“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.”
This is so beautiful. This is love at it's finest. I just can't get over it. It's a constant revelation that I still need to FULLY get before I can even ATTEMPT to apply it, and God is so good, that there is always revelation to recieve from Him.
Pastor Mark had a great way of teaching in this very verse this Sunday that's just past. All these things he did for us, so with each word, whatever the opposite it, that's why he did it. So that we may have (transgressions) Obedience, (iniquities) Goodness. (And the verse continues on more and more.)
I just think it's simply mindblowing. God is so good. He's so faithful to continue revelation at deeper and different levels ALL the time!
God,
You amaze me. You surprise me. You keep me on my toes. I love you. You are precious to me. Please be with me. Keep me close to your heart. I am yours. The day that your revelation ends will be the day I die. I love you and I love that you are always changing yet you always stay the same.I love you so much.
amen.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Philippians 1.3-6
"3I thank my God every time I remember you. 4In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. "
This is good to remember when you start to feel discouraged, like things aren't changing, like you feel hopeless. Remember that God started a great work in you and he is faithful to finish it. Your relationships with other people, your finances, your old habits, any and all of that- God started a great work in you and he IS faithful to finish it...
I remember hearing this before I had run off during my "Great Disappearing Act"... and while I was gone, I was determined that "God doesn't care about me. I've screwed up so bad that there's no hope for me. I'm a piece of damaged trash no one will want anymore. There's no way I'd ever go back to that church. There's no way I could ever got back to ANY church and still feel like God was doing something in my life."
And then I finally did it... I chose to dedicate three months to getting everything that I possibly could out of church, out of God, out of ALL of it... And God showed up for me, BIG TIME... he gave me such a revelation as to absolutely blow me away. He told me, literally, that he was so happy to see me back and he had missed me so much.
And now that I'm back, I'm finding that a lot of the gifts and such that I had before I had left, they are still here- the gift of prophesy, the gift of laying hands on the sick and them being healed, the gift of faith, all of this and more! God told me I wasn't starting from scratch. Nay, he said to me "he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
That's pretty great and a good thing to remember when you start to feel discouraged in your faith, like you aren't going anywhere or doing anything to help promote your relationship with God. Instead of thinking about that, try to figure out WHY you're feeling that way, a lot of the times it has to do with when God has told you to do something and you haven't obeyed yet... Get back to your heart and make it clear before the Lord so that you can continue your growth.
Jesus,
Thank you for always changing me. Thank you for always sticking true to your word. You are a man of your word, a man I can trust, and for that I am truly grateful. You are precious to me and I want nothing more than to make you happy. I love you. Holy Spirit, remain with me today as I look for a job. I proclaim that today IS the day I find what I'm looking for, in the name of Jesus. I love you and I trust you.
amen.
This is good to remember when you start to feel discouraged, like things aren't changing, like you feel hopeless. Remember that God started a great work in you and he is faithful to finish it. Your relationships with other people, your finances, your old habits, any and all of that- God started a great work in you and he IS faithful to finish it...
I remember hearing this before I had run off during my "Great Disappearing Act"... and while I was gone, I was determined that "God doesn't care about me. I've screwed up so bad that there's no hope for me. I'm a piece of damaged trash no one will want anymore. There's no way I'd ever go back to that church. There's no way I could ever got back to ANY church and still feel like God was doing something in my life."
And then I finally did it... I chose to dedicate three months to getting everything that I possibly could out of church, out of God, out of ALL of it... And God showed up for me, BIG TIME... he gave me such a revelation as to absolutely blow me away. He told me, literally, that he was so happy to see me back and he had missed me so much.
And now that I'm back, I'm finding that a lot of the gifts and such that I had before I had left, they are still here- the gift of prophesy, the gift of laying hands on the sick and them being healed, the gift of faith, all of this and more! God told me I wasn't starting from scratch. Nay, he said to me "he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
That's pretty great and a good thing to remember when you start to feel discouraged in your faith, like you aren't going anywhere or doing anything to help promote your relationship with God. Instead of thinking about that, try to figure out WHY you're feeling that way, a lot of the times it has to do with when God has told you to do something and you haven't obeyed yet... Get back to your heart and make it clear before the Lord so that you can continue your growth.
Jesus,
Thank you for always changing me. Thank you for always sticking true to your word. You are a man of your word, a man I can trust, and for that I am truly grateful. You are precious to me and I want nothing more than to make you happy. I love you. Holy Spirit, remain with me today as I look for a job. I proclaim that today IS the day I find what I'm looking for, in the name of Jesus. I love you and I trust you.
amen.
Monday, March 23, 2009
James 1.26-27
"26 If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. 27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."
re⋅li⋅gion
–noun
1.
a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, esp. when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.
Religion is so funny. People get so frustrated over it. Especially the "Christian Religion". And I always wondered to myself- Why is that? And it's actually pretty simple. People- Mankind- As fallen and faulty as they are, have turned it into something it was never meant to be. There are many "Christians" that don't agree with the way that I (or we, at Northwest) run our "Religion" and it's just funny to me. People have forgotten the basic principals of what Religion is. They have turned it into a powerhouse for profits, for ruling, for whatever. But God was very clear about this.
Jesus wasn't religious.
He simply loved the Lord and chose to follow his heart. That's all God asks of us Christians. That we love him and do what he says of us to do (or not do). And even THAT speaks of his character. He tells us to do (or not do) these things because it's a heart issue. It's ALWAYS a heart issue. It's like your mother telling you not to put your hand on the stove or run across the street as a child. You don't quite understand it, or why she told you to not do these things, but it's pretty obvious as an adult as to why you shouldn't. You could get burned pretty bad, you could get hit by a car. But a child doesn't understand these things yet. They just have to trust that it's what Mom said so it needs to be obeyed.
It's the same thing with God. People turn it into this whole "He doesn't want me to have any fun" "He's a controlling God, it's just too much to handle" when in all actuality, he's telling you not to do certain things because he knows it not just CAN but WILL hurt you in the long run. We, as mankind, have to get back to that original principal of it. It's so simple and we turn it into something ridiculously difficult to the point of thinking it's TOO difficult, and end up giving up on it. It.is.so.simple.
Love the Lord.
That's it! That's my entire religion handed to you on a piece of paper. Love.The.Lord. Think about that for a moment. If you loved the Lord (not just SAID you loved the Lord but ACTUALLY loved the Lord)... you wouldn't WANT to do the things that he's said not to do. Why? Well if your husband (or your boyfriend) asked you to stop seeing other guys because you were with HIM now, would you do it? Of course. Why? Out of love and respect for him. I mean, that just makes sense. It's the same principal with God.
If you LOVED him, you'd do what he says.
God,
Thank you for being so amazing and apparent in my life and those around me. I love that I am getting to know you all over again. I love that just when I think there's not enough revelation to have on you, you blow me out of the water yet again. You are ever changing, yet you are always the same. You are a conundrum and I love that about you. Thank you for loving me in return. Holy Spirit, be with me today and I ask that you are already preparing the way for the healings that are going to take place tonight at Salveo at the church tonight. You are so so so awesome and I can't wait to see the miracles that are going to happen. Bless your name. I love you. I trust you.
amen.
re⋅li⋅gion
–noun
1.
a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, esp. when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.
Religion is so funny. People get so frustrated over it. Especially the "Christian Religion". And I always wondered to myself- Why is that? And it's actually pretty simple. People- Mankind- As fallen and faulty as they are, have turned it into something it was never meant to be. There are many "Christians" that don't agree with the way that I (or we, at Northwest) run our "Religion" and it's just funny to me. People have forgotten the basic principals of what Religion is. They have turned it into a powerhouse for profits, for ruling, for whatever. But God was very clear about this.
Jesus wasn't religious.
He simply loved the Lord and chose to follow his heart. That's all God asks of us Christians. That we love him and do what he says of us to do (or not do). And even THAT speaks of his character. He tells us to do (or not do) these things because it's a heart issue. It's ALWAYS a heart issue. It's like your mother telling you not to put your hand on the stove or run across the street as a child. You don't quite understand it, or why she told you to not do these things, but it's pretty obvious as an adult as to why you shouldn't. You could get burned pretty bad, you could get hit by a car. But a child doesn't understand these things yet. They just have to trust that it's what Mom said so it needs to be obeyed.
It's the same thing with God. People turn it into this whole "He doesn't want me to have any fun" "He's a controlling God, it's just too much to handle" when in all actuality, he's telling you not to do certain things because he knows it not just CAN but WILL hurt you in the long run. We, as mankind, have to get back to that original principal of it. It's so simple and we turn it into something ridiculously difficult to the point of thinking it's TOO difficult, and end up giving up on it. It.is.so.simple.
Love the Lord.
That's it! That's my entire religion handed to you on a piece of paper. Love.The.Lord. Think about that for a moment. If you loved the Lord (not just SAID you loved the Lord but ACTUALLY loved the Lord)... you wouldn't WANT to do the things that he's said not to do. Why? Well if your husband (or your boyfriend) asked you to stop seeing other guys because you were with HIM now, would you do it? Of course. Why? Out of love and respect for him. I mean, that just makes sense. It's the same principal with God.
If you LOVED him, you'd do what he says.
God,
Thank you for being so amazing and apparent in my life and those around me. I love that I am getting to know you all over again. I love that just when I think there's not enough revelation to have on you, you blow me out of the water yet again. You are ever changing, yet you are always the same. You are a conundrum and I love that about you. Thank you for loving me in return. Holy Spirit, be with me today and I ask that you are already preparing the way for the healings that are going to take place tonight at Salveo at the church tonight. You are so so so awesome and I can't wait to see the miracles that are going to happen. Bless your name. I love you. I trust you.
amen.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Jeremiah 17.7-8
“But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”
I had this... INCREDIBLE... revelation yesterday- so much so that it's difficult to even do my devotions right now because I STILL can't stop thinking about it. And it's so huge I can't even try to explain it right now. Just know that it's huge and it's nothing you've ever heard before. You have -NEVER- seen it like this before... wow...
God,
Hahaha... I feel like we have some sort of inside joke. That's cute. Anyhow. I love you so much. Use me as you see fit. I am yours. You are mine. Holy Spirit, be with me today as I go to work. I pray a healing over this sickness in mybody that it leaves in the name of Jesus and I am healthy. I love you so so much.
amen.
I had this... INCREDIBLE... revelation yesterday- so much so that it's difficult to even do my devotions right now because I STILL can't stop thinking about it. And it's so huge I can't even try to explain it right now. Just know that it's huge and it's nothing you've ever heard before. You have -NEVER- seen it like this before... wow...
God,
Hahaha... I feel like we have some sort of inside joke. That's cute. Anyhow. I love you so much. Use me as you see fit. I am yours. You are mine. Holy Spirit, be with me today as I go to work. I pray a healing over this sickness in mybody that it leaves in the name of Jesus and I am healthy. I love you so so much.
amen.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Romans 15.13
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
This is so lovely. I had to read it a couple of times for it to sink in, what it really meant. God will fill me with joy and peace as I trust him. I will overflow with hope, thanks to the Holy Spirit. An overflow doesn't mean "just enough to get by". No way. An overflow of hope is an abundance, leaving no room for doubt. I love that!
So when I'm in the middle of needing to REALLY look to God for trust... it's taken care of. God doesn't just "force me to trust" him. He sends you through a whole healing process, as long as you allow him to do so. In that process, he gives you joy and peace and ultimately hope by the end of it, thus building that trust in him. Aka- building that relationship- and ultimately that's what it's all about. That's what all of this is about in he end. He just wants a relationship with you. With me. I love that!
Lord,
Thank you for this day, already! Thank you that I'm breathing, thank you that there is life to be lived. Thank you for showing me who you are. Thank you for wanting a relationship with me, wanting to build my trust in you in the things not yet seen or even known, yet. In doing so, you're building my hope, my joy, and my peace over the whole situation (Whichever it may be. I can think of a couple already.) I love you, and I trust you. Holy Spirit remain with me today as I check for a job again and as I go through my day. You mean everything to me.
amen.
This is so lovely. I had to read it a couple of times for it to sink in, what it really meant. God will fill me with joy and peace as I trust him. I will overflow with hope, thanks to the Holy Spirit. An overflow doesn't mean "just enough to get by". No way. An overflow of hope is an abundance, leaving no room for doubt. I love that!
So when I'm in the middle of needing to REALLY look to God for trust... it's taken care of. God doesn't just "force me to trust" him. He sends you through a whole healing process, as long as you allow him to do so. In that process, he gives you joy and peace and ultimately hope by the end of it, thus building that trust in him. Aka- building that relationship- and ultimately that's what it's all about. That's what all of this is about in he end. He just wants a relationship with you. With me. I love that!
Lord,
Thank you for this day, already! Thank you that I'm breathing, thank you that there is life to be lived. Thank you for showing me who you are. Thank you for wanting a relationship with me, wanting to build my trust in you in the things not yet seen or even known, yet. In doing so, you're building my hope, my joy, and my peace over the whole situation (Whichever it may be. I can think of a couple already.) I love you, and I trust you. Holy Spirit remain with me today as I check for a job again and as I go through my day. You mean everything to me.
amen.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Job15.31
"31 Let him not deceive himself by trusting what is worthless, for he will get nothing in return."
This is a devotional on one verse today but it's exactly what I needed to hear. God is putting me in check with this one verse. Let me explain.
I filed my taxes 10 days ago. AND LET ME TELL YOU- I was excited because I was supposed to be receiving back $876 dollars. WOW! My hard work from last year paying off to help me out this year! Just what I needed, Lord!
Then I get an email today saying there was an error in my taxes and I had to correct it. Last year I received the "stimulus check" for $600, as did everyone in the US. Remember that?? Yeah. Well. The error in my taxes was that I was supposed to mention that check this year when filing my taxes. When I went into turbo tax and edited the information, it dropped my return down by $300. WHAT THE HECK?!
I looked into WHY it was doing this and it said "Basically, we have to take it out of this year's taxes because we, the government are taking back our decision to bless you with that money because we, the government are scared of the economy right now so we're taking back the gift we gave you so we can have more money and you can't." That's how I interpreted it, anyway.
Now, I had the opportunity to get angry, frustrated, yell and stomp my feet, whatever. But God put me in check:
31 Let him not deceive himself by trusting what is worthless, for he will get nothing in return.
Lord,
Thank you for putting me in check. May I always remember that YOU are my economy. My trust is not in money or what I can receive, but my trust is in you. I will chose not to worry about it. YOU are my blessing. YOU are my prosperity. Thank you for nipping this in the bud for me right off the bat. I love you. I trust you.
amen.
Oh, and HAPPY St. PATTY'S DAY, EVERYONE!!!
This is a devotional on one verse today but it's exactly what I needed to hear. God is putting me in check with this one verse. Let me explain.
I filed my taxes 10 days ago. AND LET ME TELL YOU- I was excited because I was supposed to be receiving back $876 dollars. WOW! My hard work from last year paying off to help me out this year! Just what I needed, Lord!
Then I get an email today saying there was an error in my taxes and I had to correct it. Last year I received the "stimulus check" for $600, as did everyone in the US. Remember that?? Yeah. Well. The error in my taxes was that I was supposed to mention that check this year when filing my taxes. When I went into turbo tax and edited the information, it dropped my return down by $300. WHAT THE HECK?!
I looked into WHY it was doing this and it said "Basically, we have to take it out of this year's taxes because we, the government are taking back our decision to bless you with that money because we, the government are scared of the economy right now so we're taking back the gift we gave you so we can have more money and you can't." That's how I interpreted it, anyway.
Now, I had the opportunity to get angry, frustrated, yell and stomp my feet, whatever. But God put me in check:
31 Let him not deceive himself by trusting what is worthless, for he will get nothing in return.
Lord,
Thank you for putting me in check. May I always remember that YOU are my economy. My trust is not in money or what I can receive, but my trust is in you. I will chose not to worry about it. YOU are my blessing. YOU are my prosperity. Thank you for nipping this in the bud for me right off the bat. I love you. I trust you.
amen.
Oh, and HAPPY St. PATTY'S DAY, EVERYONE!!!
Monday, March 16, 2009
Colossians 3.12-14
"12Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. "
All right, God. Thanks for the spiritual spanking. Even though I feel as though I've been wronged, I will meditate on your word and do as you say, moving in love instead of anger. Forgive me for almost feeling a sense of entitlement, that I had a RIGHT to be angry, that I was wronged. You were wronged, Jesus and you turned the other cheek. Help me to become more like you. I love you and I trust you and rely on you every day for my nourishment. I love you, I love you, I love you.
amen.
All right, God. Thanks for the spiritual spanking. Even though I feel as though I've been wronged, I will meditate on your word and do as you say, moving in love instead of anger. Forgive me for almost feeling a sense of entitlement, that I had a RIGHT to be angry, that I was wronged. You were wronged, Jesus and you turned the other cheek. Help me to become more like you. I love you and I trust you and rely on you every day for my nourishment. I love you, I love you, I love you.
amen.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
2 Peter 1.19-21
"19And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 20Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. 21For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit."
God has told many people around me that I will be a prophet to the nations and I WILL believe it until I see it. But that doesn't mean I have to sit around and wait for it. Years ago, when I was still in the church (before what I like to call "The Great Disappearing Act") I was in School of Leaders 1 when Phil did a teaching on prophesying and he had asked if anyone wanted to receive the gift of prophesy that he would pray over them. Well I went up for prayer and he had prayed over me and the rest of the class that day he had us exercise that gift by prophesying into the lives of the people in the class and I had done so with a handful of people.
Well I left for a while, but when I came back, FULLY came back, God had sent me numerous dreams. One of which I told to Papa Phil which had a connection to something he'd done the DAY of the night I'd had that dream. (Crazy, I know). Well it opened up the opportunity of Phil to remind me that I still had that gift. It wasn't taken away because I had left for so long. And that's something God had really shown me for a while there, was that I was not starting from scratch. Sure, I was in the means of my sins being forgiven and I have a fresh slate, but as far as my giftings and my calling, God told me that those things were still there, still ever present in my life.
And THAT was pretty exciting to hear that from God! It was a breath of fresh air. A drink of cold water. I loved it!
So I love the verse above because it specifically speaks of prophesy and it makes sense, sometimes the things that God tells you to tell other people or a dream he will send you, it doesn't always make sense to you in your head. THAT DOESN'T MEAN YOU AREN'T TO SPEAK IT OR SHARE IT... God works in mysterious ways and while it may not make sense to you, it makes (or WILL make) perfect sense to someone else, the one you are to tell it to. Our job is to just be obedient and share it with them.
That is something that certainly keeps you on your toes.
Jesus,
I thank you that you love me so much you died for me on a cross, withstood the harshest of beatings just so I could have the opportunity of being free from the chains that held me down. You are simply amazing. Extravagantly amazing. I couldn't think of anyone that I love more than you, Jesus. Thank you for keeping my gifts locked up tight while I was away, preserving them for me to give back as a "welcome home" gift. Holy Spirit, be with me today. May I be a light in the dark places of other's hearts tonight as I work at Mardi Gras. I trust you with my life and I ask that you forgive my laziness. May I always be on the lookout for your blessings, always be moving toward them diligently. I love you, I love you, I love you.
amen.
God has told many people around me that I will be a prophet to the nations and I WILL believe it until I see it. But that doesn't mean I have to sit around and wait for it. Years ago, when I was still in the church (before what I like to call "The Great Disappearing Act") I was in School of Leaders 1 when Phil did a teaching on prophesying and he had asked if anyone wanted to receive the gift of prophesy that he would pray over them. Well I went up for prayer and he had prayed over me and the rest of the class that day he had us exercise that gift by prophesying into the lives of the people in the class and I had done so with a handful of people.
Well I left for a while, but when I came back, FULLY came back, God had sent me numerous dreams. One of which I told to Papa Phil which had a connection to something he'd done the DAY of the night I'd had that dream. (Crazy, I know). Well it opened up the opportunity of Phil to remind me that I still had that gift. It wasn't taken away because I had left for so long. And that's something God had really shown me for a while there, was that I was not starting from scratch. Sure, I was in the means of my sins being forgiven and I have a fresh slate, but as far as my giftings and my calling, God told me that those things were still there, still ever present in my life.
And THAT was pretty exciting to hear that from God! It was a breath of fresh air. A drink of cold water. I loved it!
So I love the verse above because it specifically speaks of prophesy and it makes sense, sometimes the things that God tells you to tell other people or a dream he will send you, it doesn't always make sense to you in your head. THAT DOESN'T MEAN YOU AREN'T TO SPEAK IT OR SHARE IT... God works in mysterious ways and while it may not make sense to you, it makes (or WILL make) perfect sense to someone else, the one you are to tell it to. Our job is to just be obedient and share it with them.
That is something that certainly keeps you on your toes.
Jesus,
I thank you that you love me so much you died for me on a cross, withstood the harshest of beatings just so I could have the opportunity of being free from the chains that held me down. You are simply amazing. Extravagantly amazing. I couldn't think of anyone that I love more than you, Jesus. Thank you for keeping my gifts locked up tight while I was away, preserving them for me to give back as a "welcome home" gift. Holy Spirit, be with me today. May I be a light in the dark places of other's hearts tonight as I work at Mardi Gras. I trust you with my life and I ask that you forgive my laziness. May I always be on the lookout for your blessings, always be moving toward them diligently. I love you, I love you, I love you.
amen.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Romans 8.28-30
" 28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified."
-New International Version
I know I've done a devotional on this before but I had to pull it again from the International Version. It states it in a way that is different from the Message. Besides that, the word is living and always changing and just like that, you get something different from it every time you read it. Ain't that great?!
Anyhow, what I got from it THIS time from THIS version is pretty great. I've screwed up before. Who hasn't? But God is saying, "Yeah, I didn't like it. Yeah, it hurt me to see you hurting so bad, but I am GOD. I make all things new! I take what you've done and successfully turn it into something that will glorify ME once you've turned your life around, repented, and are eager to change for the good."
THAT is exciting! THAT is why when I'm asked the question, "What do you regret in life" that I sincerely do not have an answer. Don't get me wrong, I used to have a list of things I'd answer that question with, but God has changed me, God has changed my heart, and all those things that I've done in my past are not a regret to me. Why? Because if I walked around "regretting" it, I'd just be getting in the way of what God was trying to do with it. He's using my mistakes, my "regrets" if you will, to glorify him.
How? Well who in their right might would look at me and ever see a girl who had an affair with a married man? Who when they looked at me would see a girl who'd been promiscuous and rebellious, living life how she wanted? I'd assume no one. And that speaks MULTITUDES of God and his ability to rescue and heal a broken person to the point where they can talk about it freely and help others going through the same sort of instances. That is BIG, people! That is GOD!
Jesus,
I am so in love with you it's not even funny. I'm not in love with you because of what you can do for me. I'm in love with you because of what you DID for me... and because YOU ARE GOD... If you chose to put me in a hole for the rest of my life, I'd still praise your name because you are God and you are good. Holy Spirit, be with me today. Help me to get things done that need to get done. You are precious and I love you.
amen.
-New International Version
I know I've done a devotional on this before but I had to pull it again from the International Version. It states it in a way that is different from the Message. Besides that, the word is living and always changing and just like that, you get something different from it every time you read it. Ain't that great?!
Anyhow, what I got from it THIS time from THIS version is pretty great. I've screwed up before. Who hasn't? But God is saying, "Yeah, I didn't like it. Yeah, it hurt me to see you hurting so bad, but I am GOD. I make all things new! I take what you've done and successfully turn it into something that will glorify ME once you've turned your life around, repented, and are eager to change for the good."
THAT is exciting! THAT is why when I'm asked the question, "What do you regret in life" that I sincerely do not have an answer. Don't get me wrong, I used to have a list of things I'd answer that question with, but God has changed me, God has changed my heart, and all those things that I've done in my past are not a regret to me. Why? Because if I walked around "regretting" it, I'd just be getting in the way of what God was trying to do with it. He's using my mistakes, my "regrets" if you will, to glorify him.
How? Well who in their right might would look at me and ever see a girl who had an affair with a married man? Who when they looked at me would see a girl who'd been promiscuous and rebellious, living life how she wanted? I'd assume no one. And that speaks MULTITUDES of God and his ability to rescue and heal a broken person to the point where they can talk about it freely and help others going through the same sort of instances. That is BIG, people! That is GOD!
Jesus,
I am so in love with you it's not even funny. I'm not in love with you because of what you can do for me. I'm in love with you because of what you DID for me... and because YOU ARE GOD... If you chose to put me in a hole for the rest of my life, I'd still praise your name because you are God and you are good. Holy Spirit, be with me today. Help me to get things done that need to get done. You are precious and I love you.
amen.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
2 Peter 1.3-11
"3His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
5For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 8For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.
10Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, 11and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."
This is pretty great. I love verse 5. Add to your faith goodness. Add to your goodness knowledge. Add to your knowledge self-control. Add to your self-control perseverance. Add to your perseverance godliness. Add to your godliness brotherly kindness. Add to your brotherly kindness love.
It's almost like a times-table of what to expect in your walk with Christ. As if he's saying, "It's really not THAT difficult as you're making it out to be... just follow these seven easy steps. You'll come out on top!"
That's pretty great. It's like one builds on top of the other. If you add love to brotherly kindness, you'll be doing what God wants. You bring your neighbor some of your dinner because you know they are having a financially difficult situation. BAM. You've made God happy. If you add self-control to your knowledge, you'll be doing what God wants. If you KNOW that God speaks to you through the word, then discipline yourself to reading it, using self-control to not turn on the television first thing in the morning. Instead, opening your bible. BAM. You've made God happy!
The list goes on and on, of course. But it's seriously not that difficult. I almost would want to write this up on a poster and put it up somewhere. Just to constantly be looking at it.
Lord,
I thank you that every day is a new day. Your mercies are new every day. I thank you for your Holy Spirit, constantly reminding me of what YOUR heart wants, Lord. I love you and I ask for you to forgive me in areas where I've grown lazy and stagnant. Build me up and help me to overcome. I love you and I trust you with my life. SO much.
amen.
5For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 8For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.
10Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, 11and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."
This is pretty great. I love verse 5. Add to your faith goodness. Add to your goodness knowledge. Add to your knowledge self-control. Add to your self-control perseverance. Add to your perseverance godliness. Add to your godliness brotherly kindness. Add to your brotherly kindness love.
It's almost like a times-table of what to expect in your walk with Christ. As if he's saying, "It's really not THAT difficult as you're making it out to be... just follow these seven easy steps. You'll come out on top!"
That's pretty great. It's like one builds on top of the other. If you add love to brotherly kindness, you'll be doing what God wants. You bring your neighbor some of your dinner because you know they are having a financially difficult situation. BAM. You've made God happy. If you add self-control to your knowledge, you'll be doing what God wants. If you KNOW that God speaks to you through the word, then discipline yourself to reading it, using self-control to not turn on the television first thing in the morning. Instead, opening your bible. BAM. You've made God happy!
The list goes on and on, of course. But it's seriously not that difficult. I almost would want to write this up on a poster and put it up somewhere. Just to constantly be looking at it.
Lord,
I thank you that every day is a new day. Your mercies are new every day. I thank you for your Holy Spirit, constantly reminding me of what YOUR heart wants, Lord. I love you and I ask for you to forgive me in areas where I've grown lazy and stagnant. Build me up and help me to overcome. I love you and I trust you with my life. SO much.
amen.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Deuteronomy 7.12-16
" 12 If you pay attention to these laws and are careful to follow them, then the LORD your God will keep his covenant of love with you, as he swore to your forefathers. 13 He will love you and bless you and increase your numbers. He will bless the fruit of your womb, the crops of your land—your grain, new wine and oil—the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks in the land that he swore to your forefathers to give you. 14 You will be blessed more than any other people; none of your men or women will be childless, nor any of your livestock without young. 15 The LORD will keep you free from every disease. He will not inflict on you the horrible diseases you knew in Egypt, but he will inflict them on all who hate you. 16 You must destroy all the peoples the LORD your God gives over to you. Do not look on them with pity and do not serve their gods, for that will be a snare to you. "
I love God's promises. Those are ones you can trust. How many times has someone made you a promise and you either a) put your full trust in them and they end up letting you down. Or b) never trust that person and their word to begin with?
Usually B is an outcome if A had ever happened to you. It's sort of human nature to put our defenses up when we've been hurt. That's not necessarily a bad thing. But God... has never once let ANYONE (not just me) down. People may think at times that he had. You lose a family member, you lose your job, etc etc. But if they ever let their emotions get out of the way and actually look at the situation, they'd see the truth behind it... God didn't do it. But he allowed it to happen for your own potential to grow.
But when you put your trust in God's promises, there's no need for walls. I know it's difficult at times, but there's ultimately freedom in that, in the end...
So yes, this devotion is about God's promise, but it's also about trusting in God.
Lord,
I trust you. Even as things don't seem to fit together yet, and I see no way how it would work, I don't need to. I only see life through a box. You are outside of that box. So roads and paths that will lead to your promises, I may not see right away. I thank you that I can trust to trust you. Holy Spirit, be with me today as I search for a job. Lead me in the right direction so I may find the job you want me to have. Whatever it might be. I love you. I trust you.
amen.
I love God's promises. Those are ones you can trust. How many times has someone made you a promise and you either a) put your full trust in them and they end up letting you down. Or b) never trust that person and their word to begin with?
Usually B is an outcome if A had ever happened to you. It's sort of human nature to put our defenses up when we've been hurt. That's not necessarily a bad thing. But God... has never once let ANYONE (not just me) down. People may think at times that he had. You lose a family member, you lose your job, etc etc. But if they ever let their emotions get out of the way and actually look at the situation, they'd see the truth behind it... God didn't do it. But he allowed it to happen for your own potential to grow.
But when you put your trust in God's promises, there's no need for walls. I know it's difficult at times, but there's ultimately freedom in that, in the end...
So yes, this devotion is about God's promise, but it's also about trusting in God.
Lord,
I trust you. Even as things don't seem to fit together yet, and I see no way how it would work, I don't need to. I only see life through a box. You are outside of that box. So roads and paths that will lead to your promises, I may not see right away. I thank you that I can trust to trust you. Holy Spirit, be with me today as I search for a job. Lead me in the right direction so I may find the job you want me to have. Whatever it might be. I love you. I trust you.
amen.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
1 Peter 3.8-16
"8Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. 9Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 10For,
"Whoever would love life
and see good days
must keep his tongue from evil
and his lips from deceitful speech.
11He must turn from evil and do good;
he must seek peace and pursue it.
12For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
and his ears are attentive to their prayer,
the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."
13Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." 15But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander."
Thanks for the spiritual spanking, Jesus. I'm sorry. Please help me to let you be my defender. Let you be my peace. I love you and I trust you.
"Whoever would love life
and see good days
must keep his tongue from evil
and his lips from deceitful speech.
11He must turn from evil and do good;
he must seek peace and pursue it.
12For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
and his ears are attentive to their prayer,
the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."
13Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." 15But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander."
Thanks for the spiritual spanking, Jesus. I'm sorry. Please help me to let you be my defender. Let you be my peace. I love you and I trust you.
Monday, March 9, 2009
2 Timothy 2:1-7 WOW!
"1You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. 3Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs—he wants to please his commanding officer. 5Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules. 6The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. 7Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this. "
-NIV
" 1-7So, my son, throw yourself into this work for Christ. Pass on what you heard from me—the whole congregation saying Amen!— to reliable leaders who are competent to teach others. When the going gets rough, take it on the chin with the rest of us, the way Jesus did. A soldier on duty doesn't get caught up in making deals at the marketplace. He concentrates on carrying out orders. An athlete who refuses to play by the rules will never get anywhere. It's the diligent farmer who gets the produce. Think it over. God will make it all plain."
-The Message
Oh... my... GOODNESS!
Is this NOT exactly what I needed to hear this morning! God is so good to speak so long as we're trying to listen and seek his advice. I'm dealing with this in a couple of different areas in my life right now and it is exactly the answer I was looking for.
I don't have TIME to deal with laziness, or rebellion. It only frustrates things more than the original plan needs to take action. I see a big picture here, kids! A BIG plan! And I'm not going to get in the way of what God is trying to do. I am not going to allow things in my life that will slow down or even cancel out what God is trying to do. Enough said.
God,
You are amazing. I am so in love with you. Thank you for speaking when I ask for advice. Thank you for listening when my heart cries out to you. You are brilliant and I trust you. I trust your every move. Holy Spirit, be with me today as I get things done and make decisions that affect my future. I don't want to do anything that would jeopardize what you are trying to do in me, through me, with me. You are perfect.
amen.
-NIV
" 1-7So, my son, throw yourself into this work for Christ. Pass on what you heard from me—the whole congregation saying Amen!— to reliable leaders who are competent to teach others. When the going gets rough, take it on the chin with the rest of us, the way Jesus did. A soldier on duty doesn't get caught up in making deals at the marketplace. He concentrates on carrying out orders. An athlete who refuses to play by the rules will never get anywhere. It's the diligent farmer who gets the produce. Think it over. God will make it all plain."
-The Message
Oh... my... GOODNESS!
Is this NOT exactly what I needed to hear this morning! God is so good to speak so long as we're trying to listen and seek his advice. I'm dealing with this in a couple of different areas in my life right now and it is exactly the answer I was looking for.
I don't have TIME to deal with laziness, or rebellion. It only frustrates things more than the original plan needs to take action. I see a big picture here, kids! A BIG plan! And I'm not going to get in the way of what God is trying to do. I am not going to allow things in my life that will slow down or even cancel out what God is trying to do. Enough said.
God,
You are amazing. I am so in love with you. Thank you for speaking when I ask for advice. Thank you for listening when my heart cries out to you. You are brilliant and I trust you. I trust your every move. Holy Spirit, be with me today as I get things done and make decisions that affect my future. I don't want to do anything that would jeopardize what you are trying to do in me, through me, with me. You are perfect.
amen.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Psalm 139
" 1 O LORD, you have searched me and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.
11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,"
12 even the darkness
4 Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD.
5 You hem me in—behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.
7 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,"
12 even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.
13 For you created my inmost being;you knit me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place.When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
16 your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
17 How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!
18 Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you.
19 If only you would slay the wicked, O God! Away from me, you bloodthirsty men!
20 They speak of you with evil intent; your adversaries misuse your name.
21 Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD, and abhor those who rise up against you?
22 I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies.
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
-New International Version
This is pretty neat. On Wednesday night, my sister Freedom gave me a call and said, "America's Next Top Model is casting for their season 13. Guess what they're looking for for that season? "What?" "Models that are 5'7 and SHORTER." "Wait- what?!"
I was so excited to hear that because when the show first started, YEARS ago, I went directly online to try and find the requirements to apply for the show and they were that you had to be 5'7 and TALLER... I was of course, immediately bummed, being 5'4 and all, but thought to myself, "Dang. They need to have a show where it's shorter models for print ads or something. That would be great." But I let it go, never thought about it again.
And now, randomly, here it is, the very thought I'd had, they are doing. I knew I couldn't pass this opportunity up. I went online to check out and make SURE these where the requirements. Confirmed. I checked the due in- date... March 10th. Crap.
I had to get all this information, all these photos, and 15 page application printed and filled out, on top of a 3 minute video. But surprisingly, everything has been falling into place relatively quickly. Yesterday, practically the whole day (from 10.30a to 10.30p) was spent on filming the 3 minute video, editing it, and putting it to a DVD.
I have all my paperwork filled out (quicker than I thought that would be). Now basically all that's left is taking everything to Fed-Ex and shipping it out. THAT'S EXCITING!
It's MORE exciting when I keep in mind that I already have a goal if I were to get onto the show. I would still hold my accountability with my leaders, remain in the word every morning, even if that meant waking up at 4a just to make sure I get it in. It's very important to me that if I got on that show, I would keep God first because he's the reason I'd be there to begin with!
That's what I see out of this chapter in Psalms. There's no where I could go that God would not be, and that's encouraging. It's also a request to God to search my thoughts and see any areas where I might be anxious (because I really don't feel that I am. I honestly will pray over the package as I send it, then forget about it, unless I get some sort of call in the future.) but if there's any area that is out of whack, then I want to see it so I can deal with it right then and there.
Lord,
If I ended up getting to be a part of that show, it'd be pretty great, but all my trust and hopes are in YOU, Lord, not a television show. I thank you for this opportunity and for the things you're teaching me through it. I ask that you search my heart and my thoughts and bring up any thoughts or anxiousness that might be there. I love you entirely and I ask for your favor with the Producers who view the video, if it be your will for me to go, that it will happen as you will it. I bless your name, Jesus, and I look forward for that opportunity to share you and my church with the rest of the world. But whatever it is that you want, Lord, I'll do it. If you told me to stay put and be content with going to cell, going to church, and try to reach people here in Orlando for the rest of my life, I'd be content with that. May your will be done. I Love you so so much. Holy Spirit be with me today as I have to get this package mailed out and go to Waterford Lakes to do a photo shoot for the radio station. I thank you that I've getting favor in my life. I thank you that you are blessing me and taking control of my finances which I've given you. You are amazing.
amen.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.
11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,"
12 even the darkness
4 Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD.
5 You hem me in—behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.
7 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,"
12 even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.
13 For you created my inmost being;you knit me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place.When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
16 your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
17 How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!
18 Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you.
19 If only you would slay the wicked, O God! Away from me, you bloodthirsty men!
20 They speak of you with evil intent; your adversaries misuse your name.
21 Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD, and abhor those who rise up against you?
22 I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies.
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
-New International Version
This is pretty neat. On Wednesday night, my sister Freedom gave me a call and said, "America's Next Top Model is casting for their season 13. Guess what they're looking for for that season? "What?" "Models that are 5'7 and SHORTER." "Wait- what?!"
I was so excited to hear that because when the show first started, YEARS ago, I went directly online to try and find the requirements to apply for the show and they were that you had to be 5'7 and TALLER... I was of course, immediately bummed, being 5'4 and all, but thought to myself, "Dang. They need to have a show where it's shorter models for print ads or something. That would be great." But I let it go, never thought about it again.
And now, randomly, here it is, the very thought I'd had, they are doing. I knew I couldn't pass this opportunity up. I went online to check out and make SURE these where the requirements. Confirmed. I checked the due in- date... March 10th. Crap.
I had to get all this information, all these photos, and 15 page application printed and filled out, on top of a 3 minute video. But surprisingly, everything has been falling into place relatively quickly. Yesterday, practically the whole day (from 10.30a to 10.30p) was spent on filming the 3 minute video, editing it, and putting it to a DVD.
I have all my paperwork filled out (quicker than I thought that would be). Now basically all that's left is taking everything to Fed-Ex and shipping it out. THAT'S EXCITING!
It's MORE exciting when I keep in mind that I already have a goal if I were to get onto the show. I would still hold my accountability with my leaders, remain in the word every morning, even if that meant waking up at 4a just to make sure I get it in. It's very important to me that if I got on that show, I would keep God first because he's the reason I'd be there to begin with!
That's what I see out of this chapter in Psalms. There's no where I could go that God would not be, and that's encouraging. It's also a request to God to search my thoughts and see any areas where I might be anxious (because I really don't feel that I am. I honestly will pray over the package as I send it, then forget about it, unless I get some sort of call in the future.) but if there's any area that is out of whack, then I want to see it so I can deal with it right then and there.
Lord,
If I ended up getting to be a part of that show, it'd be pretty great, but all my trust and hopes are in YOU, Lord, not a television show. I thank you for this opportunity and for the things you're teaching me through it. I ask that you search my heart and my thoughts and bring up any thoughts or anxiousness that might be there. I love you entirely and I ask for your favor with the Producers who view the video, if it be your will for me to go, that it will happen as you will it. I bless your name, Jesus, and I look forward for that opportunity to share you and my church with the rest of the world. But whatever it is that you want, Lord, I'll do it. If you told me to stay put and be content with going to cell, going to church, and try to reach people here in Orlando for the rest of my life, I'd be content with that. May your will be done. I Love you so so much. Holy Spirit be with me today as I have to get this package mailed out and go to Waterford Lakes to do a photo shoot for the radio station. I thank you that I've getting favor in my life. I thank you that you are blessing me and taking control of my finances which I've given you. You are amazing.
amen.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Proverbs 1.7
" 7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and discipline."
-New International Version
"7The reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is the beginning and the principal and choice part of knowledge [its starting point and its essence]; but fools despise skillful and godly Wisdom, instruction, and discipline."
-The Amplified Bible
Discipline time.
I'm learning a lot over the past few days, and no. It doesn't feel good. But I have to choose to have the wisdom of God. I have to choose to be disciplined, I have to choose to do what doesn't feel good or fair or fun. God is trying to show me something. He's trying to teach me something. And as long as I keep the ultimate goal in mind at all times, it should help me through it. That ultimate dream that I TRUST AND BELIEVE that God will give to me is my reward so long as I stay strong and open to receive wisdom and discipline.
I had an opportunity last night to run. Again. Anger arises and starts to tell you that you are justified in your actions and "hell, why not run away?". I had to physically tell myself NO. I'm CHOOSING to stay strong in the Lord. I'm CHOOSING to lean on him.
Lord,
Help me through this. Thank you that I don't have to go through it alone. Thank you for loving me enough to want me to be a better person. Don't allow me to be a fool and despise wisdom, despise knowledge, despise discipline, not just from myself but discipline from others. I love you and I trust you with my whole heart. My whole mind. My whole strength. Holy Spirit, be with me today and keep me diligent. Make me creative. Keep my eyes open for which way I should go. I love you. I trust you.
amen.
but fools despise wisdom and discipline."
-New International Version
"7The reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is the beginning and the principal and choice part of knowledge [its starting point and its essence]; but fools despise skillful and godly Wisdom, instruction, and discipline."
-The Amplified Bible
Discipline time.
I'm learning a lot over the past few days, and no. It doesn't feel good. But I have to choose to have the wisdom of God. I have to choose to be disciplined, I have to choose to do what doesn't feel good or fair or fun. God is trying to show me something. He's trying to teach me something. And as long as I keep the ultimate goal in mind at all times, it should help me through it. That ultimate dream that I TRUST AND BELIEVE that God will give to me is my reward so long as I stay strong and open to receive wisdom and discipline.
I had an opportunity last night to run. Again. Anger arises and starts to tell you that you are justified in your actions and "hell, why not run away?". I had to physically tell myself NO. I'm CHOOSING to stay strong in the Lord. I'm CHOOSING to lean on him.
Lord,
Help me through this. Thank you that I don't have to go through it alone. Thank you for loving me enough to want me to be a better person. Don't allow me to be a fool and despise wisdom, despise knowledge, despise discipline, not just from myself but discipline from others. I love you and I trust you with my whole heart. My whole mind. My whole strength. Holy Spirit, be with me today and keep me diligent. Make me creative. Keep my eyes open for which way I should go. I love you. I trust you.
amen.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Joshua 1.9
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Not really much else to say. I feel like I've been blindsided this morning.
Falling into a depression and not even realizing it. My bills are all due, real real soon, and bottom line, I don't have the money to pay them, again... and I have this habit of shutting down when things get tough.
I'm getting pretty sick of it. I'm getting pretty sick of me.
Lord,
Help me through this.
Not really much else to say. I feel like I've been blindsided this morning.
Falling into a depression and not even realizing it. My bills are all due, real real soon, and bottom line, I don't have the money to pay them, again... and I have this habit of shutting down when things get tough.
I'm getting pretty sick of it. I'm getting pretty sick of me.
Lord,
Help me through this.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Isaiah 55.8-11
“ 8-11"I don't think the way you think.
The way you work isn't the way I work."
God's Decree."For as the sky soars high above earth,
so the way I work surpasses the way you work,
and the way I think is beyond the way you think.
Just as rain and snow descend from the skies
and don't go back until they've watered the earth,
Doing their work of making things grow and blossom,
producing seed for farmers and food for the hungry,
So will the words that come out of my mouth
not come back empty-handed.
They'll do the work I sent them to do,
they'll complete the assignment I gave them."
-The Message
Man. Yet again. This is so great. God is so awesome.
How many times do we want something to happen and pray and pray and pray about it, and we get so caught up on how we think God is going to so something that we always miss it when he does! We're expecting it to come from ONE direction and it side-swipes up from another! That's how I know God has a great sense of humor... honestly now... HOW MANY TIMES has it ever gone exactly how you were planning for it to?
I just find that so funny. And why is it like that? Because God's thoughts are not my thoughts. His ways are not my ways. I'm kind of REALLY glad about that... If his ways were my ways, he'd be getting tired a lot, maybe even complaining that things weren't happening fast enough, so on so forth.
This really teaches me to sit back and enjoy the ride I'm having with the Lord! Every day, even in the small minimal things, everything is happening for the glory of God and I'm a mere tool he CHOOSES to use to bring his kingdom forth. That's pretty amazing. So I have nothing else TO do but relax and enjoy the ride!
Jesus,
Thank you for being above and beyond my thoughts and my ways. Thank you for being that trust I can always have. Thank you for being that love that I can trust. You are simply amazing. Holy Spirit, please remain with Mekaih today as he's taking his F-CAT at school and he's asked specifically for prayer. Bless his heart, Lord. Holy Spirit, remain with me, today. You know what I need today more than I do. I love you so much.
amen.
The way you work isn't the way I work."
God's Decree."For as the sky soars high above earth,
so the way I work surpasses the way you work,
and the way I think is beyond the way you think.
Just as rain and snow descend from the skies
and don't go back until they've watered the earth,
Doing their work of making things grow and blossom,
producing seed for farmers and food for the hungry,
So will the words that come out of my mouth
not come back empty-handed.
They'll do the work I sent them to do,
they'll complete the assignment I gave them."
-The Message
Man. Yet again. This is so great. God is so awesome.
How many times do we want something to happen and pray and pray and pray about it, and we get so caught up on how we think God is going to so something that we always miss it when he does! We're expecting it to come from ONE direction and it side-swipes up from another! That's how I know God has a great sense of humor... honestly now... HOW MANY TIMES has it ever gone exactly how you were planning for it to?
I just find that so funny. And why is it like that? Because God's thoughts are not my thoughts. His ways are not my ways. I'm kind of REALLY glad about that... If his ways were my ways, he'd be getting tired a lot, maybe even complaining that things weren't happening fast enough, so on so forth.
This really teaches me to sit back and enjoy the ride I'm having with the Lord! Every day, even in the small minimal things, everything is happening for the glory of God and I'm a mere tool he CHOOSES to use to bring his kingdom forth. That's pretty amazing. So I have nothing else TO do but relax and enjoy the ride!
Jesus,
Thank you for being above and beyond my thoughts and my ways. Thank you for being that trust I can always have. Thank you for being that love that I can trust. You are simply amazing. Holy Spirit, please remain with Mekaih today as he's taking his F-CAT at school and he's asked specifically for prayer. Bless his heart, Lord. Holy Spirit, remain with me, today. You know what I need today more than I do. I love you so much.
amen.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Job 26
" 1-4 Job answered:
"Well, you've certainly been a great help to a helpless man!
You came to the rescue just in the nick of time!
What wonderful advice you've given to a mixed-up man!
What amazing insights you've provided!
Where in the world did you learn all this?
How did you become so inspired?
5-14 "All the buried dead are in torment,
and all who've been drowned in the deep, deep sea.
Hell is ripped open before God,
graveyards dug up and exposed.
He spreads the skies over unformed space,
hangs the earth out in empty space.
He pours water into cumulus cloud-bags
and the bags don't burst.
He makes the moon wax and wane,
putting it through its phases.
He draws the horizon out over the ocean,
sets a boundary between light and darkness.
Thunder crashes and rumbles in the skies.
Listen! It's God raising his voice!
By his power he stills sea storms,
by his wisdom he tames sea monsters.
With one breath he clears the sky,
with one finger he crushes the sea serpent.
And this is only the beginning,
a mere whisper of his rule.
Whatever would we do if he really raised his voice!" "
-The Message
This is too cool. I love this. I had to add in the first part of this chapter because I just thought it was so funny. The guy Job was talking to was trying to say to him, "God doesn't even think that the moon and the stars are perfect, how much LESS, then, does he think of mere HUMANS!" and THAT (above) was Job's response. He was quite sarcastic, and I like that. "OH! What WISDOM you have offered me! Thank you!" hahah
But check out what he says, and try to get that visual in your head of what he's saying...
"He spreads the skies over unformed space,
hangs the earth out in empty space.
He pours water into cumulus cloud-bags
and the bags don't burst.
He makes the moon wax and wane,
putting it through its phases."
And it goes on to read even more! That!... Is just TOO cool! I love that! It's a pretty good eye opener to just how BIG my God is... he's a pretty big God... pretty amazing to have done all these things. And it's so difficult for me to speak with non-believers, who don't believe there's any God (not in a disrespectful way, but it's just difficult) because you present to them, "Look at this earth we live on. It is constantly spinning on its axis in the exact degree where it is constantly moving to where we have day and night, and if it where thrown off the axis at the slightest measure, that would all be thrown out of whack. It is in the exact position from the sun that if it were any further from it, we would all freeze to death and if we were any closer to it, we'd burn to death," so on and so forth. These are facts, people! Things proven in the same science that everyone is so quick to agree with and believe in, but yet be hesitant to believe that God is the one constantly working it, holding it in it's place. It's just mind-baffling to me!
God,
You are simply amazing. There's no other word I can think of to describe you in this moment. Amazing. Everything about you is amazing. Thank you for holding the world in your hands. Thank you, that while doing ALL OF THAT, you still hold my LIFE in your hands. You are amazing. Holy Spirit, be with me today. Thank you for showing me a glimpse of your amazement. Stay with me. I'm so happy to be back in your arms. I love you.
amen.
"Well, you've certainly been a great help to a helpless man!
You came to the rescue just in the nick of time!
What wonderful advice you've given to a mixed-up man!
What amazing insights you've provided!
Where in the world did you learn all this?
How did you become so inspired?
5-14 "All the buried dead are in torment,
and all who've been drowned in the deep, deep sea.
Hell is ripped open before God,
graveyards dug up and exposed.
He spreads the skies over unformed space,
hangs the earth out in empty space.
He pours water into cumulus cloud-bags
and the bags don't burst.
He makes the moon wax and wane,
putting it through its phases.
He draws the horizon out over the ocean,
sets a boundary between light and darkness.
Thunder crashes and rumbles in the skies.
Listen! It's God raising his voice!
By his power he stills sea storms,
by his wisdom he tames sea monsters.
With one breath he clears the sky,
with one finger he crushes the sea serpent.
And this is only the beginning,
a mere whisper of his rule.
Whatever would we do if he really raised his voice!" "
-The Message
This is too cool. I love this. I had to add in the first part of this chapter because I just thought it was so funny. The guy Job was talking to was trying to say to him, "God doesn't even think that the moon and the stars are perfect, how much LESS, then, does he think of mere HUMANS!" and THAT (above) was Job's response. He was quite sarcastic, and I like that. "OH! What WISDOM you have offered me! Thank you!" hahah
But check out what he says, and try to get that visual in your head of what he's saying...
"He spreads the skies over unformed space,
hangs the earth out in empty space.
He pours water into cumulus cloud-bags
and the bags don't burst.
He makes the moon wax and wane,
putting it through its phases."
And it goes on to read even more! That!... Is just TOO cool! I love that! It's a pretty good eye opener to just how BIG my God is... he's a pretty big God... pretty amazing to have done all these things. And it's so difficult for me to speak with non-believers, who don't believe there's any God (not in a disrespectful way, but it's just difficult) because you present to them, "Look at this earth we live on. It is constantly spinning on its axis in the exact degree where it is constantly moving to where we have day and night, and if it where thrown off the axis at the slightest measure, that would all be thrown out of whack. It is in the exact position from the sun that if it were any further from it, we would all freeze to death and if we were any closer to it, we'd burn to death," so on and so forth. These are facts, people! Things proven in the same science that everyone is so quick to agree with and believe in, but yet be hesitant to believe that God is the one constantly working it, holding it in it's place. It's just mind-baffling to me!
God,
You are simply amazing. There's no other word I can think of to describe you in this moment. Amazing. Everything about you is amazing. Thank you for holding the world in your hands. Thank you, that while doing ALL OF THAT, you still hold my LIFE in your hands. You are amazing. Holy Spirit, be with me today. Thank you for showing me a glimpse of your amazement. Stay with me. I'm so happy to be back in your arms. I love you.
amen.
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