let that affect what I've called you to be. Protect My anointing in your life. Let your aim be a daily cleansed heart. All else will follow. A heart set on Me will always find My will, My way, My words. I won't forsake you on this journey. I preserve those who come after Me."
Proverbs 2:6-8 from the Amplified: "For the Lord gives skillful and godly Wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He hides away sound and godly Wisdom and stores it for the righteous (those who are upright and in right standing with Him); He is a shield to those who walk uprightly and in integrity, That He may guard the paths of justice; yes, He preserves the way of His saints."
"I've had your life in My hands from the beginning. There's no detail that I have missed. All things serve a purpose to bring you closer to Me. That should be our only aim. The plans that I have for you will succeed. As long as you stay near to Me, near the cross, My plan will be realized. There are no limits to where I want to take you, what I want to do through you if you will yield yourself completely to Me.
Being set apart with Me is a bloody process. It was not easy for My disciples. Even Peter denied Me.
I don't see your failures. I see what you can be as you stay on the course I have set before you. Not everyone will choose the path of being "set apart". Don't let that affect what I've called you to be. Protect My anointing in your life. Let your aim be a daily cleansed heart. All else will follow. A heart set on Me will always find My will, My way, My words. I won't forsake you on this journey. I preserve those who come after Me."
Proverbs 2:6-8 from the Amplified: "For the Lord gives skillful and godly Wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He hides away sound and godly Wisdom and stores it for the righteous (those who are upright and in right standing with Him); He is a shield to those who walk uprightly and in integrity, That He may guard the paths of justice; yes, He preserves the way of His saints."
Friday, February 19, 2010
Rising Early for a Fresh Word
This morning I read this verse and it convicted me to my core. Jesus came not only to become the sacrificial lamb but to show us the way and this is what He did:
Mark 1:35 "And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, He went out and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed."
There are no more words you can add to that! He got up early... way before daylight... got into a quiet place... and prayed. How much more should I be making that sacrifice? I've debated within myself on when is the best time to pray. When am I most alert? I know it's different for everyone, but this verse has made me rethink that.
The other thing I felt Him saying this morning is this: "My people are quick to look to man's words... books ABOUT Me... but I am the living Word! I long to bring fresh, personal words to My children... a personal visitation. I have a fresh word for every day. They won't allow themselves to hear Me."
Mark 1:35 "And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, He went out and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed."
There are no more words you can add to that! He got up early... way before daylight... got into a quiet place... and prayed. How much more should I be making that sacrifice? I've debated within myself on when is the best time to pray. When am I most alert? I know it's different for everyone, but this verse has made me rethink that.
The other thing I felt Him saying this morning is this: "My people are quick to look to man's words... books ABOUT Me... but I am the living Word! I long to bring fresh, personal words to My children... a personal visitation. I have a fresh word for every day. They won't allow themselves to hear Me."
Thursday, February 18, 2010
What Is He Saying to You?
I haven't been doing a very good job of blogging lately. I have the notes... just haven't posted. My posts come straight from my prayer journal, so I will back-track today. This is from one day last week. What's so cool is... after journaling this, I was in a meeting where every single bit of this topic came up... same scripture reference and all. I just LOVE when He confirms His word to us! Here's what I felt Him saying:
"Many times My people will only seek Me if I send a trial. I long for time with you. Oh, that My people would long for Me like I long for them... sweet communion. ...to feel My heartbeat... what I am saying... what I see for each one."
Hosea 4:6 "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee..."
Noteworthy: destroyed translated as "cut off" in this passage. My people are "cut off" for lack of knowledge...
Isaiah 5:13 "Therefore my people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge..."
The Amplified said "...they go into captivity to their enemies without knowing it and because they have no knowledge of God..."
When we don't seek HIM over the details of our lives, we can easily be led into the enemy's camp... the enemy of our soul... allowing him a foothold in our life. We need to seek Him daily in prayer and in the Word so that we are not led into deceipt, lies of the enemy, bondage, and living just below what He has planned for us.
"Many times My people will only seek Me if I send a trial. I long for time with you. Oh, that My people would long for Me like I long for them... sweet communion. ...to feel My heartbeat... what I am saying... what I see for each one."
Hosea 4:6 "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee..."
Noteworthy: destroyed translated as "cut off" in this passage. My people are "cut off" for lack of knowledge...
Isaiah 5:13 "Therefore my people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge..."
The Amplified said "...they go into captivity to their enemies without knowing it and because they have no knowledge of God..."
When we don't seek HIM over the details of our lives, we can easily be led into the enemy's camp... the enemy of our soul... allowing him a foothold in our life. We need to seek Him daily in prayer and in the Word so that we are not led into deceipt, lies of the enemy, bondage, and living just below what He has planned for us.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Ebb & Flow
Today I'm borrowing from Melani Shock, one of the biggest voices of influence in my life. She is an amazing woman of God who has taught my generation so much about having godly homes and marriages. She is also a blogger (http://www.questmiles.blogspot.com/, and http://theparsonshouse.blogspot.com/)...and I quote:
"We are taught we can "have it all." We can "do it all." We can be the busy woman, the quiet sister, the fun woman, the 24/7 wife. The key is "balance." I don't think that reflects the order of life the way God created it. He created seasons...winter is winter, not summer. Fall is fall and doesn't have the properties of spring. Same with the seas...tide is coming in or going out. It's on its way to one or the other, never living in both states at the same time. We're the same way.
During the busy times, we can be busy. During the quiet times, we need to embrace the silence and solitude and learn to rest and store up strength. Life is squeeze and release, ebb and flow, busy and quiet, day and night...
If we can learn to flow with the rhythm of it all and not try to resist the busyness or escape the quiet or laugh our way out of sorrow, then we will be in a much better position for constant peace and contentment in whatever state we find ourselves in.
The key is to make sure there IS ebb and flow!"
"We are taught we can "have it all." We can "do it all." We can be the busy woman, the quiet sister, the fun woman, the 24/7 wife. The key is "balance." I don't think that reflects the order of life the way God created it. He created seasons...winter is winter, not summer. Fall is fall and doesn't have the properties of spring. Same with the seas...tide is coming in or going out. It's on its way to one or the other, never living in both states at the same time. We're the same way.
During the busy times, we can be busy. During the quiet times, we need to embrace the silence and solitude and learn to rest and store up strength. Life is squeeze and release, ebb and flow, busy and quiet, day and night...
If we can learn to flow with the rhythm of it all and not try to resist the busyness or escape the quiet or laugh our way out of sorrow, then we will be in a much better position for constant peace and contentment in whatever state we find ourselves in.
The key is to make sure there IS ebb and flow!"
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Pouring My Love On Him
In this month that is so focused on LOVE, I feel Him asking me a deeper question. This past Sunday our Pastor spoke about the woman with the issue of blood in Luke 8:43-44. She reached out to touch Him and received her healing. The crowd was waiting for Him to touch them. She, on the other hand, took the initiative and reached for Him. It seems we always want to receive from Him but what if we reached for Him and asked instead, "How can I bless you?" The sinner woman with the alabaster box "got it". She was a sinner and yet she saw the importance on pouring out all she had unto Him... it cost her MUCH.
Luke 7:38 "And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment."
Only you know the price of the oil in your alabaster box. What is it costing you? Are you counting the cost? Will you pour it all out unto Him? Finances, time, motives, our agenda? Are we in it for the loaves and fishes? ...bigger, better things? ...or are we sold out? Will we serve irregardless of our wants and desires being met? When we sell out completely to Him, our marriages and other relationships will be solidified as well... just a thought!
Luke 7:38 "And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment."
Only you know the price of the oil in your alabaster box. What is it costing you? Are you counting the cost? Will you pour it all out unto Him? Finances, time, motives, our agenda? Are we in it for the loaves and fishes? ...bigger, better things? ...or are we sold out? Will we serve irregardless of our wants and desires being met? When we sell out completely to Him, our marriages and other relationships will be solidified as well... just a thought!
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Birthday of Thankfulness
Well, today is my birthday... it has really been a great day. Birthdays seem to bring a lot of reflection, so I thought I would list my thankful list today.
I am so thankful...
First and foremost for a God who loves me and has greater plans for me than I even have for myself... a God who has ordered my steps from the day I was born... and loves me in spite of all the times when I don't quite get it right!
For a godly husband who is so selfless. He is the kindest person I know. He prefers others continually, especially the 3 of us. He is truly a servant leader. I challenge you to find someone who knows him who doesn't love him right away.
For my 2 boys... they are my heartbeat! Tanner... a truly gifted artist and master of humor. He keeps me laughing continually. Cameron... our little musician who has also been blessed with the humor gift. They are both sensitive to the things of God and I am so grateful. That's what matters most!
For my amazing parents... they raised us to love God and live for Him at all costs. They made sure we were in church every time the doors were opened... we (the kids) weren't always so willing, but we were there! I'm glad to have been raised in the country in a very small town... without the distraction of television. I'm thankful that I know what it sounds like to hear my mother's groans of intercession for her children. I'm thankful for a dad whose character is impeccable. His word is his bond.
For my brothers and sister-in-laws:
Dave & Candace... Dave, so tender hearted... they've suffered struggles in their personal lives but haven't given up. God is not done!
Darrin & Twila... he's the one I shared my secrets with as a teen... married his highschool sweetheart, who is the queen of hospitality--she's a gifted, giving soul!
Damon & Tammy... my baby brother who has an incredible call of God on his life... married to an amazing, beautiful, godly woman.
For my nieces and nephews, in-laws, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents who've gone on to Glory... for all the people God has placed in my life along the journey. Some have been only for a season but all were a part of His master plan for me.
For all the young people I've ever taught in a church setting... some have faced untimely deaths, some have drifted away from God (temporarily), and so many are now living for Him with their whole hearts... these are the gifts that keep on giving. It is rewarding to know that God allowed our paths to cross... and a reminder that we have to continually speak into other people's lives.
For all the people who have spoken into my life... there are way too many to name. I am thankful for the Pentecostals of Alexandria. I am thankful for godly Pastors and their wives.
OK... I'm realizing that I can never end my list, so I'll stop here for today. Thank you for letting me ramble on and on... speak into someone's life!
I am so thankful...
First and foremost for a God who loves me and has greater plans for me than I even have for myself... a God who has ordered my steps from the day I was born... and loves me in spite of all the times when I don't quite get it right!
For a godly husband who is so selfless. He is the kindest person I know. He prefers others continually, especially the 3 of us. He is truly a servant leader. I challenge you to find someone who knows him who doesn't love him right away.
For my 2 boys... they are my heartbeat! Tanner... a truly gifted artist and master of humor. He keeps me laughing continually. Cameron... our little musician who has also been blessed with the humor gift. They are both sensitive to the things of God and I am so grateful. That's what matters most!
For my amazing parents... they raised us to love God and live for Him at all costs. They made sure we were in church every time the doors were opened... we (the kids) weren't always so willing, but we were there! I'm glad to have been raised in the country in a very small town... without the distraction of television. I'm thankful that I know what it sounds like to hear my mother's groans of intercession for her children. I'm thankful for a dad whose character is impeccable. His word is his bond.
For my brothers and sister-in-laws:
Dave & Candace... Dave, so tender hearted... they've suffered struggles in their personal lives but haven't given up. God is not done!
Darrin & Twila... he's the one I shared my secrets with as a teen... married his highschool sweetheart, who is the queen of hospitality--she's a gifted, giving soul!
Damon & Tammy... my baby brother who has an incredible call of God on his life... married to an amazing, beautiful, godly woman.
For my nieces and nephews, in-laws, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents who've gone on to Glory... for all the people God has placed in my life along the journey. Some have been only for a season but all were a part of His master plan for me.
For all the young people I've ever taught in a church setting... some have faced untimely deaths, some have drifted away from God (temporarily), and so many are now living for Him with their whole hearts... these are the gifts that keep on giving. It is rewarding to know that God allowed our paths to cross... and a reminder that we have to continually speak into other people's lives.
For all the people who have spoken into my life... there are way too many to name. I am thankful for the Pentecostals of Alexandria. I am thankful for godly Pastors and their wives.
OK... I'm realizing that I can never end my list, so I'll stop here for today. Thank you for letting me ramble on and on... speak into someone's life!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
His Divine Plan for Me
Sometimes I feel like I live in a fairytale world... seriously! I just got off the phone with my sweet husband and after hanging up I had to just stop and have a moment of gratitude. He truly is a godly man. My 2 sons are growing to be just like him in so many ways. I wouldn't trade lives with anyone on the face of this earth! I absolutely love my job, my life, my God! I remember a verse that stuck with me thoughout my teen years when I was struggling with identity and direction... wondering what I would do with my life. This verse carried me through:
Psalm 37:4 "Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart."
I have tried my best to make HIM my delight... to find my joy in Him. No, I have not walked a perfect walk with Him but He has surely given me every desire of my heart. He has a plan for us. He dreams bigger dreams for us than we dare dream for ourselves. I want Him to order my steps. He may take me places I never dreamed... that's why I want the dream HE has for me. If you haven't already, make that part of your prayer: Lord, I want the dreams and visions YOU have chosen for me! We will always be our happiest when we are in His perfect, divine plan for our lives.
Psalm 37:4 "Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart."
I have tried my best to make HIM my delight... to find my joy in Him. No, I have not walked a perfect walk with Him but He has surely given me every desire of my heart. He has a plan for us. He dreams bigger dreams for us than we dare dream for ourselves. I want Him to order my steps. He may take me places I never dreamed... that's why I want the dream HE has for me. If you haven't already, make that part of your prayer: Lord, I want the dreams and visions YOU have chosen for me! We will always be our happiest when we are in His perfect, divine plan for our lives.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Not By Works... Just Grace & Faith
Ephesians 2:8-9 "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."
This morning after I had finished my daily Bible reading, I was just sitting... pondering... half praying, half just being still. I felt Him speaking these words:
It's not by works that you are saved lest any man should boast. You are saved by faith... grace, mercy & faith... don't forget the power of these three in your life. I see you in times of exhaustion, times of rest, times of quiet. I am always there... the never changing God. Don't ever let your confidence be shaken by any other person or thing. Make sure your complete confidence comes from Me.
How reassuring! We are just getting back to normal after an incredible minister's conference at our church. For weeks we have been giving so much of ourselves that it's easy to lose yourself in the crazy schedule. He definitely honored it and we have been imparted with so many great things, but it's so amazing what we can find in Him just in the stillness of our every day lives. He is so mindful of us. He is for us! There's no condemnation with Him. We shut Him out sometimes because we don't feel worthy of hearing but He is always speaking... I want to get over myself and just listen. I pray I can remember the grace, mercy & faith...
This morning after I had finished my daily Bible reading, I was just sitting... pondering... half praying, half just being still. I felt Him speaking these words:
It's not by works that you are saved lest any man should boast. You are saved by faith... grace, mercy & faith... don't forget the power of these three in your life. I see you in times of exhaustion, times of rest, times of quiet. I am always there... the never changing God. Don't ever let your confidence be shaken by any other person or thing. Make sure your complete confidence comes from Me.
How reassuring! We are just getting back to normal after an incredible minister's conference at our church. For weeks we have been giving so much of ourselves that it's easy to lose yourself in the crazy schedule. He definitely honored it and we have been imparted with so many great things, but it's so amazing what we can find in Him just in the stillness of our every day lives. He is so mindful of us. He is for us! There's no condemnation with Him. We shut Him out sometimes because we don't feel worthy of hearing but He is always speaking... I want to get over myself and just listen. I pray I can remember the grace, mercy & faith...
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Dead to Self & Connected to the Source!
Our senses become so dulled with this world. Most people these days have an iphone (or know someone who has one), so I will put it like this: Just as we have to turn off our iphones to reset (kill)--we too must die. Fasting kills our flesh... resets our senses toward Him.
It's the only way to NOT fulfil the lust of the flesh... we must die to flesh!
Spring brings new growth, new fruit, because everything was able to die. Death comes first then all things are made NEW!
There's no substitute for prayer and fasting... Fasting kills flesh... Prayer is the communication.
Back to the iphone- even your phone must have charge (communication). Dying alone won't do all the work if the power source isn't reconnected. Dying to our flesh isn't easy but it is vital. Prayer won't be easy if we don't make it a priority in our day. We MUST be connected to the power source... our Father longs to commune with us EVERY SINGLE DAY! ...throughout our day... let's not make it harder than it is. Just bring Him along in our day!
Galatians 2:20 "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."
The Message interprets it this way: "I quit being a "law man" so that I could be God's man. Christ's life showed me how, and enabled me to do it. I identified myself completely with him. Indeed, I have been crucified with Christ. My ego is no longer central. It is no longer important that I appear righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I am no longer driven to impress God. Christ lives in me. The life you see me living is not "mine," but it is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I am not going to go back on that."
It's the only way to NOT fulfil the lust of the flesh... we must die to flesh!
Spring brings new growth, new fruit, because everything was able to die. Death comes first then all things are made NEW!
There's no substitute for prayer and fasting... Fasting kills flesh... Prayer is the communication.
Back to the iphone- even your phone must have charge (communication). Dying alone won't do all the work if the power source isn't reconnected. Dying to our flesh isn't easy but it is vital. Prayer won't be easy if we don't make it a priority in our day. We MUST be connected to the power source... our Father longs to commune with us EVERY SINGLE DAY! ...throughout our day... let's not make it harder than it is. Just bring Him along in our day!
Galatians 2:20 "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."
The Message interprets it this way: "I quit being a "law man" so that I could be God's man. Christ's life showed me how, and enabled me to do it. I identified myself completely with him. Indeed, I have been crucified with Christ. My ego is no longer central. It is no longer important that I appear righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I am no longer driven to impress God. Christ lives in me. The life you see me living is not "mine," but it is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I am not going to go back on that."
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